I have been struck by the way in which some some of the classic Bible passages about Christ’s atonement are linked to his example.

To be sure, we cannot follow our Saviour in atoning for our sins or for anyone else’s.

But we can follow him,

1. in generous forgiveness.  Eph 4:32 – ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’
2. in putting others’ needs above our own.  Phil 2:35 ‘in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.’
3. in pleasing our neighbours for their good, Rom 15:2f – ‘Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself…’
4. in humble servanthood.  Mk 10:43-45 ‘Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’
5. in willingness to be wronged.  1 Pet 2:21-23 – ‘Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.’