The apostle Peter calls upon Christians to follow the example of our Lord. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Paul agreed, encouraging the Corinthians, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Peter’s words specifically refer to the suffering of Jesus, as our sacrifice for sin. He did not revile in response when mistreated; He did not threaten; He bore our sins in His own body; He healed us by His own stripes.
As we contemplate the sacrifice of Jesus, it serves as a wonderful example for us to emulate, as His disciples. Consider the following points:
Jesus Sacrificed Heaven’s Glory
This is the import of Paul’s words in Philippians 2:6-8, “who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Jesus showed great humility in surrendering His will to His Father’s plan for redeeming man. The King of kings took the form of a slave, to save the world.
Learning from His example, it is incumbent upon us to make similar sacrifices as we humble ourselves before Him. John the Baptist recognized this, saying, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Jesus told the twelve, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Matthew 10:24). Our purpose is to reflect the glory of God and His Son, cf. Matthew 5:16.
Jesus Sacrificed His Comfort
It was not only glory sacrificed by our Lord when He came to this earth. Consider these words from Paul’s pen, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus left the very place that we are desperate to attain. In coming to earth, He endured a difficult and demanding life, often depending upon others for sustenance. When one came to Him, pledging allegiance, Jesus responded, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20).
We, like Moses, should heed His example, “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26). As we begin our pilgrimage as God’s children, we recognize that we will suffer affliction as did our Master. Such a journey is not to be entered into lightly. Remember the warning of Jesus in Luke 9:62, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Jesus Sacrificed Justice
The reason for Jesus’ pain and suffering during His time on earth is obvious. He was rejected by the very souls He had left heaven to save! He was despised, oppressed and humiliated at the hands of sinful men. The predictions of the prophet came to pass. “He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of My people He was stricken” (Isaiah 53:3-8). He was guilty of nothing. Nevertheless, He was taken by lawless hands, and hung upon a tree.
Christians are also maligned, as we express our faith and devotion to Him. This persecution that is our lot is a badge of honor. As Peter wrote, “For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:17).
Conclusion
The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross at Calvary was the perfect expression of His love for us. “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:2). In this sacrifice, He serves as the preeminent example to us. We owe Him so much, we ought to honor His sacrifice by living similar lives of devotion and self-denial.
I gave my life for thee…
…what hast thou given for me?
