Who is the Jesus you’re following?

Read: 1 Peter 2:18-21 ESV – Servants, be subject to your masters – Bible Gateway

“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 ESV

Following Jesus in today’s world is not easily done. Oh sure, there are people who have no trouble following the Jesus they have set up in their mind. This Jesus is loving and kind (which He is), cares for the poor and underprivileged (which He does), and is all about justice (and He is). Following Jesus in each of these character traits is a godly endeavor every Christian should strive to achieve. But only following these traits about Jesus is not following the Biblical Jesus. It’s not following Him completely. If we are following the Biblical Jesus there will be some suffering involved. Peter tells us, ‘For to this you have been called.’

Peter was writing to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor due to persecution for living out their faith in Christ. Living for Jesus involves all those things listed above and so much more. If attending only to those Christian deeds you probably won’t come under persecution, but if you stand for the truth of the gospel the stones will begin to fly. Peter encouraged his readers by saying, “But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called,” (1Pt.2:20-21 esv) Every true Chrisitan has received the efficacious call to salvation, and with that call the suffering of injustice when we live out and proclaim the truth of the gospel.

Jesus completed His mission in suffering and dying for our sins. That was the plan. What put Jesus on that cross was His outspoken words of truth against the religious rulers of the day. It cost Him His life, but that was the plan. Peter says Jesus left us an example that we might follow in His steps. Jesus patiently endured His suffering for us; may we patiently endure our suffering for Him. If you have not been suffering in any way for Jesus, who is the Jesus you’re following?