BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Yesterday, Peter reminded the Christians in Asia Minor that they now belong to a new multi-ethnic family. Today, they discover this new family identity means they join the family business, the royal priesthood.

Using the same language God used to identify the Israelites at Sinai, Peter calls all those who belong to Jesus a “kingdom of priests.” As you’ll learn in the video, priests represent Jesus and rule like him here on Earth.

Ruling like Jesus means loving like Jesus and, therefore, experiencing a life similar to his own. Jesus was willing to suffer so that he could forgive, bless generously, and bring shalom on Earth by resisting evil. His followers will suffer for doing the same. Jesus passed through death into resurrection life. His followers pass through baptismal “death” into new life with the Messiah. As the Messiah goes, so go his people.

That’s good news for the suffering Christians in Asia Minor because Jesus’ suffering, albeit painful, was not his end. Jesus was raised up, vindicated, and exalted, says Peter. So if you suffer and even die while serving the world as Jesus’ royal priesthood, you too will be raised up with Jesus.

To resist evil requires suffering, but suffering is never your end. God’s people, Jesus’ kingdom of priests, will resist evil in order to serve and care for every person. God promises to vindicate and exalt these people—to restore, confirm, strengthen, and support them (1 Pet. 5:10).

Reflection Questions

• In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter tells his readers that their enemy is “like a roaring lion … on the prowl, looking for someone to devour.” Can you think of another biblical story that describes evil as a predator waiting to pounce? (Turn to Genesis 4:7 if you need a hint.) What do you think Peter might be teaching about resisting evil with this hyperlink?
• Meditate on Peter’s story as it’s told in this letter and through the four gospels. When would you say Peter acknowledged Jesus as the true Messiah? How did Peter mature in his faith? What hope does Peter’s story offer to those trying to resist evil and walk with Jesus?