Scripture: 1
Peter 2:19–25
Peter’s first epistle has Jesus’ death and resurrection
woven through the whole letter. In this reading he speaks of suffering for
doing good; experiencing persecution. He holds Jesus as an example of
suffering, reminding the reader that by suffering Jesus rescued his people.
This was part of Jesus’ work as, “the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
This reading encourages us to do what is right, even in the face of suffering,
and to take comfort in Jesus’ suffering while being moved by Jesus’ sacrifice to
“live to righteousness.”
Teaching
Our world does not value suffering. To be clear, no one in
their right mind enjoys suffering, however recognizing that an experience is
unpleasant does not mean it is not valuable, or even good. There is much suffering
when a woman gives birth, but the value and beauty are found in the end when the
mother rejoices in her baby. God uses our suffering in beautiful ways: to show
us his faithfulness, to provide for us, as an opportunity to show or experience
love, to strengthen our faith, to help us rely on him more fully, to make us
compassionate toward others, and more. He also uses suffering as a context to
show our faith, making us witnesses to God’s love and salvation in powerful and
compelling ways.
The description of Jesus in v. 22-25 is an important
doctrinal summary; almost like a creed. These are things we need to know about
Jesus: he is sinless, truthful, patient in suffering (verbally, physically, and
spiritually), bore our sins, was wounded for us, rescued us like a shepherd.
This is the one who is our Shepherd and Overseer, and his deeds (along with his
Word) show him to be trustworthy and an example to follow in our daily living. Because
he is our savior from sin, we, in worship and thanksgiving seek to imitate and
follow him.
Life
Sometimes when people are in high pressure contexts in sports,
business, or politics people are said to perform to up to the situation they
are in. In other words, the situation they were in impacted them in a way that
that they performed better than usual. There is something similar in this
passage. Peter recognizes that life can be hard and sometimes we suffer for
doing what is right. He points us to our savior and salvation as a reason to “perform
up” and to live righteously, remembering that Jesus has overcome this world for
us, protects us, and has returned us to his flock. Therefore we do not lose
heart in the face of adversity.
The image of Shepherd and Overseer of our souls really
depicts Jesus as a protector and provider. Remembering the previous readings
this week, we know that it is important to hear Jesus’ voice and that it is
through his Word that he protects and provides for us. Where will you hear the
Shepherd’s voice?
Comments