“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;” (1 Peter 2:21-23)
On his path of suffering through this world, Christ left footprints for us to follow. In the verses quoted, the apostle Peter shows five of these footprints. The first four show what the Lord Jesus did not do, and the fifth shows what He did do.
- He did no sin: This is the first footstep Peter introduces: The Lord Jesus was perfect in all His deeds. In every situation, His work left no trace of sin.
- There was no deceit in his mouth: The Lord Jesus did not sin even in his words. His words were free from falsehood and deceit. He never wanted to deceive others with His words.
- He did not rebuke those who scolded Him: the words of the Lord Jesus remained perfect even when He was scolded. He, the reviled One, did not respond with reviling.
- He did not threaten suffering: When the Lord Jesus was inflicted with much pain, which is even worse than insults, He nevertheless behaved in an absolutely exemplary manner: He did not threaten.
- He handed Himself over to the One who judges righteously: People may behave outwardly well in suffering, but still be full of resentment. It was different with the Lord Jesus. He left everything to the righteous judge while unrighteous people sat in judgment over him.
Nothing is more beautiful than to follow the footsteps of the Lord Jesus. But let us not neglect to follow in his footsteps every day. That is our calling!
Comments (0)
No comments yet.