stephen R Harrison

When we find ourselves as Christians suffering for the cause of Christ and His mission and Kingdom, we must remember Jesus is our righteous example. In 1 Peter 2:21-25, Peter wrote to dispersed believers to remind them to view themselves as citizens of heaven and aliens in a foreign land. As Christians, we are sojourners in this world. Although most people live like this world is everything, this world is not our home! There is a better home in heaven awaiting those who are born again. It’s so easy to get caught up in this present world (even in good things) and lose sight of eternity. Now as those reborn as new citizens of a better Kingdom, we are ambassadors in a foreign land. If God’s plan was to instantly transport us out of this world the moment we were saved, He would have done it. How then are we to live until the new heaven and new earth?

Jesus is our example in everything, especially while suffering. Peter reminded the early church and us today to live “holy as He is holy” (1:16) no matter the situation – in an unjust government, in unfair suffering, etc. We will endure suffering for a short while on this earth for the sake of Christ (1:6), but those sufferings refine our faith and increase God’s praise. Suffering for Christ must not be confused with suffering because of our sins. We will suffer some because we live in a fallen world and because when we choose sin, we also choose the consequences of it. When suffering for Christ by living for Him in His mission living out His Word, we are reminded that Christ “suffered for you, leaving you an example” and we “should follow in His steps” (2:21). He suffered for the forgiveness of our sins foremost. So now as we live for Him after being redeemed by Him, we may encounter suffering. This doesn’t mean we go looking for suffering, but when it comes for His sake (2:13), we are to respond as He did. In his epistle, Peter quotes and alludes to Isaiah 53, the Suffering Servant passage. Peter writes to help us know how to respond, but probably in response to how he was rebuked for failing to recognize the necessity of Christ’s suffering (Matthew 16:21-23).

Look at Peter’s use of Isaiah 53 in his letter (2:22-25):

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. ²⁴ “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” ²⁵ For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

• 1 Peter 2:22 quotes Isaiah 53:9.
• 1 Peter 2:23 alludes to Isaiah 53:7.
• 1 Peter 2:24 quotes Isaiah 53:4 and alludes to 5.
• 1 Peter 2:25 quotes Isaiah 53:6

Peter reverses Isaiah’s order, showing how he can be our example, how we are to follow His example, and ultimately what His example did for us – He brought us back to God by dying in our place for our sins.

1. Jesus was sinless (v. 22)
2. Jesus was abused but did not retaliate (v. 23)
3. Jesus suffered and died (v. 24)
4. Jesus returned us to God (v. 25)

Jesus is our Good Shepherd (the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls) who cares for us when we find ourselves in situations of suffering unjustly as He did. When we suffer for Christ, we can be at peace because Jesus sees us, helps us, ministers to us, and reassures us. If God is for us, who can be against us? For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. Our hopes are people who may speak evil of us or treat us unjustly will “see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us” (2:12). If suffering for Christ leads other to Christ, to God be the glory.