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

Following Jesus means walking in the footsteps He left for us. Peter uses a powerful image in this verse—Jesus leaving footprints for us to step into. Think about walking on a snowy path behind someone else. Walking in their footprints is easier than making your own trail. In life's difficult journey, Jesus has gone ahead of us, showing us exactly where to place our feet. His footprints don't lead around suffering but through it. When we follow Jesus, we're not signing up for an easy path but choosing one with clear guidance. Jesus didn't just tell us how to live—He showed us by living it Himself first.

The word "example" comes from a writing practice where students traced over letters. In the ancient world, teachers would write letters for students to trace over as they learned to write. The Greek word for "example" in this verse refers to this practice. Jesus didn't just give us rules to follow—He gave us a life to trace. When children learn to write, they place tracing paper over letters and follow the lines. That's how I learned how to write in script, too. (Does anybody know how to write in script nowadays?) Similarly, we place our lives over the pattern of Jesus' life and follow His example. This means looking at how Jesus responded to trouble, treated people, and trusted God—then doing the same.

Jesus suffered explicitly to show us how to handle our suffering. Notice the purpose statement in this verse: Christ suffered, "leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." While Jesus' suffering accomplished many things—most notably, paying for our sins—one purpose was to show us how to walk through our painful times. If Jesus had lived a pain-free life, He wouldn't be a helpful example for people in a world full of trouble. Instead, He experienced the worst kind of suffering, showing us how to face pain with courage, forgiveness, and trust in God.

Being "called" to follow Jesus' example is our purpose, not just a suggestion. Peter says, "For to this you have been called." This isn't presented as optional extra credit for super Christians. It's a basic calling for everyone who follows Jesus. Just as someone might be called to a specific career or role, Christians are called to follow Jesus' example, especially in how He handled suffering. This calling comes with both a challenge and a promise—the challenge of difficult times, but the promise of walking in the footsteps of the One who has overcome every challenge.

Jesus left us an example by choosing love over hate when He was treated unfairly. As the passage continues (in verses not quoted), Peter describes how Jesus "did not revile in return" and "did not threaten" when He was mistreated. This goes against our natural instincts. When someone hurts us, we usually want to hurt them back. But Jesus broke this cycle by responding to hatred with love and violence with peace. When students face bullying for their faith, or when someone spreads rumors about them, Jesus' example shows a different way to respond—not with revenge, but with dignity and even forgiveness.

Following in Jesus' steps means choosing trust over despair during painful times. The passage says Jesus "continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." Even when everything seemed hopeless on the cross, Jesus trusted God's plan. He didn't give up or assume God had abandoned Him. Following Jesus' example means holding onto trust when everything seems to fall apart. This doesn't mean pretending everything is fine when it's not. It means believing that God is still in control even when life feels out of control, just as Jesus did in His darkest moment.

Jesus' footsteps lead through suffering but always toward resurrection. While this verse focuses on Christ's suffering, we know His story didn't end there. The footprints of Jesus lead through the darkness of Good Friday but continue to the glory of Easter Sunday. When we follow in His steps, we're promised the same journey—not just through suffering, but through suffering to joy and victory. Romans 8:17 says we share in His sufferings "in order that we may also share in his glory." Following Jesus through hard times isn't a journey without hope—it's a journey with guaranteed hope at the end.

Following Jesus' example isn't about perfectly copying every detail of His life. We can't be crucified for the world's sins as Jesus was—that was His unique role. Following His example doesn't mean trying to duplicate everything He did but rather living by the same principles and values He demonstrated. We follow the pattern of how Jesus lived—with love, truth, courage, forgiveness, and trust in God. The specifics will look different for each person, but the heart behind our actions should match the heart of Jesus.

Jesus' example shows that true strength is found in choosing the right path, not the easy one. Our world often sees suffering as something to avoid at all costs. But Jesus voluntarily walked a path that included great suffering because it was His mission. This redefines what it means to be strong. Again, we all have unique crosses to carry and different paths to take. True strength isn't about avoiding pain or dominating others. It's about doing what's right even when it's difficult. When we follow Jesus' example, we discover a different kind of strength—not the power to escape suffering, but to face it with courage and purpose.

Godseekers, following in Jesus' steps means we never walk alone. There's an important detail easily missed in this verse: When we follow in Jesus' footsteps, we're walking where He already walked. This means He understands precisely what we're going through. Unlike a guide who sends travelers down a path he's never taken, Jesus leads us on a journey He has personally experienced. When we face rejection, He understands because He was rejected. He understands when we face physical pain because He felt it, too. Following His example doesn't just give us a pattern to copy—it connects us with a Savior who walks beside us, knowing exactly how difficult the journey can be. Yes. Jesus knows.

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for Jesus' perfect example of how to live, especially during hard times. Help us see the footprints He left for us to follow. When we face unfair treatment, give us strength to respond with love instead of hate. When we feel afraid or alone, help us trust You just as Jesus did. Thank You that Jesus didn't just tell us how to live but showed us by His own life. Remind us that following in His steps means we never walk alone—He is always with us, guiding us through every difficult path toward the joy that awaits. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

• What specific situation in your life right now do you need to follow Jesus' example of responding to mistreatment with love?
• How might viewing your current struggles as part of "following in His steps" change your perspective on what you're going through?

Step of Faith

Today, when I face a difficult situation, I will pause and ask, "How would Jesus respond to this?" Then, I will take at least one action that follows His example.