To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Peter tells us that Jesus was an example for us. We should follow in his steps. This is good advice if we apply it correctly. The problem is that it is easy to misapply.
When you look at Jesus, what do you see?
Do you see a teacher? Yes, Jesus was a teacher. Does that mean we should all teach? Well, maybe, but not as Jesus taught. Jesus taught with authority. (See Matthew 7:28-29) Our authority is the Bible, God’s Word. Jesus was his own authority.
Do you see someone who calls out injustice where he sees it? Who gets in the face of authority who gets it wrong? Here again, yes. Jesus seems to be constantly at odds with the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law. Does that mean we should treat people as Jesus treated the Pharisees? Again, the answer is maybe. It depends on whether you are in a position of authority or not. Jesus was.
Jesus existed before the Pharisees did. He existed before Abraham lived on earth. Jesus pre-existed earth itself. The priests and Levites were his. God said, “They are to be mine. I am the Lord.” (Numbers 3: 12-13) The Pharisees belonged to Jesus, but they acted like Jesus was subservient to them. Jesus’ relationship with the Pharisees is unique. That is not something we should copy.
What else do we see about Jesus? Obedience to God? Humility? Yes, Jesus was obedient. Even when it involved suffering. In Luke 4: 1-13 we see Jesus told to go into the desert for forty days without food. Later we see Jesus walking with his disciples. His disciples are so hungry that they are eating raw grain. (Luke 6: 1-5) His final obedience also involved suffering. Jesus submitted to his Father’s will and allowed himself to be falsely accused and crucified. (Luke 22-23)
It is this last aspect of Jesus’ life that we are well qualified to emulate. His humility and obedience before God are something we should aspire to. We are not all qualified to teach. Not everyone is given authority over someone else. But we are all qualified to be humble before God and obey our Father in heaven.
Application: Strive to obey God, even when it involves suffering.
Food for Thought: What kinds of suffering are we called to?
We are called to suffer in any way that God wills to glorify Himself and for us to grow to become more like Christ. James 1: 2 – 4. We are specifically called to suffer persecution. Indeed, it is guaranteed. (2 Timothy 3: 12; Matthew 5: 10 – 12)
Suffering through his love to glorify Him. The painful part to swallow our pride to do right and forgive. Suffering the agony of admitting our wrongdoing to those around us. Suffering in the joy of persecution of his truth no matter what this world trys to throw at you knowing that his law is above this worlds law and be willing to stand up and suffer for his love because you believe in his truth.
Tim,
I think you have put your finger on something. Swallowing our pride is such an important thing to do. I don’t know why it should be painful but you are right, it is. Well said!
Rich,
Standing up for Christ does seem to draw a lot of fire. Thankfully God has our back! 🙂
What kinds of suffering are we called to?
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2 Timothy 3:12, All who desire to live in Christ will suffer persecution.
Matthew 5:10, Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness, they receive the kingdom of heaven.
When you live for Christ you are guaranteed to experience some degree of suffering. Anything you can think of could happen.
We need to remember:
God restricts our suffering to no more than we can bear, and always provides a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13
His disciple must deny themselves, bear their cross daily following Him. Those trying to save their life will lose it, those who lose their life for Him, will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Luke 9:23–25
The key to turning suffering into a blessing is to ignore the pain and focus on Christ. Ignore the minor, temporary issues of this world and focus on our eternal goal through Christ. I’ve lost a son, my wife left for another man, unfairly lost two businesses, ( One to a Christian ) and had a Baazillion setbacks. But Jesus Christ has never left me. I have turned to God angry, sad, bewildered and it sometimes took a few days, but I always learned all was well, He is sovereign and loves me. Each trial has been part of dying to my human desires and living in faith in Christ.
Today I have a greater peace and happiness than ever before. I have learned to live as a baby christian. ( Live Luke 9:23-25 ) I had a full time job turning from sin to God and at some point I began to think I had arrived. I was wrong, I will never arrive until I am with Jesus. My daily, moment by moment, LIFETIME goal became to focus on dying to my flesh and living in the Spirit of God. Self imposed suffering, disciplining myself, dying to self so Christ can grow. He gives me the strength to do this, I just need to pay attention and allow Him to act.
Ron,
God’s work in your life has produced amazing results. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Love reading the comments here,..gives me better insight and outlook,..
I still think suffering sucks just as pain does,..but I would rather suffer for getting the message of Jesus out than to suffer for not,..so many souls are at stake and those that don’t accept Jesus are the ones that are going to be suffering,..so I would take suffering for Christ over suffering in hell any day,..
I know God has not called me to suffer in hell and I don’t believe there will be any suffering in heaven,..not unless praising God is considered suffering,..
Hi John!
I love reading the comments, too!! It is encouraging to see God through the eyes of fellowship. Thank YOU for sharing, too!
Enjoyed reading comments tonight. Peace to you all brothers.
👍🏻