Crucifixion, in addition to its torturous means of death was also meant to be a symbol of shame. Victims of its cruelty were displayed in an elevated position as a means of public humiliation and degradation. Despite many cinematic and artistic expressions of Christ as being covered in His midsection, it is my belief that He and other “criminals” were crucified without any covering…anywhere. Meaning that during His crucifixion, Christ’s genitalia were exposed. Isn’t that weird to murmur while reading? I erased the word, genitalia, multiple times in an effort to find another word less dishonorable to use in an effort to shield Christ from the embarrassment of exposing Him once again to intolerable shame. 

Shame…that was my bread for the last several days. I felt as if my mind had been flooded with all types of images and thoughts that were not only contradictory to, but abhorrent, to the Holiness of My Savior. With each “Lord, I am so sorry for that thought,” I found myself taking one and two steps back away from His Holiness, His Love, His Power. How could someone so full of the stench of wicked thoughts dwell among the fragrant aroma of His Presence? I, like Adam and his wife, found myself averting and hiding from God’s presence, because I was too ashamed to approach it. 

In the second chapter of my book, Hiding Place: Overcoming Fear In The Presence of God, I share that Adam and his wife had previously enjoyed the pleasure of their nakedness prior to them violating God’s commandment. I find it interesting that when Adam and his wife stepped out of God’s providence, they were first greeted by shame, who appears to be the firstborn offspring of sin. Shame, that overwhelming feeling of self-loathing and negative self-reflection, immediately persuaded Adam and his wife to cover what God originally said was “good!” Genesis 1:31.

I believe that many followers of Christ understand that His crucifixion on the cross freed them from the penalty of sin. Yet, I also believe that many of those same followers are still suffering from that which was also crucified…shame. Outside of marriage, people were to never to look on the nakedness of others (Genesis 9:23, Exodus 20:26, Ezekiel 16:8) for nakedness, following sin’s introduction, was associated with shame. However, to completely rid us from the torment of shame, I believe that Christ purposefully carried it upon Himself (Isaiah 53: 4-5). It is my belief that Christ was crucified in His nakedness to redeem the shame of yours and mine.

Don’t be afraid, because you will not be ashamed.

Don’t be ·embarrassed [discouraged], because you will not be disgraced.

You will forget the shame ·you felt earlier [L of your youth];

you will not remember the ·shame [disgrace; reproach] 

Isaiah 54:4 Expanded Version

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.

Isaiah 61:10 Amplified Version