1Pet 2:21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered on your behalf, leaving you a model so that you may follow in His steps; John 13:15 For I have given you an example so that you also may do even as I have done to you.
[Part 1 of 2] Verse 21 clearly says that we have been called to suffer unjustly because Christ suffered on our behalf and left us a model so that we should follow in His steps. Literally, the Greek word [model] means a writing-copy, an under-writing for students to use in tracing letters as they learn to draw them.
In ancient times teachers would write letters on writing material, and those letters became a master copy. Another piece of writing material was put upon the master copy. Then the children would practice writing by tracing the letters from the master copy onto their copy. The Lord Jesus has set His suffering life before us as an under-writing for us to copy by tracing and following His steps. The making of xerox copies may be used to illustrate what Peter means by Christ being a model for us.
Christ’s living revealed in the four Gospels is the master copy used in this spiritual xeroxing. For xeroxing, we must first have a copy. The xeroxed copy made from this original is a reproduction, not an imitation. We know from experience that trying to imitate Christ does not work. We are not able to imitate Him. What we need is not imitation but reproduction. There is a great difference between imitation and reproduction. (Continued tomorrow)
Prayer Confession Heavenly Father thank you for this word. Thank you for giving me your only son Christ who suffered on my behalf and became a model for me. I avail myself where there is a reproduction through the sufferings and circumstances that come my way and I believe that this process will bring in a transformation and conformation unto the image of Christ who is the master copy, Amen.