Dear Christian friends:

In our text Peter tells us that Jesus is our Example. Jesus is our Example for many things: love for people; pity for the poor and needy; love for God and evangelism. One minister Rev. Dollman wrote a book of thirty-seven sermons on how we should learn from Jesus and follow Him, "Follow Jesus."

But today Peter urges us here to follow Jesus' Example in suffering. You know we must suffer much in this world. So let us learn from Jesus how to suffer.


Like Jesus God calls us to suffer while doing good. Sometimes people must suffer for doing wrong, example Nixon's staff. We should not complain if we do wrong or sin, and then must suffer punishment or trouble.

Jesus suffered while doing good. "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth;" (1 Peter 2:22) But, nevertheless, "People mocked Him. He suffered, but did not threaten." He prayed for those who falsely blamed Him before Pontius Pilate and who mocked Him. "Father forgive them!"

Jesus was doing the most wonderful work, that of saving the world, yet they mocked Him and crucified Him. Jesus says to His disciples, "If they mock and persecute Me, they will do the same to you." (Matthew 10:25)

I'm sure you have suffered, too, because you try to follow Jesus and do good. Some people mock and laugh because you joined a church and do not join with them in sin. Others in our church have been mocked or teased. (Elmer for tithing, Vic of Great Falls School was called "the preacher", others for attending Confirmation Class.)

So, if you really follow Jesus, many people will give you trouble. That should not surprise us. Peter says, "God has called you to suffer for His name.

It isn't easy. It's hard to love and pray for those who persecute us, and not get angry or seek revenge. Where can we find strength to do it? Because "Christ suffered for you," Peter says, and gave you His Example.

He teaches us a new way to live, not like the proud, vain world, but humbly with love and forgiveness to those who sin against us.

We ourselves have sinned against God, and broken His commandments. We too, have mocked Him, and His good and holy laws. He does not punish us and get revenge on us. He loves us anyway and gives His Son to die for us, and forgives our sins.

So if God loves us so much and forgives us then we now can love those who sin against us and forgive them. (read 1 Peter 2:24-25 and explain them) "We can live in righteous way. His wounds healed us" and took away our hate and revengeful spirit. We have a good Shepherd and defender of our souls. Trust Him. 1 Peter 2:23b, Jesus did.

The Bible says, Dear friends, don't revenge. "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord." (Romans 12:19) God doesn't want us to get revenge against those who sin against us. Leave that to Him. He wants us to love them and forgive them and try to win them to faith in Jesus.

Trust in God! He will defend you and help you and finally free you from this troubled world and give you rest and glory in heaven.

Amen.