In These Steps?

I preached yesterday on a familiar text in which Christians are called to follow in Jesus’ steps. Most believers know the passage, and it has given rise to such paraphernalia as the WWJD bracelets and tee shirts. Long before these, Charles Sheldon wrote a Christian classic with the title In His Steps.

What few seem to have taken the time to do is consider the context of the passage. It begins reminding believers that they are aliens and strangers in this world. They live by the principles of a kingdom that has come, but will come more fully. It calls them to an almost surprising course of action, and that is to demonstrate a great submissiveness to worldly kings, rulers and all those in authority.

On the one hand, Christians are citizens of heaven, and yet are called to submit to and obey the authorities that rule on earth. They are not to just do this legalistically but as part of a whole attitude of showing respect to everyone, loving the brotherhood and honoring the king (who, in the first century, just happened to be the infamous Nero). Peter even adds that slaves are to show this submissive spirit in relationship to harsh masters.

After praising those who will suffer unjustly because of their faith, often at the hands of these very government officials, he makes his famous statement: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21). “To this”—obedience, submission, suffering, and non-retaliation—we are called, because we are conscious of God. Hardly what some wearers of WWJD apparel are thinking much about.Please think about this real “mind change”and let’s talk about it more next week.

Focus Scripture:

1 Peter 2:11-25

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

18Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22"He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.