The "cloak of ignominy"

[Denise]

“Ignominy” could mean public shame, disgrace, humiliation and embarrassment.  But it takes on special meaning when applied to Jesus.  The “cloak of ignominy” refers to the public humiliation that Jesus endured as a result of His Cross.  He was condemned as a sinner and liar.  He was charged with deceiving the people and attempting to undermine the civil authorities.  He was the object of extreme hate and ultimate persecution by the religious leaders of His day.  This was a brutal blow.  If Jesus would have had the sin of pride He would clearly not have been able to endure their scorn and mistreatment.  He would have brought forth a myriad of angels to destroy His persecutors.  But He didn’t.  Instead, He endured every humiliation with confidence and integrity.  The sufferings Jesus endured never evoked in Him even a single feeling of hatred or revenge.  In fact, from the Cross itself He cried out, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”  This powerful witness must influence you and strengthen you to pay no attention whatsoever to the false judgment of others.  God has no concern about false judgments and the public humiliation that these judgments impose.  Embracing the “cloak of ignominy” means you ultimately allow every worldly humiliation to dissipate before the Mercy and truth of God (See Diary 1418).