4 Key Questions

Peter didn’t seem to have trouble submitting to his call to follow Jesus in the beginning. Or even during the good years, when Jesus was travelling the countryside, increasing in popularity.

It must have been so exciting when Jesus was going from village to village, healing and performing miracles. It would have felt so good to hear Jesus out-teach, and out-quote Scripture in those confrontations with religious leaders.

Then everything took a very different turn.

He had been called to follow Jesus. But when Jesus was arrested, following Him was not so easy. Faced with his own arrest and potentially death, Peter chose to deny Him. Three times he denied that he was a follower of Jesus.

Why couldn’t he just submit to his calling? That God was in control? Because Peter was like every other human being. Peter was like us.

Submission is difficult when there’s a potential for suffering.

Over 20 years later…

God calls Peter to write a letter of hope to a group of Christians who have been abandoned, and exiled for following Jesus.

He calls them to “Be subject” (to submit) to government authorities that reject them. (1 Pt. 2:13-17) He calls servants to “be subject” (to submit) to earthly masters that persecute them. (1 Pt. 2:18-21)

A letter of hope? How can this kind of submission ever lead to hope? Can hope be found in submission?

Peter provides a solid defence!

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he 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 2:21-25

1. Who Is Our Example?

In verse 21, we read that Jesus submitted to the point of suffering. And that we’ve been called to follow His example.

Submission is easy when life is good. Following Jesus is easy when life is easy. But when we’re challenged for our faith, or treated poorly for our faith, how do we respond?

2. How Should We Respond?

In verses 22 and 23, Peter explains what Jesus’ example of submission looked like.

• “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.”
• “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return…”
• “…when he suffered, he did not threaten…”

3. Who Is In Control?

How did Jesus do it? And how could we possibly follow this example? The last half of verse 23 gives us clarity. “…but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”

Ultimate authority will always be under God the Father.

4. Why Does It Matter?

In verses 24 and 25, we read a clear Gospel reminder. Peter comes back to the why. Because…

“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 Pt. 2:24-25

He submitted and suffered for us. Our hope is set on our future life! And Jesus was the first of many to suffer for the Gospel throughout Church history. And submitting to the point of suffering almost always produces more Gospel reach!

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts:

Where is Jesus asking you to submit? Your life? Your gifts and talents? Your money and possessions? What piece of your freedom have you been holding back?