Following in His Steps: The Path of Christ’s Suffering

Good morning, Church! Today’s message will unfortunately not be followed by the excellent breakfast that followed my sermon last month. However, I ask you to bear with me through this message as I am sure the Fellowship Commission has some excellent treats for us after the service. Now let us dig into the meat of today’s scripture lesson. Let us hear a few words regarding this passage from the book of 1 Peter. In order to do that well, we will need the Lord’s help. Let us pray:

Dear Lord, we come before you today, having heard your word read to us. Let us now be attentive to this word as it is preached and expounded this morning. May we consider how we can apply these truths to our lives today. Keep us free of distractions as we hear and meditate on your word this morning. Now, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable in your sight. O Lord, our rock and our redeemer. Amen.

Dear friends, today we will explore the profound and transformative message in 1 Peter 2:21-25. Although addressed initially to slaves in the first century, these verses contain timeless truths that speak to and affect us in our minds and hearts even today. Let us pay close attention to them. This passage serves as a call to follow Christ's example of suffering and righteousness, providing us with encouragement and direction for our own lives in the modern world. Let us delve into the richness of these verses and apply their truths to our walk with God in today's society, where we face challenges and opportunities unique to our time.

In today’s scripture, Peter addresses slaves directly. Slaves under Roman rule could be subject to harsh treatment. However, there were some crucial differences between slavery then and as practiced in early America. For example, slaves could work their way out of slavery under the Roman system. They could own property, even other slaves. Slavery was not race based in the Roman system as it would later become in the West. They could be doctors, lawyers, or work in different professions. Slavery under Roman rule was not at all like slavery in the Western world until the time of its abolition in the 19th century. Remembering those differences as we listen to the sermon's words this morning will be helpful. 

Before we begin, if verses 21 – 25 sound vaguely familiar, that is because they are allusions to Isaiah chapter 53, which Pastor Doug preached on last Sunday. Where the suffering servant suffers a cruel death even though he is innocent, a pure sacrificial lamb led to the slaughter. Christ’s sufferings on the cross are the fulfilment of these verses. This motivates us to follow the way of our Savior even more closely.

Let us begin by reflecting on the immeasurable sacrifice made by our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 21 states, "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." Christ's suffering was not in vain; it served a divine purpose. He bore our sins on the cross, and in doing so, he set the ultimate example of selfless love and obedience to God's will. This was not just a historical event, but a personal act of love for each one of us. As Charles Spurgeon, a British preacher, remarked:

“We all know what our own cross is. And if our Heavenly Father has appointed it for us, we must take it up and follow Christ!”

 The Christian faith is a faith shaped by the cross of Jesus’ suffering. As we meditate on his cross during this Lenten season, let us remember that not only did Jesus bear His cross, but He calls us to bear our own crosses daily as we hope to obtain a resurrection like His. Saint Augustine has said, “Christ taught you to suffer, and he did so by suffering himself. Words would not be enough unless example were added. And how, precisely did he teach us, brothers and sisters? He was hanging on the cross, and the Jews were raging … he was hanging there, yet at the same time he was healing them.”

Indeed, let us be known as people who gladly bear hardship and suffering in this present life so that we may be counted worthy to have eternal life with our savior. Whether at ease or in distress, let us be known as a church that follows Jesus, always bearing His name, whether in good times or in bad.

In ancient times, when a king declared war, he would count the cost before committing. Jesus, before going to the cross, counted the cost of our redemption. His willingness to suffer and die underscores the value He places on each of our lives. He chose to bear our sins so we could be in a relationship with Him today. This profound act invites us to consider what we value most and how far we are willing to go for that which we love.

Next, Verse 22 alludes to the second half of Isaiah 53:9. This verse predicts that the servant (Jesus Christ) would live a sinless life. We read, “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” Jesus never sinned either in word or deed. His sinless life is the reason that His death on the cross was able to cleanse us from our sins. No one else in all of history can make this claim. If there was, one might entertain the thought that there was another way to be saved. However, because of Jesus’ uniqueness, we can legitimately claim He is the only way to salvation. As Paul wrote, “There is no other name by which we can be saved.” And as Jesus declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Since we have this great hope in our Savior, let us diligently follow His ways at all times. May all our words and deeds bring Him glory.

Now, we consider verse 23: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” Once Jesus was firmly affixed to the cross on which he would die, the mockers came out in full force. They could not see that Jesus’ dying on that cross was the only path to salvation. They looked with merely human eyes, seeing only a body beaten and bloodied—the one who claimed to be God’s only begotten son hanging there, powerless and facing imminent death. Jesus forgave those who nailed him to the cross. As D. A. Carson wrote:

To be persecuted because of righteousness is to align oneself with the prophets, but to bless and pray for those who persecute us is to align oneself with the character of God.

In verse 23, Jesus is depicted as willing to endure his present sufferings because he fully trusts that all will be made right on judgment day. As Thomas Schreiner observes in the New American Commentary, “Believers triumph over evil because they trust that God will vindicate them and judge their enemies, putting everything right in the end.”

If you're grappling with personal burdens like grief or anxiety that make participation in fellowship challenging, remember that Jesus invites us to bear one another’s burdens. Take a courageous step by reaching out to Pastor Doug or a trusted church leader to express what you’re going through. They can help guide you to resources and prayer support that specifically address your struggles. By choosing to be vulnerable, you honor your feelings and open the door for the community to come alongside you, fulfilling the call to carry each other’s burdens.

Peter continues in verse 24, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness."Through Christ's sacrifice, we are not just called to abandon our sinful ways, but to undergo a profound transformation and embrace a life of righteousness. This is the essence of our Christian journey. As we die to our old selves, we are reborn in the image of Christ, striving to reflect His character in everything we do. “Here,” as commentator Wayne Grudem notes, “is an explicit statement of the heart of the gospel: He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross. The fact that Christ bore our sins means that God the Father counted our sins against Christ and, in a way not fully understood by us, ‘laid on him the iniquity of us all’ (Isa. 53:6).”[1]

The latter part of verse 24 states, "By his wounds, you have been healed." The wounds inflicted on Christ during His crucifixion were the means of our healing. This healing is not just physical but includes our entire being—spiritual, emotional, and relational. Through His suffering, we discover restoration and wholeness and are empowered to live a life that honors God.

In your daily life, you might encounter peers who mock your faith or question your values. Instead of retaliating or becoming defensive, take a moment to pause and respond with grace. Consider sharing how your faith shapes your perspective and values. This is an opportunity to live out Christ's command in Matthew 5:11-12, where He encourages rejoicing in insults for His sake. Offering a kind word or simply standing your ground in a respectful manner can be a powerful testimony of Christ's love.

Peter poignantly reminds us of our previous state in verse 25, "For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." Once, we wandered aimlessly, lost in sin, and separated from God. Yet, through Christ's redeeming work, we have been brought back into the loving embrace of our Shepherd.

Before knowing Christ, we were like sheep without a shepherd: vulnerable and directionless. Isaiah 53:6 echoes this sentiment: "We all, like sheep, have gone astray; each of us has turned to our own way." Our rebellion led us away from the safety and guidance of our Creator.

Having experienced God's grace and mercy, we have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lovingly guides and protects us. He knows each of us by name and leads us on paths of righteousness. Our lives are now marked by the assurance of His presence and care.

Let us summarize the profound truths we have explored today. Christ's sacrificial suffering on the cross served the divine purpose of freeing us from sin and enabling us to live for righteousness. His wounds bring us healing and restoration. Once lost and astray, we have now returned to the loving care of our Shepherd.

          We must be ready to commit to following Jesus no matter the cost. After all He has done for us during His life, especially His suffering and death, it seems this is the least we can do for Him. Today, some Christians endure severe persecution and even death for confessing Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Here in Rochelle, Illinois, there is no persecution to speak of: How should we then live? We should be sharing our testimony whenever someone asks what we believe.

We should be serving others regardless of whether or not it is convenient. I thank God that I see people who represent such service among us gathered here today.

          Let us all, therefore, commit to being people who follow Christ at all times and in all ways. Let us glorify God by our words and by our deeds, even deeds that no one sees or appreciates. No matter how small the gift or act of service performed if it is done to honor Jesus it will be rewarded in heaven. I pray that we would be found to be a Matthew 25 and 1 Corinthians 13 Church . May we glorify your name, O Lord.

As we conclude this sermon, we hear this illustration of how Christ walked during His life among us as he prepared to die for us. “Imagine being on a road trip with friends. You set out excitedly, only to find that one driving constantly takes the wrong turns. Instead of getting angry, you decide to enjoy the journey, laughing off the unplanned detours. This is similar to how Christ walked his path. He faced adversity and suffering but embraced it with grace, never resorting to anger. Like Christ, we can learn to navigate life's wrong turns with joy, trusting in His perfect plan for us. “

Let us be prepared to live our lives in the manner of Jesus, Seeking only to live for Him. Help us, Lord, to see your way clearly and give us the courage to walk in your way no matter what difficulties arise. Let us seek to make the words of this scripture our guide for life.

If you're struggling with how to apply these Biblical teachings in your roles as parents, coworkers, or community members, consider organizing a small group focused on how to believe and act upon God’s Word together. You will be surprised at how many others struggle just like you. Choose a relevant scripture each week and come prepared to share practical examples from your own lives. This communal aspect offers accountability and fresh insights to live out your faith in daily interactions fully. May it be so.

Let us Pray

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and awe for the incredible love and grace You have shown us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Today, we have been reminded of the profound truths of the Gospel, the sacrificial suffering of Christ, and the call to live lives marked by righteousness and unwavering faith. As we close this time of worship and reflection, we lift our voices and hearts to You.

Lord, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who willingly endured the pain and suffering of the cross to free us from the bondage of sin. His wounds have brought us healing and restoration, and we are forever grateful for our new life in Him. We acknowledge that we were once lost and astray, but through Your mercy, we have returned to the loving care of our Good Shepherd.

We ask for Your wisdom and strength for those who struggle with applying these Biblical teachings in their daily lives. We pray for the growth of small groups where believers can come together to study Scripture, share practical examples, and support one another in living out their faith. May these communal gatherings become sources of accountability, encouragement, and fresh insights.

Finally, we offer this prayer of thanksgiving for Jesus and all He accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection. We are undeserving sinners who have received grace upon grace. Help us to be faithful servants, always praising Your name and doing Your work. May our praises be acceptable in Your sight. Hear our chorus of praise, O Lord, and may it be pleasing to Your ears.

In the precious name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

[1]Grudem, Wayne A. 1988. 1 Peter: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 17. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.