Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Peter 2:21-23 (New International Version 2011)

²¹ To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

²² “He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

²³ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

It is a gross understatement to write that Jesus was treated badly by some people. I find it difficult to describe how badly Jesus was treated. In the face of His mistreatment, however, Jesus did not retaliate. Verse 23 tells us that Jesus did not even judge those who mistreated Him. He didn’t say anything. Instead, Jesus trusted God the Father to be the judge of events and persons.

I find it easy to judge other people. I can put them in little categories, classifications, taxonomies, and the like. I know what kind of people they are and how I should act towards them. I am just so smart when it comes to these things.

Oooops, I am not doing as Jesus did. I am not entrusting my life to God as the judge.

God, help me to do as your Son. Help me to entrust my life to you who judges justly.