1 Peter 2:21 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example behind for you, so that you might follow in his steps, 22who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth, 23who when he was reviled, did not revile back, when suffering did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.
Peter calls his readers to endure suffering because God’s grace is available to help them through it. All sincere and dedicated believers will experience some degree of suffering. Early Christian slaves were in an especially vulnerable position. They provide an example for all Christians of endurance and remaining faithful to God. An even greater example, for both them and us today, is Christ. Peter directs slaves to respond to unjust treatment from others in the same way Christ responded when he was mistreated. Christ set an example (hypogrammon) for us. This word occurs only here in the New Testament and means a model to follow.
Peter reflects on Isaiah 53 in verses 22-23 to show how Christ responded to suffering. He was unique in that he committed no sin. He is the perfect example of innocent suffering. He did not suffer simply as a martyr for a cause, but for his obedience, even to the point of death. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he wrestled with the possibility walking away from the coming suffering and separation from the Father, but he remained fully committed and willfully chose the way of suffering because he trusted the Father and loved humanity. He knew that drinking from the cup would mean his death. Few believers in history have died on a cross, but many experience suffering for their faith. Our calling is to remain faithful to God at all costs, even to the point of suffering.
Our natural reaction to when we are threatened is threaten back and protect ourselves. Jesus chose to suffer because he knew he was innocent. Through his suffering, he became a channel of the grace of God. There may be times when we need to stand up for truth and justice. There are also times when we must choose the way of suffering in order that we may also witness to the grace and love of God. It can be difficult to know when to stand up for the truth and when to suffer because the Bible gives examples of both. Like Jesus, we can entrust ourselves to God’s care, because God is the judge and sees our motives.