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
The “this” Peter is talking about is suffering. The people Peter is addressing are the lowest members of Roman society: household slaves. They were subject to cruelty and had little control over their own decisions. They did what they were told or else they were punished or sold. And slaves, when they came to faith in Christ, became members of Christ’s church where there were no distinctions and they were treated like brothers and sisters and not property (see Paul’s letter to Philemon). The church regularly ministered to and served alongside people that the social structure minimized: widows, orphans, immigrants, and slaves.
Peter reminds those who suffer unjustly that they have a unique and precious opportunity given to them. They can endure suffering with the example of Jesus. They can model the gospel in their obedience even if they suffered for it. Jesus had suffered much worse for them as the One Who came to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. His suffering gave perspective and purpose to their sufferings.
And it is this uncomfortable truth that liberates sufferers even now. When we seem to suffer unjustly from time to time, we can take our hope in that truth that Jesus suffered for us. We don’t have to despair because He has overcome suffering, emerging as the Defeater of all suffering by His resurrection. And we, as His followers, are blessed when we follow in Jesus’ steps. This view on our difficulties is a joyous, liberating gift of grace.
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