Sermon Cloud

I Peter 2:21-25

Peter concludes his teaching on submission to authority with a straightforward address concerning the Servant Jesus. This passage is very likely an adaptation of an early Christian hymn about Christ. It suits Peter’s theme beautifully as, in close dependence upon Isaiah 53, it describes how Jesus, the Suffering Servant of the Lord, submitted to suffering in this world because of His obedience to His heavenly Father. Being obedient to His Father did not deliver Him from suffering, but led Him straight to it! Through His suffering we have found forgiveness, restoration, peace and healing. To suffer, therefore, is to simply walk in His footsteps. Both Isaiah and Peter describe us as sheep that have gone astray and now have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian (Overseer) of our souls. As we consider the sufferings of Christ, we have a clear picture of His love for us, His qualifications for and His understanding of the human condition in His position as our Guardian. As we consider the resurrection of Christ, we have a clear picture of His ability to triumph (with us included) in every human dilemma. He is our complete and capable Guardian. We can be sure that whatever happens in our lives, we have Jesus, Our Lord, as our Guardian!