The Humiliation and Victory of the Cross: A Symbol of Shame Transformed

The Tree of Shame: The Humiliation of the Cross

When we think of the cross today, it is often associated with beauty, hope, and love. We wear it around our necks, hang it on our walls, and see it atop steeples. But the cross was not always so revered. In fact, it was once the source of great shame and humiliation.

The Scandal of the Cross

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, speaks of the shame and scandal of the cross. He writes, “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8, ESV).

It is difficult for us to fully grasp the depth of this scandal. Today, the cross is a symbol of hope and salvation. But in the ancient world, the cross was a symbol of shame, humiliation, and defeat. It was a punishment reserved for the worst of criminals and rebels against the Roman Empire. To be crucified was to be stripped of all dignity and left to die a slow, agonizing death.

Yet, this is the very means by which Jesus chose to save us. He willingly took on the shame and humiliation of the cross. He endured the pain and suffering so that we might have life.

The Tree of Shame

The cross was not just a means of execution, it was a public spectacle. It was designed to be a warning to others not to cross the Roman Empire. Crucifixion was a brutal and humiliating form of punishment that was intentionally designed to strip the condemned of all dignity and honor.

It is no surprise, then, that the Bible often refers to the cross as a tree of shame. In Deuteronomy 21:22-23, we read, “And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God” (ESV).

The idea of being hanged on a tree was considered a curse. It was a sign of divine judgment and condemnation. And yet, this is exactly what Jesus endured on our behalf.

The Humiliation of Christ

The apostle Paul writes about the humiliation of Christ in his letter to the Philippians. He says that Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8, ESV).

What does it mean that Jesus humbled himself? It means that he willingly took on the form of a servant, even though he was God. He willingly submitted himself to the will of the Father, even though it meant enduring the shame and humiliation of the cross.

Jesus’ humility was not just a matter of his actions, it was a matter of his very nature. He did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but instead, he made himself nothing, taking on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:6-7).

Jesus’ humility stands in stark contrast to the pride and arrogance of the world. The world values power, wealth, and status. But Jesus chose to identify with the weak, the poor, and the outcast. He came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45).

The Victory of the Cross

But why did Jesus have to die on the cross? Why was this the means by which he chose to save us? The answer lies in the victory of the cross.

The cross was a symbol of shame and defeat. But through the cross, Jesus achieved the greatest victory of all. He defeated sin, death, and the powers of darkness. He triumphed over the very forces that had held humanity captive for so long.

The cross was not just a means of execution, it was a means of redemption. Through the cross, Jesus made it possible for us to be reconciled to God. He paid the penalty for our sins so that we might have eternal life.

The Glory of the Cross

Today, we no longer view the cross as a symbol of shame and defeat. We see it as a symbol of hope and salvation. We wear it around our necks, hang it on our walls, and see it atop steeples.

But we must never forget the true meaning of the cross. We must never forget the shame and humiliation that Jesus endured on our behalf. We must never forget the victory that was achieved through his death and resurrection.

As the apostle Paul writes, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14, ESV).

Conclusion

The cross was once a symbol of shame and defeat. But through the death and resurrection of Jesus, it has become a symbol of hope and salvation. We must never forget the true meaning of the cross. We must never forget the shame and humiliation that Jesus endured on our behalf. We must never forget the victory that was achieved through his death and resurrection.

May we always boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, and may it be a reminder to us of the great love that he has for us.