Blessed are you when others revile you
In the final section of the Beatitudes, Jesus speaks about persecution. He says, ““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 5:11–12). Jesus thus urges his disciples and the others present to rejoice and be glad in situations where they face opposition, as his followers.
Persecution, ridicule, and joy?
The last two verses of the Beatitudes are connected to the preceding verse, in which Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. 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, mockery, lies, and malice. The last part of the verse stands in stark contrast to this when he states that the disciples should rejoice and be glad when they encounter this opposition.
On my account
An important part of the last two verses of the Beatitudes is “on my account.” Jesus is not talking about just any kind of mockery, persecution, or lies, but those that result from our following Jesus. A Bible verse that emphasizes this is found in Colossians 3:23–24: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Peter also writes that no one can harm us if we are zealous for what is good (1 Peter 3:13). By enduring patiently, as Jesus did, and focusing on what is good, we will be able to maintain our joy. Even when we face major challenges and obstacles in life.
In the previous article, it was pointed out that 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. When we, as followers of Jesus, live according to Jesus’ commandments and teachings, the people around us will experience something similar to what the people around Jesus experienced. In some cases, it can help bring people closer to Jesus, but it can also lead to ridicule and opposition.
In such cases, it is important to remember that our focus must be on the kingdom of heaven. That makes it easier to rejoice and be glad when we find that our faith and our lives are being criticized and opposed. After all, we’re doing it for Jesus’ sake. It can be encouraging to reflect on the verse from Proverbs: “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day” (Proverbs 4:18). People who live a life following Jesus become like lights in a world that can sometimes seem quite dark.
Behold, I am coming soon
In the Beatitudes, Jesus speaks about the qualities of those who belong to the kingdom of heaven. They are humble, merciful, righteous, and pure. In the final verses, he explains how these qualities can lead to conflict with other people. People who do not want to live according to Jesus’ commandments. The conclusion is especially uplifting, as Jesus offers us a promise in these situations: to rejoice and be glad, for our reward awaits in heaven.
So, while we are still alive here on earth, we can choose to spend our lives living as Jesus did, and despite opposition, we can always hold on to our joy, happiness, and hope. The hope of what awaits us when the Prince of Peace returns one day. “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” (Revelation 22:12).
