8/23 Galatians 3:13

¹³ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us-for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"-

It wasn't by chance that the crown of thorns was placed on Jesus' head. Thorns were a part of the curse God placed on the earth because of the sin of Adam (Genesis 3:18). When the soldiers made that crown they had no idea that they were illustrating that Jesus was taking the curse of sin upon Himself. It was also a curse to be hung on a tree (Deuteronomy 21:23).

The laws of God place a curse on anyone who does not live by them (Leviticus 18:5; Joshua 8:34). We find it impossible to keep all the laws, so we are under that curse. But Jesus came and took that curse upon Himself so that we might be redeemed from the demands of the law. It would be like a judge serving the criminal's jail sentence and any future sentences as well.

We are free from the laws God gave through Moses so that we might be led by God's Spirit. Sometimes the Spirit is even stricter than the law. However, if we disobey we are not under a curse, but we may be disciplined in this life. Now we obey out of love and by the power of the Spirit (John 14:21). We may experience conviction for failing to obey, but never condemnation.

Consider: Christ redeemed us from the law so that we could walk in the newness of the Spirit.