The Example Jesus Gives

THE Example JESUS GIVES GRACE EXEMPLIFIED

TODAY’S READING: MARK 15:16–20

In the late 1940s, a young mother was stricken with polio and became an invalid. She astounded people by the way she accepted her affliction and ran her household from her bed. Her brotherin-law said to me, “I have heard a lot of talk about ‘grace’, but I never knew what it was until I saw it shining through her.”

We often do not know the full meaning of grace until we see it lived out in a person’s life. Think of how Jesus responded when the soldiers mistreated Him. They pressed a crown of thorns into His head, struck Him repeatedly, and mocked Him by clothing Him in a purple robe and bowing before Him in jest (MARK 15:16–20). They were unaware that He had the power to kill every one of them by speaking a single word.

Some years later, Peter vividly remembered that scene. He told his readers that Christ had set an example for them as they faced persecution (1 PETER 2:18–25). In Jesus, God became a flesh-and-blood human being to show what He is like. Because Jesus lives in us by His Spirit, He expects us to exemplify His goodness and grace.

Whether we suffer like that invalid mother or endure persecution like our Saviour, we can demonstrate the same grace He modelled on the cross. o

AGAIN AND AGAIN THEY STRUCK HIM ON THE HEAD WITH A STAFF AND SPAT ON HIM.

MARK 15:19

HERB VANDER LUGT

Who have you witnessed living out Jesus’ grace? How can you extend that same grace in the face of opposition and persecution?

Heavenly Father, give me strength in my soul and a deeprooted compassion for others so that I too may be an example of grace, no matter what comes my way.

STRENGTH IN SUFFERING

TODAY’S READING: 1 PETER 2:11–23

When eighteen-year-old Sammy received Jesus as Saviour, his family rejected him because their tradition was of a different faith. But the Christian community welcomed him, offering encouragement and financial resources for his education. Later, when his testimony was published in a magazine, his persecution intensified.

But Sammy did not stop seeing his family. He visited whenever he could and talked with his father, even though his siblings cruelly prevented him from participating in family affairs. When his father fell ill, Sammy overlooked his family’s slighting and attended to him, praying his father would get well. When God healed him, the family began to warm up towards Sammy. Over time, his loving witness softened their attitude towards him—and some of his family members became willing to hear about Jesus.

Our decision to follow Christ may cause us difficulties. Peter wrote, “It is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God” (1 PETER 2:19). When we undergo discomfort or suffering because of our faith, we do so because “Christ suffered for [us], leaving [us] an example, that [we] should follow in his steps” (V. 21).

Even when others hurled insults at Jesus, “he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (V. 23). Jesus is our example in suffering. We can turn to Him for strength to continue. o LAWRENCE DARMANI

CHRIST SUFFERED FOR YOU, LEAVING YOU AN EXAMPLE, THAT YOU SHOULD FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS.

1 PETER 2:21

Have you ever faced injustice because of your faith in Jesus? How does Jesus strengthen you to bear it?

Dear Lord Jesus, help me to follow Your example in my conduct and in suffering for You.