Jesus was accursed. Men crucified and killed Him on the cross. Crucifixion was the form of capital punishment in the Roman empire. For someone to be crucified meant his crime was undeniable and that severe. It was beyond reasonable doubt that Jesus who was crucified was a sinner. Men cursed Him. Jesus was accursed by God also. When Moses explained the Law to the people of Israel he said, “For he who is hanged is accursed of God” (Deut 21:23). Jesus was accursed both before men and God.​

It was God’s will that Jesus became accursed. And Jesus had known that also. He earnestly prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Mt 26:39). Nevertheless He obeyed the Father’s will in the end. The love which the Father had for mankind, Jesus accepted as His own. The words which Rebekah said to her son Jacob represent the heart of Jesus very well – “Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, and go, get them for me” (Gen 27:13).

The reason God made Jesus to be cursed was so that we may be blessed through Him. Hence, how much should we treasure that blessing? Perhaps some people pretend as though they know nothing and say, “I don’t think I’ve received the blessing yet”. However, if you have received the Holy Spirit, you have already received the blessing. In regard to this, Apostle Paul said, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Gal 3:13-14).

Concerning the blessing we received, it was called “the blessing of Abraham”. Why was it not called “God’s blessing” or “the blessing of Jesus Christ”, but rather “the blessing of Abraham”? It is because God planted the seed of that blessing in a field which was Abraham. The blessing which Abraham received from God has now come upon the Gentiles through Jesus Christ. Though we are not related to Abraham in flesh and blood, we have come to possess the blessing of Abraham.

God said to Abraham, “You will be a blessing. In you, all the nations of the earth will be blessed ” (Gen 12:2-3). Now, whoever is in Christ is a source of blessing. Even the gods of this world say that they could bless man. They entice people that they will bless them if they would harm others. However God’s promise is different. The promise He gave us is not only that He would bless us, but that He would make us a source of blessing so that all peoples on earth may be blessed through us.

It is utterly sad if the interest of a Christian was all about whether he is blessed or not. And it is also quite strange for one to determine his heart saying, “I will be blessed!” Furthermore, it would be misleading to say to someone, “Lead your faith life zealously so that you can be blessed!” Our concern now should be, “How can I have all the nations blessed?” rather than “How can I be blessed?”

Being blessed does not come through self-discipline and training. It is not that you are blessed by loving and being considerate of others either. However, for all the nations to be blessed through you, you must be self-disciplined and trained. You also need to learn to love others and be considerate. Jesus suffered, though He is the Son of God. But He did not become the Son of God through His suffering. Yet, all the nations are blessed through Him because He suffered.