THE HANGING NAKED MAN

Hebrews 12:2 KJV
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Dear Believer,

Have you ever seen one of those pictures of Jesus on the cross? To the modern day Believer, those pictures may seem to be showing how Jesus died. The reality, though, is that Jesus Christ didn’t look that beautiful on the cross.

The Assyrians invented execution by crucifixion centuries before Christ was killed. The Persians used it. The Romans adopted it as a punishment reserved for the worst criminals. Jesus was classified with the most wicked criminals and treated that way.

One thing crucifixion did was bring shame on the crucified. The Romans used it to strip the last shred of humanity off a person and pour dirt on his memory. They wanted those who knew the crucified person to remember him in a way that would be too shameful to mention.

For instance, unlike the pictures we see today, victims of crucifixion weren’t allowed any piece of clothing; they were nailed to the cross totally naked.

That means Jesus was put on that cross stark naked. The only thing He wore was that instrument of constant torment — the crown of thorns.

Jesus suffered great, unimaginable pain on that cross, but I am here speaking on the shame he endured. Remember that He was the very epitome of glory and virtue. He was holiness and sinlessness personified. He was the very definition of pristine dignity. Yet He hung there naked on the cross, mocked by men and despised even by criminals.

Jesus endured the cross. As for the shame, He despised it. Read the focus scripture again.

That is something that we need to meditate on. Jesus literally put shame to shame. He despised what was designed to despise Him.

This is important because Believers are enjoined to do likewise. We are called to ‘look unto’ Him and emulate Him.

You can’t be a true Believer when you are too thin-skinned. Too many Believers get ashamed too easily. They aren’t ready to take on the shame of the gospel.

The gospel may not sound glamorous, but it is the only means of Salvation for mankind.

Paul says:

Romans 1:16 KJV
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

These days, the world is trying to get us to be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus. They mock Believers as outmoded individuals who believe in fairy tales written in an ancient book. Too many Believers are hiding their faith because of this.

When you are tempted to be ashamed of the truth of the gospel, remember Jesus hanging naked on that cross in the open glare of all sorts of people.

He wasn’t ashamed to die naked for you, why should you be ashamed to live boldly for Him?

The least you can do is to stand against shame and proclaim the lordship of Jesus.

Those who love for Him without shame will inherit the glory with Him.

Talk to God about this.

And have a great day.

Your friend,
Deon.

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