May 4, 2023

Today's Reading:  1 Peter 2:19-25

Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 17:1-16; Luke 10:23-42

For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 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. 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. (1 Peter 2:19–21 ESV)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Our reading for today really needs to be read in context to be properly understood. It comes in the midst of what is known as a “household code” where Peter uses the normal structure of society to talk about Jesus. Grecco/Roman culture was all about structure and order. Everyone had their ordained part to play and if they did not play it then society did not function.  In our case he is specifically addressing household servants who may continue to suffer unjustly simply because  they are Christians. Christianity itself was seen as a challenge to the social order because it was thought to encourage people to act outside of their established roles. 

What Peter is getting at is that their faith did not change their status in society.  Becoming a Christian did not mean that they were free to walk away from a bad situation. They were to continue to live out their roles even if that meant serving an unbelieving or even an evil master. Their faith did not merit them special treatment.  If they suffered because of their faith it was because of the paradigm that was set by Jesus.  His suffering was the model for theirs.  Another way to put it would be to say that their suffering was not an accurate reflection of their status before God. The evil that they had to endure was not a reflection of their eternal destiny.  

This may be an especially hard passage to read in our time and place where unjust suffering seems to be un-American.  The focus of our society is on individual rights and equity and yet Christians continue to suffer just because they are Christian.  Peter’s message to the Christians of his time is the same message that he has for you. Your faith has not changed your place in society. but it has changed your place in eternity.  No matter what happens here you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Let us suffer here with Jesus, And with patience bear our cross. Joy will follow all our sadness; Where he is, there is no loss. Though today we snow no laughter, We shall reap celestial joy; All discomforts that annoy Shall give way to mirth hereafter. Jesus, here I share Your woe; Help me there your joy to know. (Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus, LSB 685:2)

- Pastor Grant A Knepper is Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Modesto, CA.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Jonathan Lackey is an LCMS seminarian.

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.