Passage
1 Peter 2:18-24
18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “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.”
Commentary & Questions
1. This passage talks about our suffering here on earth. What does it mean to suffer unjustly, and why is it important to be conscious of God through it?
2. Oftentimes we are quick to anger. We desire to have the final word in an argument, throw the last punch against a sibling, or speak a hurtful word to end a conversation. We need to feel like we “won” when faced with an unjust circumstance; however, Jesus Christ responded in silence. What allowed him to respond in such a way?
3. In verse 24, I find it interesting that the author says Christ “bore our sins in his body.” It wasn’t just my sin or your sin. It was the sin of all people: past, present, and future. And it wasn’t just on him or through him that he bore our sin on the cross; it was in his body. He was filled with our sin. How does that make you feel, knowing your debt has eternally been paid?
4. “By his wounds you have been healed.” This is such a simple sentence. Take a few minutes and reflect on the magnitude of what that means.
5. We have been healed because Jesus Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice. Though this does not mean you won’t face trials and hardships here on earth, it gives you a reason to persevere and a way to respond. Are there any hardships you are going through right now that you can give to God?
My prayer for you is to grow in your knowledge and understanding of God’s love. He sent his one and only son, Jesus Christ, to die for you. How incredible is that? No matter what you go through here on earth, your Heavenly Father is faithful and just, and will forgive your sins and purify you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). You are healed and forgiven all because of love. Take time throughout the day to say “thank you” to God for all he has blessed you with. Entrust yourself today to him who judges justly through all circumstances.
Devotional Author: Nicole Presley