"There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left."
Luke 23:32-33
We hear a lot about "death with dignity." But Jesus' death was ignominious – characterized by disgrace or shame, dishonorable, humiliating, degrading (Webster). No only was he beaten, stripped naked, paraded through the streets, and displayed for all to mock and ridicule, but he was counted as a common criminal in fulfillment of the prophecy, "He was numbered with the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12). No wonder Paul wrote, "He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, EVEN the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8) – not just death, but the death of the cross. The cross was reserved for mal-doers. Jesus didn't just die in a quiet, dignified passing. He died a violent, shameful death – the death of the cross – as one being punished for wrongdoing. He "endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2) – counting it as nothing. Shame on me for getting so concerned about my honor and my good reputation!
Today's Thought: Jesus endured the shame of being executed with criminals as a criminal.
Have a ignominious day for Jesus. Love you.
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