Psychologists tell us shame is one of the most debilitating facets of human existence, which every human suffers from. Ever since the fall (Gen 3), humans have known deep down that there is something very wrong with us. The reason Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together was because they thought that if anyone saw their true (sinful) self, they would reject them.
Humans will go to dangerous lengths to cover up their shame. Those who are ashamed of their looks often obsess over diets, spend too much on make-up, or develop eating disorders. Those who are ashamed of their abilities often develop perfectionism, make those around them miserable. Those who are ashamed of their lack of success will often develop workaholism, relegating their family to a distant second. Those who are ashamed of their desirability will often turn to porn, or sex addiction.
The beauty of the Christian gospel is it gives the only sure-fired solution to these dangerous ‘fig leaves’. In John 19, we’re told the soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothes, including his undergarment. Jesus went through the humiliating shame of being strung up naked, for the crowds to point and laugh at. Yet even worse than that is he went through the infinite shame of being looked upon by his Father while carrying the sin of the world. For the first time in eternity, God the Father was ashamed of his Son.
Why did he do this? To bear OUR shame. At the same time Jesus took our sin upon his shoulders, he also placed his perfect righteousness upon ours. As such, when God looks at Christians now, he only sees Jesus’ perfect righteousness. Yet do you understand that Jesus saw right to the bottom of our sinful wretchedness, and still thought we were worth saving! He sees us as the most beautiful, capable, successful and desirable person around. The more this sinks in, the more our shame shrinks.
