Suffering like Christ; suffering with Christ

[Joseph Park]

Suffering like Christ; suffering with Christ


“Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example.” (1 Pet. 2:21)

In the 1 Peter, Jesus is presented as an example of suffering again. (P.230) These days, most ministers don’t want any suffering in their own ministries. If there are some suffering and problem, they usually want to escape from those instead of joining like Christ; joining with Christ. The apostle asserts that believers not only imitate their suffering Servant, they also participate in his sufferings. This is not to say that the atoning work of Christ continues in their suffering, for the ‘once’ in 3:18 is categorical and final. However, there is a sense in which the followers of Jesus are extensions of a ministry characterized by suffering. The same perspective is evident in Revelation, where the suffering of those who follow the slain Lamb is a mark of their identity with him. Finally vindicated, they will join him in his future glory as Shepherd King.

[JE]

Great insight on the subject of suffering like and with Christ. I feel the pain of "The Little Red Hen". In this nursery story, the hen seeks out others on the farm to help her in making a meal. No one wants to step forward to lend a hand. No one wants to invest the time. No one wants to break a sweat. Yet, when it comes time to eat, everyone wants to get in on the action.

I do not envy suffering. Yet, I know this is a necessary tasks if I hope to share in the blessings. Is there anybody else willing to sign-on?