1 Peter 2:21-25

Read 1 Peter 2:21-25

Helpful Background Information: 

• As we’ve seen in our sermon passage, Peter denied his Lord. This sin was a serious one, and Peter threw himself to the ground, weeping in grief for what he had done. This is the first open denial of Jesus in the book, and the fact that it comes from the chief apostle makes it all the more significant. As far as Mark’s gospel, he is not mentioned in the rest of the book. 

• However, Mark’s choice was likely intentional. Peter’s example is a warning to Christ’s followers, then and now, that faithful loyalty to Jesus is most important. Also, Peter’s actions remind us that the most mundane or ordinary situation could tempt us into betraying our testimony of the Lord. 

• However, Peter’s story doesn’t end here. The Lord restores Peter, and he becomes the leading apostle in the book of Acts, immediately taking the lead in choosing a new apostle and preaching the risen Christ boldly at Pentecost. Later in his life, around 64 A.D, he penned two letters of Scripture, which we now turn our attention to. 

• In our passage, Peter writes beautifully about the Gospel. Christ, who never sinned, suffered for our sake. He bore our sins on the tree, so that we might live for righteousness. Christ has healed us from our sins and gathered us to God. Yes, Peter failed by denying Christ, but he wasn’t beyond Christ’s saving grace. That sin was laid on Christ, Peter was healed, gathered back to God, and used mightily by God to grow his kingdom. May this serve as a reminder. When we fail, remember Christ and rest in his saving work, and be encouraged that God can still use us for his glory. 
  

Reflection Questions: 

• Have there been moments when you’ve failed to stand for Christ? How did you respond afterward?

• What does true repentance look like in light of Peter’s example?

• How does knowing that Jesus suffered for your sins change the way you view your failures?