Enduring Shame

Introduction

Man removing all his clothing at Planet Fitness and doing yoga - arrested - Why did he do it? “I thought this was a ‘no judgment’ zone. https://www.wmur.com/article/naked-man-arrested-at-planet-fitness/22522596

We would never do anything like that because of shame and embarrassment.

We would never do anything like that because of shame and embarrassment.

Shame = absolute humiliation. You’ve done something that left you humiliated - Someone did something to you that embarrassed you. Someone found out about your dirty little secret - and it’s crushed you. Maybe someone mocked you or called you out at work - shame.

Shame is painful and humiliating. How do we deal with shame?

Jesus knew shame - In this passage, we see Jesus experience tremendous shame as He approaches the cross, and as we look at the shame He endured, we are given help to deal with our shame.

Three ways to deal with shame:

Story:

The Sanhedrin agreed on Jesus’ fate - death. Problem: because of Roman oppression, they could not legally execute Jesus. Only the Roman government could enact the death penalty.

Sanhedrin wants Jesus put to death before the Sabbath. First thing in the morning, as sun comes up, Jesus taken to Pilate - Roman governor.

Pilate lived in Caesarea Maritima but came to Jerusalem during Jewish festivals and stayed at Herod’s palace. Pilate had served for a decade and hated by Jews because he promoted idolatry. Also, Pilate built an aqueduct for Jersualem by taking money out of temple treasury.

Sanhedrin hates Pilate, but they need him.

Jesus brought to Pilate - he’s physically exhausted, weak, and beaten. He looks pitiful. Drop him at the feet of Pilate and make accusations. - He misleads the nation, forbids us to pay takes, and says that He is the Christ, a king...

A king? A threat to Rome’s power! But, Jesus doesn’t look like a king. Pilate’s question: “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus: “You have said so.” Pilate amazed at Jesus’ silence. Doesn’t deny or affirm - Jesus is King but not kind He’s being accused of. ( - Further questioning - My kingdom is not of this world.” To Pilate, Jesus may be crazy but not king.)

Pilate hesitant - no real evidence against Jesus. “I find no guilt in him.”

Luke’s Gospel - Pilate sends him to Herod Antipas (Pilate won’t have to judge him) - Herod the Great’s son - also in Jerusalem at the time - ruled over Galilee - where Jesus was from.

Herod wanted to see Jesus. The King of kings stood before Herod Antipas - wanted to see a sign from Jesus, questioned him, mocked him, and sent him back to Pilate. Chief priests and scribes infuriated. Why is no one doing anything to Jesus?

Back to Pilate, “Neither Herod or I find him guilty of anything deserving death. I will punish and release him.”

Religious leaders outraged - the last thing they want to hear. All the while - Jesus stands in silence - confident in the work the Father has laid before Him. - treated like a criminal yet He despising the shame for the joy set before Him.

At Passover customary to release a prisoner. Barabbas = An insurrectionist - a committed murderer. Barabbas - plenty of evidence against him - sought to bring about change by force. Jesus - no evidence of any wrongdoing. Sought to bring about change by love and sacrifice. Pilate to crowd: Do you want me to release Jesus? Chief priests stir up crowd: “No, Barabbas.” Imagine Pilate’s shock. (Pilate’s wife’s dream - ) “Who do you want? Barabbas or Jesus?” Mark - Envy was at the heart of the religious leaders. (vs. 10) For years, they had envied Jesus’ popularity with the people, but in this moment, they are able to turn the crowd on Jesus. Barabbas shocked. A free man! “What do you want me to do with Jesus?” “Crucify Him!” “Why? What evil has He done?” “Crucify Him!”

Matthew - Pilate washes his hands - “I am innocent of this man’s blood.” (But just as guilty as religious leaders - didn’t have the courage to set an innocent man free.)

Barabbas goes free and Jesus stands in his place - foreshadows what would happen at the cross in a few short hours. Barabbas was supposed to die, but Jesus stood in his place, and on the cross, Jesus stood in your place as well.

Pilate satisfied the crowd instead of doing what was right. Now, Jesus, who had already been beaten by the religious leaders begins to suffer at the hands of the Romans - elite soldiers issuing punishment even more severe than what Jesus experienced before Caiaphas. Straps of leather with bits of metal, bone, or glass embedded in them were laid on the back of Jesus over and over again. Not uncommon for criminals to die before they even made it to the cross.

Jesus mocked - a purple robe and a crown of thorns. “Hail, King of the Jews.” Cruel and unusual punishment - soldiers simply having their way with him - no dignity, no respect - just mockery.

The perfect Son of God, our loving Lord was experiencing shame and humiliation for us.

You’ve experienced shame before, but nothing like what Jesus experienced on that good Friday. ()

When you see the shame that Jesus endured on Good Friday it should absolutely change your perspective on the shame that you experience in your own life. Three ways to deal with your shame:

When you deserve shame seek grace.

Shame of saying putting down college orchestra - How much more when we recognize that God sees and knows our sin!

You feel shame for your sin when you know the pain it causes others and the dishonor it brings to God. You feel shame when you lie, when you get stuck in addiction or pornography, when you are unfaithful to your spouse, when you gossip, when you hurt someone, etc. That shame can be paralyzing!

You should feel shame when you realize that it was your sin that caused the death of an innocent man.

You do not have to live in shame because at the cross Jesus took your shame upon Himself. : Jesus cancelled our debt record and nailed it to the cross.

- No condemnation in Christ Jesus.

The shame that Jesus bore was your shame. He carried your guilt. He carried your punishment for your sin. You deserve shame, but Jesus wants to cover your shame with His grace.

- If you run to His grace, you will not hear the voice of condemnation, but the voice of acceptance and singing.

Feeling shameful? Jesus forgives. Feeling guilty? Condemned? Experience grace by confessing your sin to Him and giving your life to the One who gave His life for you.

When you don’t deserve shame seek refuge.

Shame of being USC football fan -

Some shame we bring on ourselves because of our sin. Some shame has been brought on us by others.

Students - bullied at school. Wife - verbally or physically abused by your husband. Maybe sexually abused as a teenager or young adult. Unfairly called out in front of your coworkers on your job, etc.

You’ve experienced shame you don’t deserve. You’ve been humiliated at the hands of others. You’ve been the object of someone else’s scorn and mockery. You’ve been embarrassed.

Jesus knows what it is like to be shamed at the hands of people unjustly. He knows what it is like to be abused. He knows what it is like to be taken advantage of. - He sympathizes with our weaknesses. 4:16 - Let us then draw near with confidence to find help in time of need.

- despising the shame - not hate but minimize - to count it as nothing in comparison to what was ahead of Him.

If you have been shamed:

Hold on to Jesus. He doesn’t condemn, He frees you. He doesn’t belittle you, He loves you. He doesn’t abuse, He comforts. He doesn’t shame, He empowers. He doesn’t mock, He encourages. Be honest about how you’ve been shamed. Don’t give up on God’s people. Maybe some of God’s people shamed you. I’m sorry - BUT there are genuine Christians who want to help you. I see that in this church!

Know what is set before you. I know you’ve been humiliated, but your humiliation is for a season. No matter what has been done to you, in Christ, there is joy before you. You have an eternal hope in a Savior who was shamed on your behalf. You have to believe that on the other side of your shame is unspeakable glory. Don’t let those who shame you have victory over you - victory is already yours.

When you want to return shame choose endurance.

When you've been shamed the natural response is to want to return shame - to seek vengeance. Hurting people hurt people.

Choose endurance? Instead of retaliating, put the person or people who are shaming you in God’s hands and keep walking in faith.

“Jesus endured the cross.” “Not my will be done, but your will be done.”

Not saying stay in a bad relationship or voluntarily let yourself take advantage of. But, I am saying vengeance does not belong to you. When you are shamed, look to Jesus, trust Him, find comfort in Him, and put hurtful people in God’s hands.

- Jesus entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly. You do not have to worry about revenge and retaliation against those who hurt you. God is more than able to judge those who treat you unjustly.

Suffering well is a precious thing in the eyes of the Lord. Enduring shame that you do not deserve is a mark of spiritual maturity.

This morning, you’ve been shamed and you haven’t been able to get past the hurt. Turn to the One who knows shame like you’ve never experience - who suffered injustice for you. Shame was not the end of Jesus’ story, and it’s not the end of yours.

Just as Jesus forgave, you forgive.

Maybe you have shamed someone. You’ve hurt through words and actions. Make it right.

Feeling shame for sin - turn to Jesus - who died and rose for you. Believer, repent of sins in your life.