
1 Peter 2:18-25 Christ’s Example
“Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you and example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, netiher was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
This section actually starts with verse 16 and carries the idea throughout of being a subject and a servant. So, it is not surprising that the last few verses bring us back to the supreme example of servanthood, Christ.
How precious this passage is to our hearts. Jesus’ life lived is worth imitating! He says that this is the reason we have been called to be in relationship with Him. Christ suffered for us leaving the perfect example for us to follow. Not only did He live this life but has now given us His life through the Holy Spirit so we can in His power follow his example. He has never asked us to do something on our own. He is always providing the means to obey.
And He has done this by “bearing our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” We can live a life worth imitating because He has provided all that we need.
Prayer: Father, how precious this passage is to our hearts. Your life lived, Jesus, is worth imitating. Help me live as You did. Help me love others and see them clearly through your eyes. I will always enjoy being in Your care knowing that You love me and, in the end, will deal justly with me. Oh, how I long to see you Jesus! Amen