A number of years ago a bracelet with the slogan, “What would Jesus do?” became very popular as the concept was such that you were to try every decision with the prompt, “What would Jesus do?” Of course, to be a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ involves a sold-out lifestyle so just living by the question on the bracelet is only a part of the picture. To be a follower does mean you are called to follow Jesus’ example.
1 Peter 2:21 (ESV) — 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
What does that mean? The context of the verse would indicate that we are to follow Jesus’ example in nothing less than a sacrificial life, even when your good is criticized or even if you suffer unjustly while doing good. Isn’t that what Jesus did?
1 Peter 2:19–20 (ESV) — 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
Not only that but going back to verse 21, considering Jesus as an example of a sufferer, consider also how He suffered.
1 Peter 2:21–23 (ESV) — 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
Isaiah 53:7 (ESV) — 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
Remember what Jesus said upon His arrest that He could have easily called twelve legions of angels to rescue Him. But He didn’t!
The lesson from 1st Peter doesn’t stop there, nor does the lesson of suffering from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:24 (ESV) — 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
Granted, we cannot die for anyone’s sins but we can see how Jesus suffered and be willing to follow His example of taking what we are suffering and entrusting ourselves to “Him who judges justly.” This is how Peter concludes his section on following the example of Christ as he admonishes us in the midst of suffering or not, to return, cling to, the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. Where else would you turn?
1 Peter 2:25 (ESV) — 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
The Apostle Paul taught in a similar way as he admonished the church at Corinth to follow him as he followed Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV) — 1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Consider then how Paul viewed his life as an imitator of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV) — 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
1 Corinthians 15:10 (ESV) — 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
Philippians 3:7–10 (ESV) — 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
2 Timothy 1:11–12 (ESV) — 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.
2 Timothy 4:6–8 (ESV) — 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Being a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, following His example even unto suffering. If suffering be our lot, we treat it as Jesus did as from God entrusting Himself to God, so we entrust ourselves to the Him who loved us, gave Himself for us, and has the responsibility to see us home. He can be trusted enough to be “all in” as we follow wherever He leads us.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
Clearwater, FL
