In Part 2, we saw that the context of Exodus 20:5 wasn't about God placing generational curses. Yet the people of God had misunderstood God's intention, because the Israelites were largely influenced and surrounded by paganism.
In the Ancient Near Eastern culture, if an idol worshiper were to commit cultic infractions, i.e. failed to follow the god's practice, he would have to die. His whole family would also need to be completely wiped out.
It is no wonder why the people of God thought that God would judge their sins until their fourth generation.
In the New Testament, Jesus came to confirm that there was no generational curse. In John 9, the disciples asked Jesus regarding a man born blind.
“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” - John 9:2
The disciples (who were Jews) had the same misunderstanding due to the Jewish traditions. The Jewish rabbis believed that all suffering, including illnesses and disabilities were caused by sin (John 9:34). Those were the result of God's punishment for sin (aka generational curses).
But Jesus busted their wrong belief.
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him." - John 9:3
God is not into the punishing business. He's into healing business. Jesus came to fully represent the Father. The Son does not contradict the Father. They are both on the same page.
Search the four books of the Gospel and see if you can find Jesus ever talking about generational curses. Do note that Jesus was still living under the OLD COVENANT in the Gospel - because God does not change (Mal 3:6).
Jesus didn't ask anyone to repent of their sins or their fathers/past generations' sins BEFORE healing them. He healed them unconditionally. He cast out demons from them unconditionally.
Today, we are adding extra-biblical stuff to the Scriptures by breaking generational curses, whether from believers OR non-believers.
Ever wondered why Exo 20:5 stopped at fourth generation? Because it has to do with modeling. The fourth generation is great-grandchildren. Because the great-grandparents do have an impact on them. i.e. If you keep seeing your father smoking and drinking, you will likely follow likewise. It has nothing to do with generational curses.
In the last part, we will see how breaking generational curses deny the sufficiency of the Gospel and undermine the finished works of Jesus on the Cross. #bustgenerationalcurses
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