Today we will look at the final beatitude in Matthew 5:10-12.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (ESV)
This final beatitude addresses the inevitable result of the life described in the rest. The person who lives the life Jesus describes will become a radical in the eyes of this world.
“If you are going to walk with Jesus Christ, you are going to be opposed…. In our days, to be a true Christian is really to become a scandal.” -George Whitefield
The darkness will not tolerate the light. Everyone who aims to life a godly life will be persecuted. Faithfulness to the radical way of Jesus may cost his people social capital, economic capital, comfort, freedom or even our lives.
Jesus tells us what to do when that happens.
Rejoice.
Because your is the kingdom of heaven!
Be cause your reward in heaven is great!
Because your faithfulness under persecution will connect you to the noble lineage of true believers throughout history!
“I have found truly joyful Christians only in the Bible, in the underground church, and in prison.” – Richard Wurmbrand