Christ is Our Example

1 Peter 2:21-25

v. 21 To this you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

·      Christ is our example. We were called to follow Him. He suffered for us on that cross and if we are truly committed to Him, then we will do everything in our hearts to follow His example….especially when the suffering comes.

V. 22-23a He committed no sins and no deceit was found in his mouth, When they hurled their insults at him, he did no retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.

·      If Jesus is our example, then these are some hard lessons. How many times has someone hurt us and we’ve thrown the fiery darts of hurt right back at them? When someone speaks wrongly of us, what is our first reaction? Usually self-defense! When the insults were hurled at Jesus, where do you think His thoughts went? Do you think He was cursing His accusers in His mind? I doubt it. I’m sure in His mind, He was calling on His vindicator.

V. 23b Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

·      How many times do we set out to right a wrong that’s been done to us? How many times do we immediately react in defense of an insult? We must never forget that God sees ALL that is being done to and He knows all that is said about us. If we are secure in who we are and are walking uprightly next to Jesus, then we must believe that our vindicator is faithful! God has our back!

V. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds we have been healed.

·      Because of what Christ did for us on that cross, we are called to righteousness. Simply put -> DO THE RIGHT THING! Even/especially when others are not.

·      Our sins that were buried with Christ are not only the outward sins, but also the inward sins of unforgiveness, anger, guilt, etc. If we are holding onto these things, then we are not trusting God to be our vindicator.

V. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

·      Before Christ, we were each going in our own directions. We were controlled by our circumstances, our emotions, and other people. Before Christ, we were led to and fro by the changing tides of our society. But now we are back in the flock. We are no longer blind in knowing what to do. What have a Shepherd and Overseer of our souls…Christ, our example.