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"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; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." (1 Peter 2.21-25).

Had Jesus been a lawbreaker, or a person of malicious character, or a purveyor of ill will among others, maybe one could understand why he was so horribly treated. Had Jesus refused to offer convincing proof that his words were words of truth, maybe one would understand why the religious leaders of His day were so vehemently against His teachings. Had Jesus opposed the civil rulers of His day and advocated a political uprising, maybe one could understand why they were willing to turn their heads while an innocent man was murdered in the name of justice. However, none of these things were true. He was not a lawbreaker, malicious, bigot, or political activist; He was just a man teaching the truth! Yet, He was persecuted and killed for His teaching. That is the point that Peter seizes upon in this text. If Jesus lived the perfect life that He did, and yet He was persecuted and killed, should we not expect some of the same things to happen to us as happened to Jesus?

Notice that Peter says that Jesus, "… suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps." The word "example" in this verse is an interesting word and is used only here in the New Testament. This compound Greek word is composed of two words which mean literally, "by or under" and "writing." The picture depicted by this word is of beginning students of a language as they learn to write the letters of the alphabet. They learn to write by writing "by or under" the example given by their teacher. In more recent times this type of activity can be seen in primary writing tablets that have perfectly formed letters on one line and a blank space underneath for the student to practice and perfect his writing skills. The teacher literally leaves an "under writing" as an example for the student.

That is precisely what Jesus did in suffering for us. He was willing to go to the cross, among other reasons, to demonstrate how we ought to be willing to suffer persecution for His name. Had He resisted the impending trials and crucifixion, what kind of example would that have been? He was willing to die on our behalf. No one took His life from Him; He laid it down willingly (John 10.17-18). His sacrifice was a willing sacrifice just as ours must be. His sacrifice was to benefit others and the same is true for ours. His sacrifice anticipated the forgiveness that would be available to every person living past, present, and future. In this way He demonstrated the totally selfless attitude of true Christian service. That example stands!

Yes we were sheep going astray, but with a Shepherd like that, who can help but return?

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

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