What does it mean to “follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21)?

In 1 Peter 2:21, the apostle writes, “To this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (ESV). Jesus suffered to save us from sin and, in so doing, He provided an example for us to follow.

In context, Peter calls enslaved Christians to be submissive to their masters, even the unjust ones (1 Peter 2:18–20). Unjust suffering is difficult to bear, but “this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly” (1 Peter 2:19, ESV). Christ suffered not because He sinned, but because He was innocent: “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22, ESV; cf. Isaiah 53:9). Believers should respond to suffering in the same way that Christ did—with loving the Father, trusting the Father, and obeying the Father.

Following in His steps means following closely. A disciple should walk in the footprints of his teacher. It is not about walking in the vicinity of Christ but taking the precise path He blazed for us—step by step.

Peter describes Christ’s endurance of suffering and our obligation to imitate Him: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23, ESV). Trusting in the Father’s perfect justice is essential if we are going to endure unjust suffering.

The Greek word translated as “example” in 1 Peter 2:21 refers to a writing template used to help students trace letters precisely. Christ is not simply a general role model; He is the example of how to live in a fallen world.

Following in His steps means

For Christians, suffering is inevitable (Acts 14:22). It is part of what it means to follow Christ. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23, ESV).

Several passages reinforce Peter’s call to follow in His steps. The apostle Paul says Christ “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7–8, ESV). And we are to “have the same mindset” in our relationships (Philippians 2:5). Following in His steps means adopting an attitude of self-denial.

Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and said, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:15, ESV). Following in His steps means serving others, even when it does not benefit ourselves.

First John 2:6 reads, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” Genuine discipleship is more than acknowledging specific facts about Jesus; it is about thinking and acting like Him. The goal is Christlikeness: “Everyone, when he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40, NASB).

Romans 8:29 provides the reason for following in His steps. Paul writes, “Those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers” (ESV). God uses suffering to make us more like Christ. Trials are not for the punishment of His children but for their sanctification.

Christ provided an example of righteous living and suffering. Following in His steps means walking the same path, even when wronged, insulted, or mistreated. This is not easy. It goes against our self-defense instincts, but the gospel calls us to imitate Christ. Doing so makes our lives a powerful testimony of the One who died and rose again.