In today’s passage, we see a portion of Peter’s letter to the Church. This letter is written with a great deal of care and love for his brothers and sister in Christ as he seeks to be an encourager of their faith. He knows that they are suffering, and he does not want that suffering to endanger their faith walk, their love for one another, their growing relationship with Jesus, or the Church as a whole. Peter wants his brothers and sister to have confident hope that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose for them (Romans 8:28). He wants them to use their suffering to live obediently to God, to submit their earthly fears and ways of living, and to keep growing closer in relationship, faith, and trust with Jesus.
Having walked with Jesus, Peter understands that every person within the Church must clothe themselves with humility towards one another. All Family members must follow the example that Jesus set for us. Jesus is THE Great Shepherd, and His humble posture towards His Church is the purest example of humility, we too should serve one another. Remember, Jesus went as far as to wash the disciple’s feet. Would you serve your fellow brethren to that level? We need to be sheep that do not go against our Great Shepherd, that honor the earthly shepherds that Jesus placed within our lives and be thankful for His grace because it is given to His humble servants.
1 Peter 5:1-5 (NLT)
Advice for Elders and Young Men
1 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Peter’s heart to write to Your Church as an encourager for You. Help us to be more humble, to see our brothers and sisters how You see them, and to selflessly love them. We ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.