EPISODE · Jun 21, 2026 · 5 MIN
Vertical and horizontal lines
from Daily Picture · host Stephanie Hawkins
Today I saw horizontal lines and vertical lines in my mind's eye which then moved me to reflect on the vertical wooden structure Jesus hung on, with His arms outstretched on the horizontal wood. It is totally significant and intentional that Jesus died this way. Ancient Jewish law dictated that anyone who committed a crime and was thus hung on a (wooden) pole to die was cursed by God (see Old Testament book Deuteronomy 21:23). Apostle Paul quotes from this passage in his letter to the church in Galatia: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us as it is written 'Cursed is anyone who is hung on a pole' (Galatians 3:1). So, basically, Paul is saying that Jesus was our sacrifice, redeeming humanity from that curse of the law by literally being cursed on our behalf. What should we be cursed for, if it wasn't for Jesus hung on the 'pole'? Our sins. This is why Christians declare, with gratitude, that Jesus took our sins on the cross. This in no way means we think we don't sin. It is the opposite. We know we sin and we are so grateful to God for saving us from the curse which means death. Instead, we are now offered eternal life. No wonder we are so grateful!
What this episode covers
Today I saw horizontal lines and vertical lines in my mind's eye which then moved me to reflect on the vertical wooden structure Jesus hung on, with His arms outstretched on the horizontal wood. It is totally significant and intentional that Jesus died this way. Ancient Jewish law dictated that anyone who committed a crime and was thus hung on a (wooden) pole to die was cursed by God (see Old Testament book Deuteronomy 21:23). Apostle Paul quotes from this passage in his letter to the church in Galatia: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us as it is written 'Cursed is anyone who is hung on a pole' (Galatians 3:1). So, basically, Paul is saying that Jesus was our sacrifice, redeeming humanity from that curse of the law by literally being cursed on our behalf. What should we be cursed for, if it wasn't for Jesus hung on the 'pole'? Our sins. This is why Christians declare, with gratitude, that Jesus took our sins on the cross. This in no way means we think we don't sin. It is the opposite. We know we sin and we are so grateful to God for saving us from the curse which means death. Instead, we are now offered eternal life. No wonder we are so grateful!
NOW PLAYING
Vertical and horizontal lines
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.