1 Peter 3:18 – He Suffered For Us

^“Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)

This verse confirms that Jesus’ suffering was complete. He did something for us that nobody else could ever do. He did it once, and that was all it took. Our sins are forgiven.

Context: In this section of the chapter, discussion focused on the power found in doing good. As Christ-followers, we find ourselves drawn to do good deeds not out of duty but because we want to honor Christ. It’s hard to explain such motivation to someone who doesn’t believe the same. This particular verse reminds us of the good thing that Jesus did for us. It reminds us of the love behind Jesus’ sacrifice.

One great example of an unlikely person doing good is the parable of the Good Samaritan. Just today we just did a lesson at the orphanage with legos acting out Jesus’ parable. My heart overflowed when at the end of class one of my students said that the next time they see someone being bullied, they are going to help or go get help like the good neighbor in Jesus’ story.

How does it make you feel to know you have been delivered “safely home to God.” Such reassurance in this “dog eat dog” kind of world! There are perils galore that can make us uneasy or unsure of how to act. We know this world is not our home or final destination. Do you ever wonder if you have the strength to make it “home” someday? We don’t have to worry, Jesus is holding on to us.

To be safe is a relative concept for each of us. It has become a very popular notion of what success looks like. When we are able to feel safe in a relationship, we see that as a win, as if life is mostly a scary, hazardous place. We each have our baggage and fears that often keep us away from God. Realizing we have nothing to fear or work for because Jesus has paid the price can take a lot of pressure off when we let it.

What do you make of the last sentence of this memory passage? How often do we imagine Jesus’ physical death.” It happened. Even though he was God, he died. It’s hard to wrap our heads around, but so powerful when we try. For me, watching a depiction of Christ’s death brings me to tears and downright weeping. He took my sins, and your sins, to the cross with him that day.

It’s Holy Week as I reflect on this passage making it even more profound. No matter the time of year, what Jesus did for us should resonate. We should never forget the horror, the agony. Others may have died that kind of death, but nobody else was sinless. Despite the guilty verdict, we know Jesus had done nothing wrong. Jesus died that way because it was God’s plan. Jesus’ death was not the end. It was simply the beginning of our new life in him.

Let’s pray. Father, I thank you for your faithfulness and love. My mind can hardly fathom the great sacrifice you made for me to rescue me from sin and death. Open my eyes and my heart to be ready to accept what you have for me. Help me glorify only you in my words and deeds. Bless those who are following you yet still have questions and doubts. Give them the answers they need to be fully committed to you, too. May I always give you my best, my all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.