stephen R Harrison

“Live Like Christ”

“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.”

-1 Peter 2:24

Peter wrote his letters to encourage suffering believers dispersed because of religious persecution. In 1 Peter 2, we find Christ’s followers suffering from harsh masters and oppressive government leaders. Peter’s point was clear: live like Jesus in whatever situation, especially tough ones. Submitting to those we see as good, gentle, kind, and loving is easy. When we must submit to those who are unreasonable, harsh, oppressive, and crooked, we are left perplexed on how to accomplish this seemingly impossible task. How do we do that? 

Most would say, “We don’t have to put up with that. We have rights. We have freedoms.” Peter’s audience did not. How were they to live? Some may have thought (like we have), “I’ll get even. I’ll do unto them as they have done unto me.” This is not the heart of Christ, nor his instructions to those suffering in Peter’s letter. We should respond as Romans 12 tells us, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This challenges me. What about you?

Lent challenges us to live like Christ. 1 Peter 2:21-23 shows us Jesus’ example. He suffered for us, leaving us an example to follow in his steps (v. 21). No deceit was in his mouth, and no sin in his actions (v. 22). When insulted, he did not retaliate. When suffering, he made no threats. He entrusted himself to God who would judge justly (v. 23). We have been called with a purpose – to suffer as Jesus did. Suffering doesn’t sound appealing. Jesus was persecuted. Paul reminds us, “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him but to suffer for His sake.” This doesn’t mean we go looking for trouble, but when it finds us for being his disciples, we do so with Christlikeness. We don’t retaliate, we don’t lash out, we don’t seek to harm others. We react righteously with love, meekness, and humility. This doesn’t produce salvation – it displays our Savior. This was Christ’s example. This should be our response.

First Peter 1:24-25 shows us the sacrifice of Christ. This passage references Isaiah 53 several times. Jesus died because he bore our sins in his own body on the cross. He took our sins in his flesh. We are healed in our sinfulness because of his wounds on the cross. We are forgiven and must die to sin because we are saved to live for righteousness (v. 24). I love how Peter ends the chapter – we need the Good Shepherd, the Overseer of our souls (v. 25). We who have returned to him, having gone astray because of sin, should now live for the one who died in our place. 

Questions: 

How has sin led you astray from the Lord?

How has Jesus been a “Good Shepherd” and “Overseer of your soul” to you when you’ve strayed?

Prayer:

Jesus, we thank you for overseeing and shepherding our souls. You who suffered and died saved us. Now, we return to you to live righteously and honor you even when we face suffering and trials. Help us remember our calling and your perfect example. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Read: 

1 Peter 2:21-25

Action Step:

Do you know someone suffering from religious persecution? Perhaps a missionary in a country closed to the gospel? Pray and consider how you can encourage them. Write them a letter, send them a secure message, and pray for them. Can you send them a care package? Can you donate to encourage them? Is it possible to plan a trip to visit them? Thank God today for missionaries who serve Jesus worldwide to spread the gospel’s Good News!