Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:18-25
Focus verse: Matthew 27:32 "Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross."
Jesus is our example. Jesus submitted to the authority of those who condemned him to die. He allowed them to lead him to the cross without fighting back. Because Christ suffered for us, we should also suffer patiently for the sake of God's will. Christ was our example. He did not sin or tell a lie. When he was insulted, he did not insult his persecutors. In fact, he blessed them and asked God to forgive them. When he suffered at their hands, he did not threaten to pay them back, but put his trust in God the true judge.
The suffering that Christ endured, even unto death, made it possible for us to live in righteousness. It is because of His wounds that we can be healed from our sins. He was raised from the dead so that we can walk in the newness of life. Why submit? Because God commands it here as well as Romans 13.
The Roman soldiers forced Simon to carry the cross of Jesus. He obeyed. God does not condone or approve of poor authority, but we
are responsible for how we react to it. We are called to follow the example of Christ as we walk in the new life. If we patiently endure suffering from a husband, boss, slave owner, or soldier that we don't deserve, then God says that we will be blessed for it in verse 20.
Happy Easter!
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
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