Ashamed?

For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. (Mark 8:38)

There is a certain irony in Jesus’ words that I had never noticed before. He calls the people in our world, “an adulterous and sinful generation.”

That is something they should find great shame in. But the truth is, nowadays, many people boast about their sin. Not only that, they cheer on those who engage in it. (Romans 1:21-32)

And if that weren’t enough, they try to put to shame those who follow Christ and his words.

But Jesus said,

If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. (34)

The cross was perhaps the most painful and shameful kind of death ever. People were nailed naked on a cross. And when Jesus was on the cross, people mocked him.

To be a disciple of Christ means taking up our cross and experiencing the suffering and shame he did.

Not everyone will like us.

Some will mock us.

But Jesus said in our shame, we find blessing. (Matthew 5:10-12)

More, through our boldness, some of the very people that mock us now may find salvation.

So let us say with Paul:

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes… (Romans 1:16)