That Cursed Tree

55 …

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree: Galatians 3:13 (KJV)

*Deuteronomy 21:22-23

When we read the account of Jesus dying on the cross, we tend to segment the story. It is treated like the scenes of a play, moving from one encounter to the next in a neatly organized and sanitized way.

I recently read Galatians 3:13 during Bible study. The verse caused me to think about the crucifixion of Jesus from a different perspective.

This isn’t to wallow in guilt. It is just another way to learn more about Jesus’ incredible story. One incredible act of love.

The study of Galatians 3 showed me how sinners afflicted Jesus from before His betrayal until His final breath—step by step.

Below you can count every act against Jesus. Some of the perpetrators throughout the ordeal were people who knew and loved Him. That includes you and me.

Have your Bible handy.

Are you shocked by the number of abuses against Jesus on His way to the cross? I was.

Using the Gospel of Mark here is what I found.

Mark 14:18 “…will betray…”

Mark 14:20 “…with me…”

Mark 14:21 facing the sorrow obediently

Mark 14:27 smitten shepherd; scattered sheep

Mark 14:30 will deny

Mark 14:32 terror

Mark 14:33 deep distress

Mark 14:34 grief; specter of death

Mark 14:35 Jesus fell

Mark 14:36 “Abba!” “Please. If…”

Mark 14:37 “Are you sleeping?”

Mark 14:40 Still

Mark 14:41 alone

Mark 14:42 betrayer

Mark 14:43 Judas, mob, Pharisees

Mark 14:44 “…the one I kiss…”

Mark 14:45 “…arrest him…”

Mark 14:46 They took Him.

Mark 14:48 criminal

Mark 14:50 deserted

Mark 14:53 vipers judged Him

Mark 14:55 testimony

Mark 14:56 lies

Mark 14:57 false

Mark 14:58 accused

Mark 14:60 interrogated

Mark 14:64 condemned

Mark 14:65 spit on, blindfolded, beaten, mocked, slapped

Mark 14:68 denied

Mark 14:70 denied

Mark 14:71 denied

Mark 15:1 tied, led away, handed over

Mark 15:3 accused

Mark 15:4 questioned

Mark 15:11 Barabbas

Mark 15:13 “Crucify Him!”

Mark 15:15 flogged

Mark 15:17 purple robe and thorns

Mark 15:18 mocked

Mark 15:19 hit, spit on, mocked

Mark 15:20 stripped

Mark 15:22 Golgotha

Mark 15:23 wine

Mark 15:24 crucified, casting lots

Mark 15:25 nine o’clock

Mark 15:26 inscription

Mark 15:28 counted with sinners

Mark 15:29 insults

Mark 15:30 “…save yourself…”

Mark 15:31 Pharisees and scribes…. again

Mark 15:32 criminals

Mark 15:33 darkness…God’s judgment of sin fell on Jesus at this point.

Mark 15:34 abandoned

Mark 15:36 sour

Mark 15:37 last breath – finished

John 19:28-30 It is Finished!

For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45 (KJV)

Our hearts should humbly respond.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 (KJV)

Share the Hope of Easter in your world!

Isaiah 52:7

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain