It is interesting to note what the dominant theme throughout the ‘passion narratives’ is. The crucifixion itself is referred to but is given no descriptive space at all. All the descriptive space is given to the mocking and humiliation of Jesus. This is what Matthew and the other Gospel writers all focus on. This was, in fact, the main purpose of crucifixion. It was rated as the most severe of all punishments because, as well as inflicting prolonged pain on its victims, it was also a tool of humiliation. It wasn’t just a form of execution alongside others; it was seen as offensive and obscene. They did it because it was offensive and obscene. It was therefore reserved for those regarded as the worst of the worst: rebel slaves, murderers, thieves and insurgents. Most people found the very mention of crucifixion traumatic and shameful. It brought to mind those naked victims, nailed up in agony. It was a symbol of shame. This is what Jesus submitted to. It is why Paul speaks of the cross as offensive (1 Corinthians 1:23) and why he talked about Jesus submitting to death, “even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). For all of us who know the inner agony of shame, Jesus bids us to look to his cross and he says to us: “I know that shame because I bore it for you on the cross.” The cross is a symbol of shame that says to humankind: “No one has to live with shame anymore.” Jesus met us in the place of our shame to give us a new start.
Do you carry shame for things you have done? Give this over to Jesus.
Read Matthew 27:27-44 and Mark 15:16-32
