Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.” It doesn’t mean that he was thinking, “I despise having to do this,” or “I despise all of you for putting me through this.” Jesus was not despising the fact that he was shamed, he was despising the shame itself, because of the joy set before him. Jesus was on that cross, despising the shame, mocking it, dismissing its power, and turning that weapon of the devil into a weapon against him.
Colossians 2:14-15 says that God used the cross to disarm the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Jesus. The demons thought they were shaming Jesus, but he was shaming them. Hear him despise that shame, saying, all these weapons you use against me will be used against you. Give me all you’ve got, because the very things you put on me will lose their power. I’ll disarm you, I’ll take those weapons from you, and there will be no condemnation for those whose faith is in me.
A person being crucified was regarded as despicable, but Jesus disregarded that. Jesus hated what shame does to you, he despises it. So, Jesus endured shame that he might take away your shame. He didn’t come to shame you out of your sins. He came to take the shame of your sins away so that you wouldn’t have to live like you’re condemned.
On the cross, Jesus delivered you from your shame. Jesus despised the shame of the cross, he dismissed it as nothing compared to his mission. The mockers poured their shame on him, but he disregarded it. Compared to the joy set before him, the shame wasn’t enough to stop him. Jesus endured the pain, and took your shame. He paid the price willingly, even joyfully.
Jesus gave you hope, not only for heaven, but for life on earth. Romans 5:5 says hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 8:1 says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 10:11 says everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.
Jesus can save you from your sins, and he can deliver you from your shame. When shame comes to drown you in condemnation, whether it be the ghosts of your past, the whispers of others, or the accusations of your adversary the devil, you can look at the cross of Jesus Christ and know that he takes your shame, and gives you joy in its place. Feel your forgiveness.
You might have a lot of regrets, you might have gone through a lot of pain, and you might feel as if there is no way you’ll ever break free from the shame that has you beat down, and hiding your heart. Because of what has happened, what you have done, and what’s been done to you, you might feel like you aren’t worth much to God, or anyone else.
Maybe your shame has you so far down inside yourself that no one really knows who you are. You might even have yourself fooled. But God knows you, better than you know yourself. And when shame tries to trap you, turn to Jesus with your whole heart, all those hidden parts. Believe in his sacrifice to deliver you from shame. And realize that you are worth something because Christ is worth everything.
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