13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human
institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors
as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to
silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free,
not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all
respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For
this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while
suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are
beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you
endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you
have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example,
so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was
deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in
return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself
to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the
tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you
have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now
returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Pe 2:13–25 ). Wheaton : Standard Bible
Society.
Jesus Christ our Good Shepherd stood before his sheers and was silent. He had not committed any sin, yet he was reviled and persecuted. He still stood silently before his accusers. Christ Jesus knew he would have to suffer for the sins of his people. He knew he was going to lay down his life for the sheep. He stood before the judge and said nothing.
Jesus bore our sins upon the tree. He was cursed by God. He will come again to gather his sheep that have went astray. He will judge between the sheep and the goats. He is our true Shepherd. He is the Overseer of our souls. He is the one who gives life and salvation, but condemns those who do not believe in his name.
Christ our Lord has looked at the people of the earth. He has had pity on them. He has seen they are like sheep without a shepherd. They each seem to wander off in their own direction. They defile themselves with wickedness. We have all gone astray. We are looking for our shepherd to come and call us out darkness.
Jesus our Redeemer has given us life. He has ransomed our souls from death. Christ has made us alive through his sacrifice on the cross. He is our Good Shepherd who will lead us to salvation. He is the true Overseer of our souls. He gives us Eternal Life.
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