“THE PRIVILEGE OF THE PERSECUTED”

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:10

Should a Christian evade maltreatment and try to blend in with the crowd instead? Should we all just be friendly and avoid conflict? Or is persecution a distinctive mark of a genuine Christian life?

At the outset of Jesus’ ministry, He was already met with fierce opposition. Being heartbroken by the injustices committed at the Temple, He drove out the moneychangers and merchants there. His passion angered the guilty parties, making them His enemies. For true Christians, that's precisely the same path we are walking on (John 15:18).

Today's verse is part of the Lord's Sermon on the Mount, which describes a series of blessings (beatitudes) granted to God's faithful servants. Throughout this sermon, Jesus calls His true followers "blessed," a word that encompasses the blessings of God on the faithful. This blessedness is more than mere material abundance. It speaks of deep, unshakable joy rooted in the hope of God's promises. While worldly people find joy in what the world offers, Christians find hope in the promises of the unfailing God.

This verse entails the eighth beatitude. Jesus says that a blessed person is persecuted for the sake of righteousness, i.e. seeking the will of God in the midst of a fallen world. Persecution is a regular part of the Christian experience. The Lord promises that those who suffer persecution for His name’s sake will inherit the kingdom of heaven. They are the ones who will enjoy the benefits of Christ’s reign and blessings.

In the eyes of the world, one might ask, "How can persecution be considered a blessing?" From this perspective, people only see persecution as suffering and pain; they fail to recognize the eternal rewards it promises. But Jesus encourages His followers to see mistreatment as a form of blessing.

The Apostle Peter, in his first epistle, emphasizes the importance of having the right mindset in the face of persecution.

4 “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

Christians are not to be scared of people’s threats, but consider them as a means of identifying with Christ and partnering with Him in His suffering.

However, Jesus is not saying that all kinds of persecutions lead to blessedness. He qualifies it by adding "for righteousness' sake." In other words, if we are persecuted for doing what is good and right, God will comfort us. On the other hand, if we are persecuted for our own misdeeds and sins, He will hold us accountable.

Why are Christians Persecuted?

We are called to live separate lives—to disconnect from the world's evil system and lead righteous, godly lives. Jesus said that the world hates believers because they are not of the world (John 15:19). Paul resonates the same message by telling us that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). In a nutshell, God's promises, His command for separation from the world, and our life of holiness are concepts foreign to the world. And when the world sees something good but unusual, it feels threatened. Think about the Pharisees who saw Jesus as a menace.

When you decided to follow Christ, you signed up not only for the forgiveness of sins but also for the challenges that come with it. But even when you suffer for Jesus’ sake, you are considered blessed—maybe not in this life, but definitely in the next.

Pursue the Savior today!

Photo by Jan Pultin on Unsplash