Jesus has come to bring the outsiders in. Jesus has finally been recognised as ‘the Christ, the Son of the Living God’ (16:16). Jesus reveals what this means – rejection, suffering, death, resurrection (16:21-22).
The disciples do not quite grasp this. Jesus takes three – the necessary witnesses – up a mountain. There, He is revealed in His glory – they get a glimpse of who He truly is! And so much of their history is present – Moses, the cloud, six days, God speaking, God’s people constituted. There is Moses himself, and Elijah!
The glory of Jesus goes hand-in-hand with the death of Jesus. This is what God had willed and planned. This is what John prepared for. So, what do you do with such a Saviour of the world? You listen to him!
Perseverance to the end… this is Peter’s final encouragement as he wraps up his letter to exile believers scattered throughout the world. In the face of persecution and hostility, how are we to remain strong in our discipleship to Jesus and persevere?
Those who lead God’s mob must lead them in such a way that they can follow the template of Jesus, and be sustained in their ‘resolve’ (4:1) to be like Jesus. This takes a leadership that shepherds the sheep in a way that serves, that is humble. Moreover, it also means that those being led are to know that such leaders are to be submitted to – and that all the mob is defined by humility – just like the Chief Shepherd.
If we follow a crucified Saviour, should we expect anything less than the unjust treatment Jesus received? In chapter 4, Peter wants to prepare his readers for a life of discipleship, as following Jesus will have implications.
Christians will be persecuted for their faith and suffer as a result. But that shouldn’t take us by surprise nor should we lament when suffering comes upon us as a result of bearing His name, but rather rejoice!
