He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed by his wounds. 1 Peter 2:24 WEB
In this portion of Peter’s first epistle, the writer encourages the faithful to follow the example of Jesus in submission to all authority. Allowing God to be our vindicator and trusting him to judge fairly, we do what is right without retaliating for the injustice we receive from others. Jesus instructs his followers in the same way in Matthew 5:39 saying, “But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. WEB”
Without Jesus’ willingness to endure suffering without retaliation, we would remain lost in our sin. Although innocent himself, Jesus bore our sin on the cross and suffered in justice to pay for our transgressions. Healed by his wounds, our willingness to follow Jesus’ example illustrates the difference between living in the flesh and living in the Spirit.
Christ says in John 18:36, “”My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here. WEB” Thanks to Jesus’ willingness to suffer injustice on our behalf, we no longer live in sin. Free from sin, we live righteous lives by the example set by Christ.
Give Place to God’s Wrath
Paul teaches this lesson also. In Romans 12:19 he writes, “Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For scripture says, ‘Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.’ WEB” When treated unfairly, we turn the other cheek and allow God to be our vindicator. Rather than returning evil for evil, we follow the example of Christ and forgive those who mistreat us.
Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:44, “But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you. WEB” We read a prophecy in Isaiah 53:5, “But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed. WEB” Healed by his wounds, forgiven and saved by God’s grace, we follow the example of Christ to endure suffering without retaliation.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the example of Jesus Christ. Healed by his wounds, help me to endure insults and injury without responding in the flesh. Give me strength and peace to follow the example of Christ. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Fishers of Men
