Dear Disciple,
“But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When 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.” 1 Peter 2:20b-23
Our Master Jesus was not the first to suffer unjustly at the hands of wicked people. The human story is riddled with a sickening number of those who have been brutally treated by those in positions of power. What began at the beginning of our story between Cain and Abel has gone on, virtually uninterrupted, to this very day.
The suffering and death of the Messiah not only provide for the breathtakingly gracious work of God to forgive those who have perpetrated such horrific acts against others (e.g. the apostle Paul), they also show the way for those who are unjustly treated for doing what is good. As Peter wrote, Jesus left an example that we should follow in His steps. The disciples of Jesus are growing mature and wise to the point that they are no longer preoccupied with the question of “Why must we suffer for doing good?” Rather, they ask, “How shall I best respond as I suffer for doing what is good?” For this, as for all things, they must look to the example of their Rabbi Jesus.
If you are committed to doing what is good, Disciple, you will find that what our brother Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:13 is typically right: “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” Many or most in the world respond positively to those who do good. Yet, we must not miss one of the clear messages of the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation: those who follow the way of the living God will inevitably suffer at the hands of those who follow the way of His Enemy.
So then, how shall we deal with this unjust suffering if and when it comes? Look to your Master’s example and see the face of true love. He didn’t retaliate. He didn’t threaten. How easily He could have ended the injustice with His words or with a display of divine power! Yet, He entrusted Himself to His Father, “Him who judges justly”, and waited for vindication to come from Him. Instead of calling down curses on the heads of His tormentors, He asked the Father to forgive them. Instead of lamenting the injustice of His suffering, He committed His spirit into His Father’s hands. In His death, as in His life, our Master fixed His heart and mind on the Father. Oh, may we be like Him when we face unjust treatment and undeserved suffering, Disciple! May we demonstrate to the world our solid confidence in the goodness and faithfulness of our Father by loving those who hate and blessing those who curse!
Following His way even in suffering,Ryan
