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. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 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. 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. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Peter ends this section by describing several human relationships to urge submission and bearing through suffering, especially if it is done unjustly. He specifically addresses the relationship between political leaders and their citizens in addition to masters and slaves however, we know that with any human interaction there is the possibility of hurt and injustice.

Suffering is never easy but perhaps it may be a little more bearable when we do wrong and deserve it. But Peter claims that this counts for nothing rather, that it is in fact when the suffering is unjust, does it prove to be glorifying to God (2:20). How in the world is this so?

It is because God has called you to this precise road. But do not fret - for everything that God calls us to do, he also provides a way to carry it out.

Peter crescendos with two points from the example of Jesus that we are to follow.

Christ endured injustice by trusting that justice would not tarry forever. Through reviling and death, he entrusted “himself to him who judges justly” because even for Jesus, vengeance was not his to claim (Romans 12:19). And to think we can’t hold our tongue when someone cuts us off.

Secondly, Peter claims that we can be healed in such a way so as to be able to die to sin and live to righteousness. This through coming into fellowship with our Savior as straying sheep return to their Shepherd.

Do we believe that this is the key to sustain us through suffering? Or do we desire the things that promise to shorten its torments?

When we are tired and hungry all we can see and think about is the food that will satisfy our hunger. And it is glorious enjoyment when we find bread. However, if the bread is provided daily and the hunger met consistently, the proper response is not to glorify the bread but kiss the hand that holds it out for us. Do not become fat on bread and never fellowship with the Baker. Thank him, trust him, obey him, and suffer for him.

Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11