Of the many areas that we must learn to be like Jesus, this would be the most difficult one – suffering like Jesus did. Surely no one wants to suffer like Jesus did by dying on the cross!
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21)
Yet, we read in 1 Peter 2:21 that “for to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” Here, the Bible says that Jesus suffered for us, leaving us an example. So we must learn to suffer like Jesus did. But what kind of suffering is Peter referring to when he wrote these words?
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 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. (1 Peter 2:18-20)
The context, in 1 Peter 2:18-20, is about servants suffering under unjust masters. Peter says in v. 19 that “this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.” Twice, in verses 19 and 20, Peter says that this type of suffering is a “gracious thing”.
Jesus exemplified such suffering. He suffered and died as a result of unjust treatment from the religious leaders and Roman authorities. Therefore following in the footsteps of Jesus, we must also learn to suffer at the hands of those who treat us unjustly. They may be our bosses, the authorities or indeed anyone who has control over us.
But note carefully what Peter says in v.20: “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. ” Our suffering does not count as “being like Jesus” if it is due to our sin. It counts only if we suffer because of doing good.
As His disciples, we seek to do good, and we can expect to suffer like Jesus did, at the hands of those who are unjust. But take heart, for Jesus similarly suffered and became our example. Pray for endurance, that by God’s grace, we will overcome the suffering and be an example to others too.