By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

the Way of Suffering

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“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 New International Version

This is the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Sorrows, in Jerusalem.  You can see our group literally following in the steps of Jesus, the steps He tread the morning after His arrest, trial, beating and scourging.  He wore a crown of thorns and carried His own cross, headed to His crucifixion.

What crimes had this Man done?   The answer, of course, is nothing.  He was the completely innocent Lamb of God, who had come to earth to bear our sins and pay the price of our iniquities.  He bore not the punishment of His sin, but He bore the punishment for the sins of others.

Peter, in our Bible passage today, encourages us to follow in Jesus’ steps, to meditate on Jesus’ suffering and love for us and to live and walk as He lived.  For “when they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered He made no threats.”

When others revile you and attack you because you follow Jesus, bless them.  When others hurl insults at you for believing in Jesus as Lord, pray for them and entrust yourself to the Father.

We cannot do this out of our own goodness, but we do it out of Christ’s righteousness and love and peace.  For we are following Jesus, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame.  This Lenten season, I invite you to follow after Jesus, our precious Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado