He Did This For Me
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
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. “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.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” f but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1Peter 2:21-25)
Hello Saints,
Before we get started, take a moment to read Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12, entitled the “Suffering Servant”. There is no doubt that Peter has this text in mind as he is writing this portion of his letter to these persecuted, dispersed Christians. It is no coincidence that the passage quoted above, is inserted by Peter into a section in which he is writing about submission and servanthood, even slavery. Under the influence of Holy Spirit, Peter easily, seamlessly transitions from that topic to the atoning, substitutionary work of Jesus on the cross. The cross of Christ was the ultimate act of submission and slavery. An innocent Servant being led to His death in perfect submission to His Master – He had come to do His Father’s will – a slave being killed for sinning against his master. Now wait a minute…Jesus was the sinless Lamb of God. Yes Indeed, He committed no sin! But at the moment of His arrest, He would be charged with our sins: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2Cor. 5:21). We were the ones who were slaves to sin, but Jesus took our place, our punishment. He became a slave to sin on our behalf, and was put to death as a sinful slave who constantly disobeyed his master (Read Romans 6:15-23). He Himself, in His body bore our sins, took them as if they were His own. He endured the shame, the insults of a condemned criminal – it should have been us, but He took our place – my place and your place! This Great Shepherd became me - a sheep constantly going astray. The Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:11, 15, 17-18). This is why Jesus came – to take away the sins of the world – every sin ever committed by anyone who ever existed, past, present and future. Those who put their trust in Him and His atoning, substitutionary sacrifice on the cross, receive forgiveness, pardon, reconciliation with God, and a new title of “Righteous Saint”, no longer “condemned sinner”. The righteousness of Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God is imputed (credited) to us. The sacrifice of Jesus changes our status, and we are made right with God (Romans 3:21-26).
Now I must say something about this incredible statement, “by His wounds you have been healed”. Peter is quoting Isaiah 53:5, “by His stripes we are healed.” The immediate context is in relation to sin. The forgiveness of sins, the imputation of a new identity (forgiven saint, no longer condemned sinner), and the restoration as a son or daughter of God, brings incredible healing to the heart, mind and soul. The heavy weight of that sin does much to destroy an individual on the inside. The effects of being under the weight of sin also has physical manifestations. This is so evident in the gospels where Jesus heals many people and in so doing pronounces “your sins are forgiven” (See Matt. 9:1-8; Luke 7:36-50; John 5:14). The greatest tie to healing available in the work of Christ at Calvary’s cross comes in Matthew 8:16-17: “When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” Matthew and Peter quote the same passage, from Isaiah 53:4-5, and connect healing and the substitutionary atonement by Jesus. The word used by Peter for healed (iaomai) speaks mainly of physical healing, not necessarily spiritual. This is most remarkable, because what is being said is that every level of healing is available at the cross of Christ.
Let me conclude with these final thoughts. This great Shepherd and Overseer of our souls is completely able to save us to the uttermost, protect us, heal our wounds on every level, feed us, nurture us, care for us, guide us, defend us, save us, and lead us safely into the sheep pen – even to the ultimate destination of green pastures, and quiet waters, where we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psa. 23). He died to give us life, even life everlasting. Hallelujah!
I believe that Peter brings his readers who are suffering for their faith on many levels to a point of reflection on the One for whom they suffer, even Jesus. And, he reminds them of all that Christ has done and purchased for them. Christ suffered, suffered even unto death, for us – to get us home to be with the Father. His sacrifice was not in vain. The mission was accomplished, and our Shepherd will lead us home, and is watching over us till we get there. Peter anchors us in Christ to face whatever life throws at us, knowing that this is not our home. With that truth, we can press on through any trial. Can I encourage you to read the first 9 verses of chapter 1 of 1Peter again, and you will see the incredible hope Peter has in His Savior to get him and us to the promised land to receive our inheritance. Keep your eyes on Jesus! Your Shepherd will get you to the finish line!
Be blessed as you meditate on these truths this week!
Leave a Comment