We think of shame as something bad that Jesus would never have experienced, yet,
… For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
You don’t scorn something you don’t experience. Jesus was nailed naked to a cross as a criminal. This was the ultimate shaming, but knowing it was the will of his father, he went through it.
Shame is developed in us so we can fit in with culture, but it can keep us from God because it has to do with politeness rather than love.
Fear of shame can keep me from following Jesus. I need to overcome that fear, and even its reality if I am to be free to walk with Jesus.
Jesus went through shame knowing that there was a reward beyond: To sit at the right hand of his Father. Many claim friendship with Jesus because he died for them. A more intimate place comes to those willing to join him in breaking through the shame barrier.
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Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash