I’ll never forget the day someone mistook my daughter for my granddaughter. Yep, that happened. Dori was about three years old. I was still in my 30s!!!! The innocent-looking guy at the store asked, “Is this your granddaughter?” I froze, blinking in disbelief. My daughter, completely unaware of my growing mortification, smiled and continued picking out candy. Meanwhile, I felt like the floor was going to open up and swallow me whole.
Was it my outfit? Maybe I wasn’t looking my best after a sleepless night, or perhaps it’s just that I had her later in life than most parents. Either way, my confidence took a big hit.
But as I’ve had time to reflect, that moment of embarrassment has grown into something more profound.
The Humiliation of Jesus in Mark 15:15-20
If you’ve read Mark 15, then you know anything I experienced pales in comparison to the humiliation Jesus endured. After Pilate bowed to the crowd’s demand to crucify Him, Jesus was handed over to be mocked and scorned in every imaginable way.
The Roman soldiers were ruthless. They dressed Him in purple, shoved a painful crown of thorns onto His head, and spat on Him. They mocked Him by bowing and calling Him “King of the Jews,” pretending to worship while their hearts were filled with hatred. And all of this… for a man who had done nothing but heal, teach, and love.
When I think of that scene, my embarrassing moment feels so tiny in comparison. Yet, it also reminds me of something deeply important. Even at His lowest, humiliated and bruised, Jesus carried Himself with grace and purpose. He didn’t retaliate or sink into bitterness. Instead, He accepted the humiliation for the greater mission—to reconcile us with God.
Lessons I Learned from My Embarrassment
Okay, so what does this mean when someone mistakes you for Grandma? Well, here’s what I took away from that awkward moment, especially in light of Mark 15:
- Take Care of Yourself, but Don’t Obsess Over Your Image
It’s easy to get caught up in how others perceive you. While it’s good to dress well and care for yourself, true beauty is so much more than wrinkles or tired eyes. It’s about the kindness, love, and grace we reflect, just as Jesus did, even when facing mockery.
- Some People Will Always Try to Humiliate You
Whether it’s the Roman soldiers mocking Jesus or a thoughtless comment from a stranger, there will always be moments when people knock you down. But here’s the key—we’re not defined by what others say about us. We’re defined by how God sees us, and He sees us as His beloved.
- God Sees You at Your Best (Even When You Feel Your Worst)
On the cross, Jesus endured the worst humiliation in history so that we could stand fully restored before God. He doesn’t care about the mistakes we’ve made or how tired we look after a bad night. He sees our hearts, our potential, and the best version of ourselves. That, my friends, is what truly matters.
Turning Humiliation into Growth
Looking back, I can laugh at that moment now. It was embarrassing, sure, but it also taught me humility, patience, and self-love. More importantly, it reminded me of the grace Jesus modeled in His own moments of humiliation.
If you’ve faced moments like this (and we all have, trust me), I hope you’ll remember that our worth isn’t tied to fleeting opinions or awkward comments. It’s grounded in how deeply God loves us. And if you can laugh at yourself along the way, that’s a bonus.
So, the next time you face an embarrassing moment, ask yourself this question: What would Jesus do? Hint—not stress over being called Grandma. 😊
P.S. – I’ll see you Sunday as we finish our series based on the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life. Invite your friends. I’ll save a seat for you!
P.P.S – Holy Week is a special time for us to come together as a congregation and reflect on God’s incredible love and grace. At Trinity United Methodist Church, we’re blessed with a welcoming community, meaningful worship services, and opportunities to grow deeper in faith. This year, we encourage you to invite your friends, family, or neighbors to join you for the sacred moments of this season. Whether it’s the moving Maundy Thursday service, the quiet reflection of Good Friday, or the joyful celebration of Easter morning, there’s a place for everyone here. Let’s share this holy season with others—we can’t wait to see you and your guests!
