BY HIS WOUNDS YOU HAVE BEEN HEALED

1 Peter 2:11-25
Key Verse: 2:24

“‘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.’”

In the last passage we learned about our identity in God through his words,
“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special
possession….” God has given us this wonderful identity purely by his grace and
out of his love for us. God wants us to have this clear identity while we live in this
world. When we have this identity we can have a sense of dignity as God’s
children. However, this does not make our practical lives easy. Having an identity
is one thing, and living as God’s chosen people in daily life is another matter. The
world we live in is full of injustice, violence and immorality. When we live godly
lives, naturally we become the targets of accusation and insult, and will be
persecuted in both word and deed. What is worse, we have our own sinful desires
that tempt us to live like people in the world. Nevertheless, Peter urges us to live
good lives, to submit to authority, to show proper respect, to love the family of
believers, and even to submit to harsh masters. How can we do these things?
Though we want to, we have no strength. We know that we should love others, but
we naturally criticize and blame them instead. We know that we should be
thankful, but naturally we complain. We know we should be submissive and
respectful, but naturally we become rebellious. It is because our souls are wounded
in many ways. Everyone has wounds that foster resentment, bitterness or a spirit of
vengeance. These wounds torment our souls and infect what we say and do. They
not only destroy our own character, but also harm others whom we associate with.
When wounded people live together, they easily wound each other and become
worse. In order to live good lives, we need to be healed. Let’s come to Jesus who
understands and heals us.

In verses 11-12, Peter gives general directives about how to live good lives
in regards to inner struggles and outward manifestation. Verses 13-17 contain
specific instructions to all believers. Verses 18-25 are given to slaves, but can be
applied to all believers. Especially in verses 21-25 we find the source of strength
and motivation which enables us to live good lives.

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BY HIS WOUNDS YOU HAVE BEEN HEALED
First, how to live good lives (11-12). In verse 11, Peter called the believers, “dear
friends.” Even though he was a great apostle, he called them his friends. He
learned from Jesus who called him, “friend” (Jn 15:15). Friendship should
characterize the Christian fellowship. He also called them “foreigners and exiles,”
which would better be translated “strangers and pilgrims” (KJV). Though we are
a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s special possession,
we live in this world as strangers and pilgrims. We are strangers to the people in
this world because our language and lifestyle is different. Especially our hope and
desires are different (4:4). We are pilgrims because we don’t think of this world as
our permanent home; we are on the way to the kingdom of God. Traveling through
this world is like crossing a bridge; no one tries to build a permanent house on a
bridge—only a fool would do such a thing. As strangers and pilgrims, how should
we live? Peter says in verse 11: “abstain from sinful desires, which wage war
against your soul.” Why did he mention this first? It is because sinful desires have
power to draw us into the world and entangle us. Here, “sinful desires” refer to
more than sexual immorality and debauchery. They also include self-seeking,
selfish ambition, self-glorification, and all manner of ego indulgence. These sinful
desires wage war against our soul, weaken our spirituality, and hinder our
pilgrimage to the kingdom of God. Sinful desires do offer a kind of fleeting
pleasure (Heb 11:25); so it may be painful to abstain from them. But this is an
absolutely necessary step to living a good life.

In verse 12 Peter exhorts us to live good lives among the pagans. Jesus said,
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and
glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt 5:16). When the light of God shines through
us, it exposes the darkness in unbelievers, and provokes their reaction. So they
accuse us of doing wrong and then try to dig out some basis for their accusations
by finding a little selfish behavior or some bit of unkindness in us. When we hear
their accusations, it is easy to be upset and defensive and begin fighting with them.
If we fight with them, we give them even more reasons to accuse us. Instead of
doing this, we should focus on living a good life with a genuine motive of love,
serving them sacrificially. Then, when they see our good deeds, they realize that
their accusations are groundless and God is the source of our goodness. This may
influence them to believe in God. Then they glorify God, not grudgingly, but
willingly as recipients of his grace who can also live a good life. In this respect, we
Christians are ambassadors of Christ. That is why we live a good life; it is part of
our Christian witness.

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BY HIS WOUNDS YOU HAVE BEEN HEALED
Second, live as God’s servants (13-20). In these verses Peter gives practical
instructions about how we should live, and explains why they are important.
Verses 13-15 urge submission to human authorities, especially the emperor and
governors. Peter upholds the legitimacy of these authorities to punish those who do
wrong and to commend those who do right (14; Ro 13:1-3). In Peter’s time, people
misunderstood Christians as a subversive element whose goal was to overturn the
Roman Empire, for they worshiped only King Jesus, refusing to recognize Caesar
as divine. Some immature believers, in showing a resistant and belligerent attitude
toward authority, might have escalated conflict. Peter reminds them that it was
God’s will to do good. Here “doing good” is expressed by submission to authority.
This would silence those who were making foolish accusations against them (15).
Verses 16-17 are about how to use freedom as God’s servants. The version of the
Bible called The Message says, “Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by
breaking the rules.” We should show proper respect to everyone, love the family
of believers, fear God, and honor leaders.

In verses 18-20 Peter gives instructions to slaves. When we hear the word
“slave,” we naturally think on the basis of our own historical context. However,
slavery in the Greco-Roman world was different. Some slaves lived miserably,
especially those who served in mines. Yet other slaves served as doctors, teachers,
managers, musicians, and artisans, and could even own slaves themselves. It would
not be unusual for a slave to be better educated than the master. But still, they were
under the control of their masters. They had no legal rights. Their masters could
beat them, brand them, and abuse them in many ways. It was not easy to submit to
one’s master, especially to those who were harsh. In America today, from a legal
standpoint, there are no slaves. However, there are many people whose practical
situation is comparable, such as illegal immigrants, or the socially and
economically underprivileged. Sometimes we feel like slaves, such as mothers who
are bound to care for their children, or employees who must work overtime and on
holidays without any vacation. When we feel constricted like a slave, we naturally
feel rebellious and resentful and can fall into self-pity and play the victim. This
mentality fosters laziness and dishonesty when the employer or master is not
watching. Peter exhorted them, “Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit
yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate,
but also to those who are harsh” (18). He also said, “For it is commendable if
someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are
conscious of God” (19). When they recognized God, who was there, and was
watching over them, taking care of them, they were able to endure. So Peter

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encouraged them to suffer for doing good instead of suffering for doing wrong.
This is commendable before God (20).

As we hear the words, “submit…respect…fear…honor,” a rebellious

spirit may arise within us. It is because spiritually speaking, we sinners are
descendants of Cain who rebelled against God, became a restless wanderer, and
went to live in his own way. We naturally tend toward rebellion rather than
obedience. In our nation, particularly, rebellion is often justified in the guise of
human freedom. Recently, the results of international tests of high school students
were announced. America, even though we spend more money, have great
technology, and students who work very hard, could do no better than 21st place in
the major categories, while many Asian nations were at the top. There may be
many reasons, but failure to respect teachers may be the most significant. This
reflects not only on students, but on their parents as well as our society. We need to
learn submission to the authorities, respect for everyone, and fear of God, and to
honor our leaders.

How can we do that? In verses 13-20 Peter used the words, “…for the
Lord’s sake…it is God’s will…live as God’s servants (slaves)…in reverent
fear of God…conscious of God…this is commendable before God.” These
words teach us that God is present wherever we are, whatever our situation is.
Sometimes, when we are in a hostile environment, we ask ourselves, “Where is
God? Is God among us or not?” Then we doubt God’s love and power and fall into
fatalism and confusion. But when we are aware that God is with us we can
overcome all kinds of hardships. God is watching over us. Psalm 121:7-8 say,
“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the
Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” God
cares for those who seek him and rewards them. God also punishes those who do
evil. When we are aware of God, we can endure suffering, even unjust suffering.
We can be good stewards and even become shepherds for our employers, like Old
Testament Joseph and Daniel. We can be a good influence, and glorify God,
regardless of our situation.

Third, follow in Jesus’ steps (21-25). Though we know how to live a good life
and are aware of God, still, it is not easy to do. We need practical guidance and
inner strength. Peter points us to Jesus who is our example and source of strength.
In verses 21-23 we find Jesus’ example. In verses 24-25 we see what Jesus has
done for us to become our source of life and strength.

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BY HIS WOUNDS YOU HAVE BEEN HEALED
First of all, Jesus is our good example. Verse 21 says, “To this you were
called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you
should follow in his steps.” In saying, “To this you were called,” Peter affirms
that suffering for doing good is part of Christian life. Philippians 1:29 says, “For it
has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also
to suffer for him.” Jesus set a good example in suffering for doing good when he
suffered for us. So when we suffer for doing good we are following in Jesus’
footsteps. It is the way to really learn of Jesus. That is why Paul said, “I want to
know Christ…participation in his sufferings” (Php 3:10). Let’s think about
Jesus’ example. Peter quoted Isaiah 53:9 to emphasize that Jesus was sinless: “He
committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” Suffering began at
the fall of man and is a result of the sin and brokenness of the world. So, all human
beings suffer because of sin. Jesus had no reason to suffer, because he is the only
person to live a perfect life without sin. Nevertheless, he suffered for us. When
Jesus served his messianic ministry, he was often misunderstood, insulted and
rejected. He could have responded with his power, which calmed storms and drove
out demons. But he never used his power in retaliation for the wrongs that were
done to him. When he was falsely accused, arrested and tried, he could have called
on twelve legions of angels to crush his opponents in an instant (Mt 26:53). But he
did not. Verse 23 says, “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.” It is very natural to retaliate against wrongdoing. But
Jesus never retaliated; he made no threat, not even a gesture. It was because he
fully entrusted himself to God who judges justly. In this way he broke the vicious
cycle of retaliation and made peace. To follow Jesus’ example, we must learn to
trust God to deal with injustice. Romans 12:19 says, “Do not take revenge, my
dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to
avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” In South Sudan, there has been a month of
severe fighting between government forces and rebels and many people were
killed. Fortunately, all of our brothers and sisters in UBF were unharmed, and a
cease-fire was declared last week. But due to tribal loyalty and a retaliation
mentality, the region remains unstable. Missionary Andrew Kim said, “Only God
can help us! Please pray continually for South Sudan and Africa.” The vicious
cycle of retaliation can be broken only by Jesus and those who follow his example.

Jesus is more than just our good example. The suffering of Christ was
unique in that it was the substitutionary sacrifice for all people. Let’s read 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.’” When

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Jesus suffered, he himself bore our sins in his body on the cross. He paid the full
penalty that our sins deserve to offer forgiveness to us freely. The words, “…so
that we might die to sins and live for righteousness,” have deep meaning. The
chains of sin are very strong. So no one can break them by their own effort. But
when we accept Jesus’ death, we die to sin. The power of sin is broken. We are set
free to live for righteousness. Still, however, wounds may remain deep inside of us.
These wounds may be from long ago, through a bad experience in childhood.
Some were neglected, abused or abandoned by their parents. Some were bullied by
their classmates. Some experienced failure or had their dreams broken. Some were
subjected to racial discrimination. Some were harmed during war. Some suffered
from extreme poverty. A wounded person may be unaware of their own condition.
But it is expressed inevitably in what they do and say, and by their responses to
certain things. At the root of someone’s cynicism, sorrow, fatalism, or despair,
there may be a wound. This causes some people to talk excessively without
listening to others at all. Others respond by not saying anything. To try to escape
the pain of their wounds, people eat too much, self-medicate, play virtual games,
watch television and movies endlessly, indulge in shopping, and so on. These are
just symptoms, like the tip of an iceberg; deep inside the person has wounds caused
by sin. In order to live a good life as a healthy person emotionally and spiritually,
these wounds must be healed. Many think that only a professional counselor can
heal them. Such people may be helpful, but they cannot really heal the wounds
caused by sin. They have their own wounds that need healing. Only Jesus can heal
these wounds. Peter quoted Isaiah 53:5 and said, “…by his wounds you have
been healed.” Peter shared this because he himself had been healed by Jesus. He
loved Jesus and followed Jesus loyally. He once insisted to Jesus emphatically,
“Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” (Mk 14:31). But he
disowned Jesus three times the very night Jesus was arrested. Later Peter repented,
and his sins were forgiven. But his wounds remained. He could not become a
shepherd until his wounds were healed. The Risen Jesus visited him and healed his
wounds. Then he became a shepherd like Jesus for the early Christians.

Corrie Ten Boom was deeply wounded by the abuse of Nazi soldiers while
in a POW camp during WWII. As a Christian, she tried hard to practice and teach
the forgiving love of Jesus. One day, about 8 years after the war ended, while
delivering a message on forgiveness, she met a prison guard who had abused her
personally. He thanked her for her message and shared how wonderful it is to be
forgiven by Jesus. Suddenly she felt she was in prison all over again and the
horrors of imprisonment filled her mind. When he extended his hand to shake,
hatred filled heart. She could not life her hand. She was still wounded in her soul.

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She prayed silently, “Oh God, help me to live my message.” Suddenly she felt
power surge through her body and she shook his hand warmly. She felt all the
hatred melt away, and she knew she had forgiven him. Her wounds were healed by
Jesus.1 Those who are healed by Jesus can live a good life and be a blessing to
others. We were like sheep going astray, but now we have returned to the Shepherd
and Overseer of our souls (25). As we follow Jesus, he watches over us and cares
for us. Let’s come to Jesus for healing so that we may live a good life.

1
Benge, Janet & Geoff, 1999. “Corrie Ten Boom: Keeper of the Angels’ Den,” Seattle, Washington: YWAM, pp. 191-92.

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