The story of shame starts early. Some of my most vivid childhood memories remain sharp because I can still feel the burning cringe of shame. Like the time I threw up on the school bus on the way to kindergarten or when I was tortured by fifth grade bullies.

Even as adults, shame often controls the narrative of our lives. It is the fear that if your flaws are revealed, you will be scorned by everyone.

Jesus experienced this kind of shame, with the worst heaped upon Him at the cross. He was naked in front of people who gambled for His clothes, spit on Him, mocked Him, whipped Him, and then nailed Him up for all to see.

But Jesus didn’t shrink back. He looked shame in the face and He shamed it. When Jesus died, was raised, and was seated in the place of highest honor to reign, He rendered shame powerless.

Jesus—the One who has the final word—rewrote your story of shame. He authoritatively declares that when you believed the gospel, your shame was removed. In its place He crowned you with His righteousness and honor.