Following Christ's Endurance (1Peter 2:21-25)

FOLLOWING CHRIST’S ENDURANCE (1Peter 2:21-25):

Peter stresses that the believers are called to do good though there might be sufferings for that. Peter quotes the example of Jesus Christ who is a perfect example to all the believers. Because Christ has suffered for every one of us without doing any evil and leaving us an example, we could also follow His footsteps. The life of Christ was very good and useful to many of the people of His age spiritually, mentally, and physically. There is no one who could claim that His teachings and actions are wrong by a pure heart but some of the officials and leaders did it for their selfish glory and gain. Christ had never fought or took revenge for all accusations and evil actions of the officials or leaders and at the same time, He doesn’t encourage that by being quite all the time. Obviously, there are certain times when He remained quiet but there are always times in which He was retributive, trying and helping them to realize the truth. He committed no sin in any of His actions as His intentions and thoughts were upright. Neither there wasn’t any deceit to attract people for any gain or glory, He did what was much needed for the people without seeking His own.

The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Teachers of the law tried to accuse Jesus with a lot of questions, but they couldn’t overcome as He made them think by questions, and sometimes He gave them wise answers. Also, they told Him that He is from Satan, He blasphemes and spread much false information about Him, but they couldn’t stop His fame spreading throughout. Though many of them reviled, Jesus never reviles in return in spite of having all the power and authority over human beings and nature. Everything was created by Him and everything was created for Him but He never threatened anyone and He underwent all the sufferings that were thrust upon Him. Though the judges aren’t fair but heeded to the people to gain their support, Jesus didn’t tell any harsh words to them but instead, He entrusted Himself to all who were given the authority to Judge in the earth, mindful of God who judges justly. 

By the eternal purpose and will of God, Jesus himself bore our sins in His body that’s pierced, shedding the precious blood and accepting the crucifixion on the cross. He did that so that all the people who look unto Him with a heart of repentance and reconciliation may die to sin and live a life free from guilt dying to sin. It’s not just dying to sin but also knowing the truth and living a life of righteousness which has love, joy, and peace in it. By the sacrifice and wounds of the Lord Jesus Christ, all our shame is taken away and all the believers have been healed. Before knowing Jesus, all people were moving aimlessly unable to find a purpose or path of life like a sheep that’s straying. The believers reconciled to God through faith in Jesus, a chief shepherd who knew all the needs of people and who could be the best overseer of the souls. Jesus knew everything even the feelings and thoughts. He could be the best master to lead the believers on the right path.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection

1.      Who has suffered for the people?

2.      For what the believers have been called?

3.      How we can follow the steps of Jesus?

4.      Whom Christ had entrusted himself to?

5.      Why Christ bore our sins in his body on the tree?

6.      What does it mean ‘die to sin’?

7.      What does it mean ‘Live to righteousness’?

8.      Why the believers were straying like sheep?

9.      How the Lord can be a Shepherd and Overseer of our Souls?

10.  What are the qualities we can inherit as believers?