Following in His Steps (1 Peter 2:21-25)

How do you respond when treated unfairly?

1 Peter 2:21-25 reminds us that as followers of Yeshua, we are called to endure suffering with patience, just as He did. He is our example, showing us how to respond to injustice with grace and trust in God.

Key Verse:
“For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21 (NASB)

Background Context:
Peter writes to believers who were experiencing persecution and hardship. Instead of encouraging them to fight back, he points them to Christ’s example—one of humility, endurance, and complete trust in God’s justice. This passage teaches us that suffering for righteousness is part of our calling, and through it, we grow to be more like Christ.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

1 Peter 2: 21-25

Christ Is Our Example

      21For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22WHO COMMITTED NO SINNOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH23and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. 25For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

Reflection on 1 Peter 2:21-25:

  • We Are Called to Suffer Like Christ:
    Peter makes it clear that suffering is not accidental—it is part of our calling (1 Peter 2:21). Just as Yeshua suffered unjustly yet remained faithful, we are to endure hardship with trust in God. How do you respond when facing mistreatment?

  • Christ’s Perfect Example:
    Yeshua committed no sin, yet He suffered without complaint (1 Peter 2:22). He did not retaliate or threaten but entrusted Himself to the Father (1 Peter 2:23). Are you following His example when faced with injustice?

  • He Bore Our Sins to Bring Us Life:
    Yeshua suffered not for His own wrongdoing, but for ours. By His wounds, we are healed, restored, and called to live righteously (1 Peter 2:24). Are you living in the freedom and righteousness He has given you?

  • The Shepherd of Our Souls:
    Peter closes with a powerful image—before salvation, we were like lost sheep, but now we have returned to the Shepherd (1 Peter 2:25). No matter what we face, we are under the care of our loving Savior. Do you trust Him to guide and protect you?

Summary Key Points:

  • Suffering for righteousness is part of our calling.
  • Yeshua is our perfect example of patience and trust.
  • He suffered for us, bringing healing and restoration.
  • We are under the loving care of our Shepherd.

Application:
When you face trials, look to Yeshua’s example. Instead of retaliating, choose to trust God’s justice. Surrender your pain to Him and walk in the righteousness He has given you, knowing that He sees and cares for you.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Yeshua as our example and our Savior. Help me to follow in His steps, responding to suffering with trust and patience. Teach me to endure hardship with faith, knowing that You are my Shepherd and my refuge. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda


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