Blessed are those who are persecuted
In the final section of the Beatitudes, Jesus speaks about persecution. He proclaims, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). Being persecuted is rarely something we associate with blessedness—that is, happiness and joy. In Jesus’ time, persecution often led to social ostracism, imprisonment, and, in many cases, even death. What did Jesus mean by this verse, and what does it mean to be persecuted as a Christian today?
The peacemaker who was persecuted
It is almost a bit ironic to think that the one we later came to call the Prince of Peace, the one who was to bring peace to humanity, was persecuted and hated. That Jesus, who was to establish the new kingdom of peace on earth, was ultimately killed by human beings.
The people who hated and persecuted Jesus and his disciples likely found that Jesus’ personal righteousness and purity served as an uncomfortable reminder of their own impurity and sin. The hatred that should really have been directed at their own unrighteous way of life was turned against the one who brought the message of peace.
These verses about persecution are the last ones in the Beatitudes. It was probably important for Jesus to prepare his disciples and other Christians for the fact that following him could have serious consequences in the form of persecution and opposition. It was just as important to make clear that this persecution would bring both blessedness and the kingdom of heaven.
Persecution today
2 Timothy 3:12 states, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Today, this means something quite different than it did for the early Christians. Those who risked imprisonment, torture, and death for practicing their faith. In most Western countries, being a Christian does not carry the same risks as it did in Jesus’ time. As a Christian, you can still encounter opposition even in today’s society.
There may be people who—just like people in Jesus’ time—are provoked by sincere Christians who want to follow Jesus. It is important to remember that my peace can exist completely independent of external circumstances, just as Jesus promises us in the Sermon on the Mount. In every verse of the Beatitudes, Jesus focuses specifically on blessedness. That keeping these commandments—being meek, righteous, merciful, and peaceable—will make us more and more blessed. More and more happy.
Following Jesus
“And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Salvation and peace are found in following Christ. In keeping the commandments that Jesus taught throughout his life. Which make us more compassionate, more gentle, more peaceful, and more righteous.
A life as a follower of Jesus will not be affected by persecution, opposition, harassment, or ridicule from the people we encounter. “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). On the contrary, as a follower of Jesus, we get to experience the same peace and rest that Jesus had, in all the challenges we face in life. Then the kingdom of heaven is ours as well.
See the film about Matthew 5:10 here.
