1 Peter 2:21-25 God called you to endure suffering because Christ suffered for you. He left you an example so that you could follow in his footsteps. Christ never committed any sin. He never spoke deceitfully. Christ never verbally abused those who verbally abused him. When he suffered, he didn’t make any threats but left everything to the one who judges fairly. Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross so that freed from our sins, we could live a life that has God’s approval. His wounds have healed you. You were like lost sheep. Now you have come back to the shepherd and bishop of your lives.

Peter reminds the recipients of this letter that Jesus suffered. Not only did He suffer, but He did so on their behalf. Jesus suffered brutal behavior at the hands of others, not for what He had done, but for what everyone else has done. Peter lists the reason Jesus did this as being twofold: “Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross so that freed from our sins, we could live a life that has God’s approval.”

First of all, Jesus wanted to free us from our sins. His wounds provide that healing for us. By faith, we lay hold of what He did for us. In response, with hearts full of gratitude, you and I are to live a life that has God’s approval. That means we should no longer let sin be the master over us. We are sheep that have been found by the Good Shepherd. We should let our thanks show by staying close to that Shepherd, letting Him lead and guide us.

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me The quiet waters by.

My soul he doth restore again And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness, Even for his own name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale, Yet will I fear no ill;
Four thou art with me, and thy rod And staff me comfort still.

My table thou hast furnished In presence of my foes;
My head thou dost with oil anoint, And my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life Shall surely follow me;
And in god’s house forevermore My dwelling place shall be.

 

Lutheran Worship #416