JESUS CHRIST SAID: COME, FOLLOW ME

1 Peter 2:21-25

21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Christ set the proper example on how to live. The steps He took include:

1. He did no sin
2. He never spoke guile (dishonesty, deceiving, slyness)
3. He didn’t revile when people reviled Him
4. He didn’t hurt others when they hurt Him and made Him suffer
5. He committed Himself to the Father
6. He lived unto righteousness
7. He was the good Shepherd, a righteous leader, the Bishop of our souls
8. He served others
9. He suffered for us. We should bear one another’s burdens that they may be light
10. He learned from the Father
11. He taught successful living and tried to keep people on the right path of life

Our challenge is to Follow His Steps. He gave His life in service of others. We too should follow Him by giving our lives in the service of others whatever our responsibilities may be. By His stripes we are healed. Our stripes are marks or indications of love, service, dedication, diligence, and goodwill.

John Nicholson wrote the follow beautiful song, “Come, Follow Me”. Look here for the music and listen to it.

1. "Come, follow me," the Savior said.

Then let us in his footsteps tread,

For thus alone can we be one

With God's own loved, begotten Son.

2. "Come, follow me," a simple phrase,

Yet truth's sublime, effulgent rays

Are in these simple words combined

To urge, inspire the human mind.

3. Is it enough alone to know

That we must follow him below,

While trav'ling thru this vale of tears?

No, this extends to holier spheres.

4. Not only shall we emulate

His course while in this earthly state,

But when we're freed from present cares,

If with our Lord we would be heirs.

5. We must the onward path pursue

As wider fields expand to view,

And follow him unceasingly,

Whate'er our lot or sphere may be.

6. For thrones, dominions, kingdoms, pow'rs,

And glory great and bliss are ours,

If we, throughout eternity,

Obey his words, "Come, follow me."

Text: John Nicholson, 1839-1909

Music: Samuel McBurney, b. 1847