Overview: To be like Jesus means to forgive like Jesus. Although this is not an easy thing to do, it is the right thing to do. Forgiving the undeserving is probably one of the most honorable things a person can do. Extending such grace to someone who has been unkind to you, or even to the people you love, is a beautiful picture and reflects the attitude and affections of our Lord.

Directions: Today, we will examine four ways to respond when confronted by difficult people. Such a response not only demonstrates Christlikeness, but also makes way for the gospel.

1. We have received a new focus.
2. We have received a new future.

Two types of passages:

1. The positive passages.
2. The perplexing passages.

“A wonderful text is this, and a more obscure passage perhaps that any other in the New Testament, so that I do not know for a certainty just what Peter means.” (Martian Luther)

Three popular interpretations:

1.“[It refers to] Old Testament saints who died and were liberated by Christ between His death and resurrection.”

1.“The text describes Christ’s proclaiming of victory and judgment over the evil angels.”

2.“[It refers to] Christ’s preaching through Noah to those who lived while Noah was building the ark.”

Destination: To live a life that is honorable is to live a life of faith. We will face trying times; however, through such times we can trust in the Lord. Such trust does not only give us the hope we need but also offers hope to a lost and fallen world.

Reflection: Use the private notes section below or your personal journal to put the message of these verses into your own words so you can communicate them with others.

Your voice matters! (see Mark 16:15)