In approximately AD 65 Peter wrote his letter 1 Peter to the early church that was growing in spite of the rising persecution they were experiencing under the Roman Empire. Peter is encouraging believers that God is in control and that suffering for the sake of Jesus is noble and good. He teaches that life can be hard, but God is always good while reminding them that for the believer a much better day awaits them in paradise.
In the second chapter Peter writes:
“When Jesus was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:23-25).
It is hard not to long for retaliation in the face of unjust criticism or suffering. However, Jesus returned insult with meekness as a lamb (see: Isa 53:7). How was he able to do so? Christ’s humble response was the result of continued entrusting of Himself as well as those who mistreated Him entirely to God. He knew that God is good and just and would work everything out in the end.
Peter wants believers to understand that we can indeed follow Christ’s example. When we have faith in God and believe that He judges rightly, we can forgive others and entrust the outcome to Him. The simple truth is that every bad deed will either be covered by the blood of Christ or repaid justly by God.
Peter draws our attention to the unique, substitutionary, sin-bearing death of Jesus and our healing. Healing in the atonement (Christ’s death bringing redemption and reconciliation with God) does not in this context refer to physical healing, but to the forgiveness of sins. Peter wants believers to understand that Jesus’ death should lead to a profound change in their lives. In Christ, in all circumstances we can sever all ties to the sin that entangles us and live lives devoted to Christ in a holy manner, living in righteousness. As Isaiah proclaimed:
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isa 53:6).
This redemptive work of Christ has allowed us to return to the Lord and walk under His compassionate care, sound wisdom, and unlimited power.
In short, we can follow Christ’s example because in His example lies the sacrifice that brought us salvation and the power to be sanctified, where we cooperate with God having Him execute in us the ongoing transformation of greater Christlikeness. We can love others and respond lovingly, not by our mere willpower, but by the freedom, fullness, and faithfulness found in Christ.
Life can be hard, but God is always good. Let us continue to be encouraged by the example of Christ. As we journey together let us encourage one another in the truth that through the finished work of Christ on the cross we can follow His example of trust in the Lord and expression of humble love to even those who make it difficult for us to do so.