Lord’s Day 15
Q39. Does it matter that he was crucified instead of dying some other way?
Yes. His death on the cross shows me that he took the curse that was on me, because death on a cross was cursed by God.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Galatians 3:13
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”
Deuteronomy 21:23
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does the catechism say the cross shows us about Jesus?
- 2
What does it mean that death on a cross was "cursed by God"?
- 3
How does knowing that Jesus took your curse change how you think about the cross?
Illustration
In Bible times, hanging on a tree was the sign of the worst kind of punishment. God said anyone who hung on a tree was under a curse. Jesus chose that exact death on purpose so he could take the curse that belonged to us.
Application
The next time you see a cross on a church building or in your home, pause and thank Jesus for taking the curse that was on you. The cross is not just a symbol. It is where your curse was removed.