Jesus, the Shepherd and Guardian of Our Souls-1 Peter 2:13-25
1 Peter 2:13-25
Key Verse: 25
“For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”
A quick review—Peter, from verses 11-12, wrote to believers to behave in the world as God’s people. He wrote in verse 12, “live such good lives among the pagans.” Why? Remember because pagans were carefully watching the growing new religion led by Christians. There were a lot of misunderstandings as we studied about last time, even accusing Christians for committing cannibalism and incest. That is why in today’s passage, Peter encouraged believers to be model citizens, who are submissive to those in authority. For though they were to live holy lives they still had to work and live alongside unbelievers. As Jesus had taught his disciples to live in the world, but not to be of the world. Basically, it means to live with two citizenships—a heavenly citizenship and an earthly citizenship. With a heavenly citizenship we obey God’s law and with an earthly citizenship we obey the law of the land. This is why Peter writes about submission. Both to God’s law and the law of the land and that the motivation of our submission is for the glory of God. In general, American people, especially the younger demographics, don’t like to hear the word “submit” for it implies loss of freedom or defeat. Sometimes, I watch highlights of MMA fights and one of the ways a fighter can defeat his opponent is through a submission hold and the opponent has to tap out. Nobody likes to tap out saying, “I’m a loser.” But we must learn the example of our Lord Jesus Christ who willing submitted himself to God’s will and became the Savior of the world.
Look at verse 13. “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority…” Since the believers had accepted salvation through the precious blood of Jesus, they were not just ordinary people. They were now “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” They had obtained a new citizenship in the kingdom of God. Some of the believers may have thought that they were now above the law in the land because when they saw the pagan government with new insight, they could see that it was corrupt and had laws that were in direct conflict with God’s law. For example, emperor worship, slavery, killing of unwanted babies, etc. But Peter did not encourage believers to rise up in rebellion against the evils in the government. He told them to first submit themselves to human authority for the Lord’s sake.
Verse 13a. “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men.” The believers were to submit themselves to the authorities instituted by men. They were to live in submission and humbleness. At that time, as of today, in general submissive and humble people are looked down upon as weaklings. Proud, vocal, and independent people are looked at as strong people—and in our culture today it appears that the louder you are the stronger you appear. Paradoxically, humbleness and submission to God are the secrets to spiritual strength for a believer who is depending and trusting in the Almighty God. Though Jesus is the Son of God he lived and ministered on earth as a humble shepherd. Jesus also submitted to the Roman authority when he was falsely accused and crucified. Once he was asked about paying taxes to Rome. It was a politically loaded question to see where Jesus’ loyalty was. When Jesus looked at a coin with Cesar’s inscription he said, “Give to Cesar what is Cesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Like Peter, Jesus taught his disciples to be respectful to those in authority because if rulers are truly obeying God’s law they will rule the land with justice and equality as God would expect.
Look at verse 14. “…or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” The righteous laws in society are based on the Ten Commandments and in the law of God are clear punishments for those who violate his law. That is why we need authorities in the government to punish those who do wrong and commend those who do right. Without police and legal authorities, criminals would be free to commit crimes like illegal drugs, sex trafficking, child abuse, theft, murder, etc. Of course, not all governments are equal and even good governments can be run by corrupt officials. That is why government is known as “a necessary evil.” In general, if a government follow’s God’s law we should be in compliance. However, there are many examples in the Bible and history when God’s people did not comply to evil laws of governments because they went against the law of God. We need to have spiritual discernment and not just blindly follow laws of the land that go against God’s law.
In the book of Exodus chapter 1, Pharaoh saw that the Israelite slaves were increasing in number. He wanted to use population control and commanded the midwives to kill all baby boys. But they refused to obey the Pharaoh’s command because they feared God. Then God blessed the midwives more with their own children and through them God protected baby Moses, as well, as many others. As we studied in Acts, Peter and John were thrown in jail because they were preaching the gospel of Jesus. They were commanded not to speak the name of Jesus any longer. Acts 4:19-20 reads. “But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” This is the same Peter who wrote “submit to authorities.” But he knew clearly when to obey God’s law rather than man’s law. He even wrote this when the evil and megalomaniac emperor Nero was on the throne. When Nazis occupied Holland in WWII there was a law that all citizens had to turn over Jews to them. But Corrie ten Boom and her family refused to obey this law. Instead, they hid Jews in their home from the Nazis even though they knew they might be arrested for civil disobedience. These stories are exceptions and in general, God’s people are to be law abiding citizens. Why? As was in Peter’s time, as well as with our times, it is to silence their critics.
Look at verse 15. “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.” As mentioned earlier, in Peter’s time people were looking at believers very critically and even if they made one mistake, they were called evildoers. That is why it was important for believers to do good in order to silence those who opposed them. Paul wrote in Titus 3:1-2. “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.” Remember that even Paul went to jail and was publicly flogged because he obeyed God rather than men. When Christians live like this in the midst of a pagan culture, it is a powerful testimony. On the other hand, when professing Christians disrespect authority or when they disobey the law they leave themselves open to criticism by their opponents. We should use our freedom to live as servants of God.
Look at verse 16. “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” [Pic 10] We can live as servants of God as long as we are in obedience to God’s law. There is a saying that a train is only truly free when it runs on the tracks. The tracks are like God’s law that gives guidance and direction, otherwise, a train without tracks will only cause a train wreck or become useless. Human beings are only free when they obey God and true freedom is living righteously in submission to God. Therefore, for the Lord’s sake we submit to civil government as long as they do not go against God’s law. Servants of God are not exempt from civil laws and we comply to civil laws in order to be respectful to those in authority.
Look at verse 17. “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” [Pic 11] We should always show proper respect to those in authority. Even if we disagree with those in authority, we still show them proper respect because we respect the position or office that they are in. For example, we may disagree with a policy made by government leaders, but we still give respect for these government positions. Peter also differentiates between God and the king: “Fear God, honor the king.” The king deserves appropriate honor, but he is not on the same level with God. If he violates his responsibility which has been given to him by God then the believer is responsible to confront that violation. The purpose of government is to promote justice and peace in society. Submitting to government means obedience, respect, and good deeds. Most of all, the reason we submit is for the Lord’s sake.
Look at verse 18. “Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.” Here, it is important to understand the cultural background of that time. The Roman Empire ruled the world and whenever they conquered another country, they captured their enemies and made them slaves. Actually, at that time there were more slaves than Roman citizens. Many of these slaves became believers when they heard the good news of the gospel. Humanly, it would be reasonable for believing slaves to rise up against their masters. If that were the case, the young growing Christian church would only be labeled as a counter movement against slavery. They would lose God’s purpose which was to propagate the gospel of Jesus’ salvation work. We live in a free country but we know that many have taken their freedom to extremes in order to justify their sinful lives. Those slave to sin can never be truly free, while true freedom is in Christ, for he sets us free from sin. Instead of taking up the sword Peter encouraged believers to “submit yourselves to your masters with all respect.”
As we see in verse 18, not all masters were wicked and evil people. Many of them were “good and considerate” people. In the gospels, we remember the story of a Roman centurion who asked Jesus to heal his dying servant. Masters could even give their slaves the opportunity to buy their freedom after earning enough wages. Peter was also addressing slaves whose master’ were cruel and harsh because by submitting to their authority they could witness to them the humble and obedient characteristics of believers. Working hard and being recognized by a master glorifies God as well. When Jesus meets us in heaven what words are we waiting to hear? “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We are servants of Jesus, but when we work hard for our harsh earthly bosses, we can please God.
Look at verse 19. “For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.” Today, if a person or group of people are being treated unjustly people immediately want to fight for their rights. If they can afford it, call a lawyer to fight for their case or employees may even go on strike. In Peter’s time, slaves did not have such opportunities. Running away or beating a master could mean instand death to the slave. Instead of trying to help them get out of their difficult situation, Peter encouraged slaves who were believers to be conscious of God. To trust in God’s sovereignty and to see what they could do for God in their difficult situation. We remember the story of Joseph in Genesis who was unjustly thrown in prison on false charges of sexual misconduct. While in prison he did not become angry or bitter towards his accuser. Instead, he did his best to serve God while even in prison. While in prison, Joseph was conscious of God and even his unbelieving boss was happy with his hard work. His boss gave him a promotion in prison and later, God promoted him to the second highest office in Egypt.
Look at verse 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.” It is always better to do something good and suffer for it because this is commendable to God. An example of submitting to a harsh master and still doing good was King David. Before becoming king, he was a servant of King Saul, who was the first king chosen to rule over the people of God, Israel. But he became proud and did not follow God’s direction. Consequently, God chose David to be the next king of Israel in his place. Saul was jealous of David and even tried to kill him several times. David had several opportunities to kill Saul, but David would not lift a finger against Saul because he feared God. When David’s men told him to kill Saul in one of those opportunities David did not. 1 Samuel 24:6 reads. “He said to his men, ‘The Lord forbid that I should do such a wicked thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” Another example is Brother Yun, a Chinese evangelist in Communist China, who was also known as “heavenly man.” Just because he wanted to preach the truth of the gospel he was thrown in prison where he was beaten and tortured. But he continued to preach the gospel to other prisoners in spite of what the authorities did to him. God honored him and blessed his underground Christian ministry in China. But the greatest example of submission to God is Jesus.
Look at verse 21. “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” Jesus did not have to suffer because he committed no sin. But in order to save us from our sins Jesus took the punishment that we deserve upon himself. He was reviled, persecuted, and was slandered. What did he do? Did He retaliate? Not at all. He answered not a word at his trial. In meekness and humility, he committed himself to God. Matthew 27:12-14. “When he was accused by the chief priest and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.” [Pic 17] Jesus was given the opportunity to speak on his own behalf. He could have defended himself, but Jesus suffered for us by submitting himself to unjust men. The believing slaves were to follow Jesus’ example in their difficult situation to be a witness to their masters in order to win them over to Christ.
Christ suffering for us was clearly God’s will and fulfillment of prophecies. But we must also remember during his earthly ministry, Jesus was not quiet in defending the gospel truth. For example, in John 8 the Jews attacked Jesus’ character and authority by saying that he was bearing false witness about himself. They said that he was illegitimately born but Jesus did not silently endure this attack. Rather, he defended himself as being sent from the Father. He challenged these critics by saying that they were of their father, the devil. That’s hardly a passive, silent response. Nor was Jesus passive when he attacked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. Matthew 23:13 reads. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those who enter who are trying.” [Pic 18] The Apostle Paul wrote 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and parts of other epistles to defend his character and ministry which were under attack. He put down his critics in a strong and, at times, sarcastic manner. However, for the sake of the gospel and world salvation Jesus endured every kind of sufferings for our sins.
Look at verses 22-23. “’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.” We see that Peter quoted this verse from the book of Isaiah which was a messianic prophesy. Isaiah 53:6-7 reads. “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” [Pic 20] Jesus made it through the cross by continually entrusting himself to the Father who judges righteously. He knew that he would be vindicated by being raised from the dead and enthroned at the right hand of the Majesty on high. He knew that his persecutors would be judged and dealt with according to their sins. Jesus entrusted himself to the Father knowing that even though the way led to the cross, it also led through the cross to the glory beyond. In the same way, we can entrust ourselves to God when we carry our cross, because it will lead to the glory that awaits us in heaven. God is the righteous Judge who will someday right every wrong and bring vengeance on those who resist his authority. Our task is to trust him by submitting to human authority, even when we are treated unfairly.
There is a story of a Christian boy who had an unbelieving father. He asked his father if he could attend a church meeting one evening. The father reluctantly gave permission. As the boy walked home after the prayer meeting, a friend saw him and offered him a ride home in his car. The father saw his son get out of the friend’s car and said, “You lied to me about going to the prayer meeting! You really went out with your friends. I’m going to whip you for that!” The boy replied, “No, I went to the prayer meeting.” The father exploded, “I’m going to give you a double whipping for lying about it.”
The boy quietly endured the beating and didn’t grow bitter toward his father. He loved his dad and wanted to see him trust in Christ. A few days later the father was in the hardware store and ran into the pastor of the church where his son attended. Not knowing about the whipping, the pastor said, “You sure have a fine son. Last week in prayer meeting, he blessed us all with a fine word of testimony.” The father asked, “Was my boy in prayer meeting last week? I thought he went out with his friends.” The father was broken and soon came to Christ.
We learned about submitting to our earthly bosses even if they are unfair to us. Most of us may not be in such a situation, but we also learn that our work on earth should be used to glorify God. When I worked as an international teacher for 19 years in Ukraine, I could support God’s ministry and my family. For a few years, I attended a prayer meeting with other Christian teachers at my work place. We prayed once a week for our school and Ukraine. Also, several teachers were guest messengers to our church. But it was also a spiritual battlefield for my family as well because one director was treating me unfairly. I didn’t fight with him but prayed and trusted in God’s sovereignty. Even though he tried to fire me he could not because it was God’s will for me to stay. However, because of the war this year I and many teachers were laid off. But I continue to submit my life and my family into God’s hands. I want to trust in my Father God as Jesus trusted in God during his sufferings. Actually, God has blessed my family even more and we now are living here at the Bible house and taking care of God’s house as stewards. What a blessing.
Look at verse 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.” The verse begins with the words “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross.” How can anyone bear our sins? We understand fully why we suffer because of others sins. For example, millions of Ukrainians are suffering because of the evil intentions of one man. We also suffer because of our own sins. But Jesus, the Son of God, did not commit even one sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21 reads. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God.” [Pic 22] Jesus bore our sins because he was substituted in our place.
We all have to be punished because of our sins because our God is holy and righteous. We know that those who committed war crimes must be tried and prosecuted. It is right that such atrocities deserve justice. We all agree that those who kill innocent children and rape women should be put on trial. In the same way, before our Holy God we all deserve retribution for our sins. Holy God cannot let even one sin go unpunished. Therefore, because of our sins we should all go to hell, but our God is also merciful. In order to save men from their sins, God had to find someone worthy to take the place of sinful mankind, but sinful man cannot be worthy to save other sinful people. There was only one way and God decided to offer his own holy and pure Son, Jesus, in our place.
As we have studied about Peter’s writings, we learned that he was an excellent student of the Old Testament. Especially, in verse 24 he cites from Isaiah 53:12b. “For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” This was prophesied 700 years before Jesus was born. We can understand Jesus’ substitution in war also. In the American civil war, men were conscripted into the army to fight, but there was a law that allowed people to pay other men to take their place. These men were paid $3,000 to take their place. Today this is worth $54,000 and it was a lot of money. These replacements were called substitutes. But only the rich could afford substitutes to go to war and die for them. There was a saying at that time that war is “a rich man’s war and a poor man’s fight.” Praise God that he did not ask us to pay a price for our salvation. God gave it freely by his grace alone because no one can afford the price. Romans 6:23 reads, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [Pic 24]
The next part of verse 24 reads, “so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.” Peter did not write, “save from our sins and go to heaven.” Because after being saved from our sins we must change our life direction. After salvation, we must “live for righteousness.” We may not have killed anyone but if we were an angry person, now we live as a peaceful person. If we had lived with much lust, now we live in holiness and purity. If we lived for ourselves selfishly, now we live to serve others and consider them better than ourselves. However, we lived before Christ, we live 180 degrees different after Christ. Romans 6:4 reads. “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” [Pic 25] In Christ, we have been separated from the power of our old nature. It does not mean we can live sin free lives. It means that by God’s power and help we can live new lives. We can live lives that please God and lives that glorify God.
The last part of verse 24 reads, “by his wounds you have been healed.” Even before the cross Jesus was beaten and whipped. On the cross, his hands and feet were nailed and his side was pierced by a spear. He was bleeding from head to toe, but his wounds cause healing for those who have suffered pain and wounds in life. The cross is the place where all the wounds of sin are healed. Primarily, Peter is talking about spiritual healing. We are also wounded because of sins in many ways. But Jesus bore the wounds on himself that we may be healed. If you suffer from emotional problems: guilt, anxiety, depression, anger, or whatever, there is healing in the cross of Christ. If you are going through tragedy or suffering, there is comfort in abundance as you contemplate the sufferings of our Lord Jesus on your behalf. We all need to come to Jesus for healing. Jesus wants to heal us because he is our Good Shepherd and Guardian of our souls.
Look at verse 25. “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” [Pic 26] The Bible is clear. There is no one righteous, not even one. We all have sinned and gone astray from God. We became like lost sheep. When we learn about sheep, we understand why the Bible uses the analogy of sheep to sinners. Domestic sheep are some of the dumbest animals around. They must be under the care of a shepherd or they will fall prey to carnivorous beasts. If they get lost in bad weather, they are not smart enough or strong enough to survive. They are not even smart enough to know that they are not smart. So, they are continually wandering off and getting themselves into trouble. They have no defense mechanism and are easy prey to predators. Unless they have a shepherd, they are lost. We were like sheep, but praise God for Jesus our Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.
I praise God for my Shepherd and Overseer of my soul Jesus. I was destined to die in my sins because I was an angry young man inwardly because I was bullied when I was young, so I wanted to get revenge and do harm to others. But I thank God for my Shepherd Jesus who called me to Bible study when I was a 19-year-old UIC student. In 1983, I accepted that Jesus bore my sins on himself on the cross. He healed me of the wounds caused by my own sins. Now by God’s grace, I became a man of peace. I can seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first. May God help each of us come to our Shepherd and Guardian of our souls Jesus today. Amen.
