Scripture: “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.” Matthew 5:10-12 ESV
Observation: This last of the eight beatitudes promises the same blessing as the first: an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven. However, unlike the first seven, Jesus elaborates on its meaning. Switching from the third-person pronoun to second, in verses 11-12, he speaks in a more personal tone, adding examples of insult, slander, and hate (hate appears only in Luke’s account, 6:22-23).
Jesus then states what provokes persecution: righteousness. But it is not of our merit, rather that of Christ’s righteousness imputed to us. Thus, embracing this free but unfathomably costly gift, we rejoice in encountering persecution with glad hearts, knowing we share in the fellowship of Christ’s suffering and the power of his resurrection (Philippians 3:10-11). Indeed, Peter, in old age, having persevered persecution, writes to the burgeoning church that suffering is a blessing:
- “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled” (1 Peter 3:14 ESV).
- “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (1 Peter 4:14 ESV).
Understanding there’s no escaping suffering as a disciple, Peter urges us to resist succumbing to fear and rely on the Spirit of God.
Takeaway: As with all the beatitudes, the eighth is neither an entry requirement into the kingdom nor a virtue. Nowhere else does Jesus command his disciples to pursue persecution. Sadly, though, the historical church has errantly promoted suffering as a virtue, which leads to self-aggrandizing. But as Paul contends, our only means of entry to Christ’s kingdom is by receiving God’s gift of grace through faith, not due to our virtuous works that would tempt us to boast (see Ephesians 2:8-9).
So if the beatitudes are not an entry requirement, what are they? As communicated throughout this eight-part series, they are blessings, here and now, and as treasures in heaven. Meanwhile, our heaven-bound path remains wrought with suffering. Hence, Jesus later elaborates on these elements of persecution (with further instructions and assurances) to his disciples:
- You will be flogged and dragged into court. But do not be anxious, for the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say. Additionally, family members will betray you even to death. And you will be hated by all who oppose my name. So flee when possible and endure to the end, for the salvation of your souls awaits (see Matthew 10:16-23, Luke 21:10-19).
- The world hated me before they hated you because I chose you out of the world. Thus, remember a servant is not greater than his master. But I will send you the Helper, the Spirit of Truth, who will glorify me and instruct and comfort you with my words. And whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give to you. Thus, even though I am leaving you, your sorrow will turn to joy (see John 15:18-16:24).
So how do we, his twenty-first-century disciples, respond? As did the early church, keep our eyes on the prize: the joy of our salvation. And how do we sustain this orientation? By relying on our Helper, the Holy Spirit. Through sincere prayer, heartfelt worship, fellowship with believers, and ongoing reflection on and memorization of Scripture (commands and promises), we find the strength to press into conflict, following the Holy Spirit’s lead. And he will remind us to keep “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
Indeed, following the lead of the Holy Spirit with our spiritual eyes fixed on Christ, we persevere suffering, knowing that both intercede on our behalf ( Romans 8:26-27, 34) and that nothing can snatch us from the Father and Son’s strong arms of salvation (John 10:28-29). Truly, blessed are those persecuted for righteousness’ sake; theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son, our Suffering Servant, who mightily blessed us through his life, death, and resurrection. So would you please help us focus on your Son who has ascended to glory and now intercedes for us, cooperate with your Holy Spirit who guides us, and trust in your strong arm of salvation so that we might persevere suffering with joy? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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