This study is loosely based on the study More Like Jesus from Not Consumed.

Yesterday we looked at 1 Peter 2:21-22:

^“21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

²² Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:”

Peter goes on, 1 Peter 2:23-25:

^“23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

²⁴ Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

²⁵ For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”

We are learning to be more like Jesus. He is our perfect example. He was reviled when He did not deserve it. Yet, He did not respond in kind. He, the God of the universe, suffered unjustly. He had the power to put down those who made Him suffer unjustly. Yet, He did not.

Instead, He was committed to His mission. He gave Himself, bore our sins, in order to allow us to go from death to life. He is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.

Wow. What an example to us. In this journey of chronic illness and disability (yours or someone you care for), there are many times of being treated unjustly. I admit that my first response is not always to turn the other cheek. However, Jesus shows us the way to respond. We can respond as Jesus did, focused on glorifying God. We can respond in a way that puts the kingdom of God first, that draws people to Him.

Oh, it is not easy. We can only do it in His strength. Yet, it gives us a different perspective as things happen. We can work to be more like Jesus.