Shame
“When the solders crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.” (John 19:23)
Jesus was stripped of His clothing prior to the crucifixion. Maybe this practice provided more deterrent for anyone contemplating rebellion against Rome, as onlookers were given an unobstructed view of the agony of crucifixion. It also might have been done in order to add to the physical suffering of the condemned. And if nothing else, the nakedness surely added to the shame.
Shame—the first terrible consequence of Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden. For as soon as they had eaten the forbidden fruit, their eyes were opened and they realized that they were naked. From that point on, Adam and Eve’s natural response was to hide. From each other and later from God.
When Jesus took on our sin at the cross, He also experienced our shame. But unlike Adam and Eve who God carefully clothed with animal skins, Jesus was left exposed. He was pinned nearly naked to the cross and lifted up for all to see. Dying a criminal’s death—a spectacle of shame.
Hebrews 12:2 tells us the reason that Jesus was willing to endure the shame of the cross. He did it because of the joy set before Him. The joy of robing God’s children with the spotless, eternal covering of His righteousness. Jesus took our shame and traded us His goodness.
So we no longer have to hide.
