We Are to Emulate Christ’s Example
July 23, 2020
Commentary
Christ is our perfect example, which we can read in the four Gospels. God chose for you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you (v. 21). Even though He was sinless in what He did, yet He suffered at the hands of authorities. This was not a sign of weakness but of power. He had committed Himself to His Father’s will, which is perfect.
We are so unlike our Lord. We are so quick to come to our own defense. We tend to answer sharply when we are unjustly criticized. We threaten our opponents when they say or do things against us. Jesus committed His care to the Heavenly Father in complete obedience even though He was unjustly attacked. He did not retaliate even when His life was threatened. How would you and I have responded in the same set of circumstances?
Even though Jesus is the perfect example yet we are not saved by following His example because we are sinners. He did no sin (v. 22). He was the perfect example of submission to unjust suffering. He never tried to get even (v. 23). Sinners need a Savior and need to repent of their sins. Then we are called to emulate His character and conduct because He is our example.
Application
Have I truly repented of all sin and now look to Jesus and His Word for the direction of my life. How do I respond to unfair suffering? In view of this Scripture how do I want to handle it differently in the future?
1 Peter 2:21– 23 (NET)
21 For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was maligned, he did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened no retaliation, but committed himself to God who judges justly.