*And so they came at last to the execution site, a hill called Golgotha, which means the “Place of a Skull.” The soldiers offered Jesus wine mixed with myrrh to dull His pain, but He refused it. And so they crucified Him, divided up His clothes, and cast lots (an ancient equivalent of rolling dice) to see who would keep the clothes they had stripped from Him. *

Mark 15:22-24

SESSION 6 | Naked and Unashamed

REFLECTION

When we see ourselves through the eyes of God we can be naked and unashamed and that is just a beautiful way to live our lives. —Erwin McManus

“Who told you that you were naked?”

Jesus is naked. Bared before the authorities, before the crowds. He is now plain for all to see. No more parables. Clarity. Though we are horrified and grieved for the violence of his stripping, we must also remember that we were born naked and unashamed. What would it mean to walk away from this station with the heart of God versus the heart of the centurion? How do you cope with your shame? Where have you been healed of shame?

You are accepted as you are, shamelessly.

RESPONSE
Try writing a vulnerable letter to God. A letter that no one else has to see but you and God. With your heart completely exposed before God, say to God what comes to mind. Through writing, let the Holy Spirit into the deepest caverns of your soul. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see what God sees.

PRAYER
Jesus Christ crucified, even stripped and naked they don’t see you for who you really are; nor do they know the strength you stand with: shamelessness. Widen our sight! Give us a God’s eye view. Grant me the mercy of seeing you with your eyes. Gift me the blessing of standing with you, unashamed.