“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” (I Peter 2:21)
On the day of Christ’s crucifixion, the apostle Peter was an eyewitness to Jesus suffering. Peter tells us in his epistle that the purpose of Calvary was two-fold: One, to pay for our sin by purchasing our redemption (I Peter 3:18). Two, to leave us an example of how to suffer so that we might follow in his footsteps.
Mark 16:14 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Jesus told Peter that he would die in the same fashion as He did. “When thou art old thou shalt be taken up” – (John 21:17-19). Historical tradition tells us that Nero sentenced Peter to death by crucifixion and that Peter requested to be crucified upside down, feeling he was unworthy to die in the same fashion as Christ. Even unto death, Jesus will lead us by example so we might “follow in His steps!”
Whatever you are dealing with, you can find your suffering in Christ’s. He knows what it’s like to hunger and thirst, to endure sleepless nights and exhausting days, to experience agonizing pain, and to pour himself out for others who are hostile in return. Jesus’ cousin was murdered, his family misunderstood him, his hometown rejected him, and he watched as a sword pierced his mother’s soul. People used Jesus, flattered him, criticized him, lied about him, betrayed him, abandoned him, mocked him, humiliated him, whipped him, and watched him die an excruciating death. If you have ever been betrayed by a friend, someone you loved and trusted, you can know a little of Christ’s fellowship in suffering. Or if you have ever begged God to remove your anguish, and God denied your desperate request, you can know a little of Christ’s fellowship in suffering. Or, if you have experienced tormenting, all-consuming physical pain with no relief, you can know a little of Christ’s fellowship in suffering. There is no suffering we can experience that our Lord cannot relate to. And as we experience a portion of what he did and yield to him in it, we find a precious intimacy with him. – Author unknown.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
Hebrews 12:1-3 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
