Christ suffered for you
“21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[a]
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. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,”[b] but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
1 Peter was a letter written to the churches in the region of Asia Minor, particularly in the southern part of modern-day Turkey, addressing the suffering and persecution that Christians, as a minority, were enduring.
At the time, many Christians, whether they were Jews or Gentiles, had previously lived as part of the majority in their societies. However, after coming to believe in Jesus, their values changed, causing them to become a minority and be treated as strangers. Peter refers to them as "scattered strangers," explaining that their suffering is something they must naturally experience as followers of Christ.
Christ set an example by enduring suffering, and those who follow Him must also walk the path of suffering. This goes beyond merely believing in Him; it means following His life, character, and the path He demonstrated. Just as Jesus suffered and faced death but was then resurrected, those who follow Him will also experience suffering and, in a sense, small "deaths," through which they will come to know new life and resurrection.
If we have now returned to the grace of true life in Jesus Christ, who is the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls, then we follow Him. Following Him means accepting suffering and sacrifice. Suffering is not a burden or misfortune but a blessing, as it stems from trusting Him deeply. If we face suffering because of upholding the values of our faith, let us pray to the Lord and resolve to walk that path steadfastly and boldly this morning.
Prayer: Thank You for calling us into Your bright light and for granting us the grace to live a life of faith. Help us to remain steadfast, not swayed by the world's wrong values, and not seek our own comfort, but to follow only You. Even when we face loss or sacrifice, strengthen our faith so that we may walk boldly for the sake of the gospel, and grant us wisdom so that our faithful lives may testify to You.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)
Devotional content is available on the Our Daily Bread website.