Introduction:     Amazing grace! The tree mentioned here is the Cross! To many the cross is an emblem you ware around your neck, or something to adorn a church steeple, or maybe you’ve been thinking a cross would make a cool tat. This tree (the cross) is much, much more than just an emblem!

I.          THE CURSE OF THE LAW 

            A.        It’s Cause

·        Original Sin (Gen: 2:16-17)

The Tree in the Garden (of the knowledge of good and evil).

·        Capitol Punishment in Israel was by stoning (expound special case of hanging).

(Deut. 21:22–23) If someone had committed an awful crime and had been stoned to death, their body could be strung up on a tree that it might be a spectacle.

·        Everyone is under to curse of the law.

It matters not what you have done (expound). Another tree in Scripture (Ex.15:22-25). Bitterness became sweetness when “the LORD showed him a tree.”

·        I have some tree-mendous news for you

There is a cure for the curse of the law, Jesus Christ (God in the flesh)!

            B.         It’s Cure

·        Christ was “made a curse for us.”

“Redeemed” = to buy back; to pay the ransom.

·        Christ took our place that we might receive what the Law could never do               

Jesus went to that cross, which was to Him a tree of death, in order that He might make it for you and me a tree of life!

II.         THE BLESSING OF THE LAW-MAKER

            A.        The Provision Of Grace

·        “Blessing of Abraham” = justification by faith (Rom 4:3) "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

·        Eph.2:8-9 (grace = getting what you do not deserve; faith = simple trust (surrender), believing without strings).

            B.         The Promise Of The Spirit

·        John 3:16   “Perish” = separation, departure.

·        Illus: Street Urchin’s encounter with Mrs. John 3:16

Conclusion:       God grew the tree that He knew would be, used to make the old rugged Cross!           Jesus went to that cross, which was to Him a tree of death, in order that He might make it for you and me a tree of life!