Psalm 22:7-8
Crucifixion was not only an agonizing form of death, it was a shameful one. It portrayed one as a criminal and an outcast. So when Christ hung on the cross, he was dealing not only with the guilt of human sin, but also with the shame that comes with it.
Isaiah described this shame which Christ endured:
“He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
(Isaiah 53:3)
The gospels also recorded the mockery and jeer Christ faced as he hung there:
“And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, ‘You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.'”(Matthew 27:39)
Thus he was derided by passersby, the religious leaders, and even other criminals who hung beside him. They looked at him and thought he was foolish. How could he bear so much shame if he had so much power?
But Christ held on.
The shame he bore, he bore for love;
The pain endured was just for us.
There was shame at the cross. Yet the greatest shame is from those who despise such a sacrifice.
Would the saviour die in vain?
Would the tears he shed and the blood that dripped be of no value to you?
Would you ignore such love?
Would you?
The Christian Mind 