The persecution of Christians can be traced historically from the time of Christ through the present. In many places in our world, it is dangerous to claim the name of Christ. Even in America, Christianity has felt negative pressure from society. But Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who are persecuted.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)

This is the 8th and final Beatitude. It is as if Jesus said, “If you live like this, people will persecute you.” Why are good people persecuted? Why do bad things happen to good people? Paul reminds us, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

Reasons for Persecution

The problems we face are not always persecution. Sometimes it is God’s judgment for wrong-doing. Sometimes it is not the ‘offense of the cross’ but the ‘offensive’ behavior of the Christian. And sometimes Christians face ‘persecution’ because of poor judgment and foolish decisions.

However, there are some good reasons a Christian may face persecution.

1) The Christian life runs opposite on the road of the world.

2) Jesus said we may be persecuted for ‘righteousness’ sake. When you live right, some people don’t like it.

3) Jesus also said we may be persecuted for ‘His name’s sake’. He also said, “But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.” (John 15:21). When we identify with Jesus, we may be treated like He was.

Response to Persecution

We are to respond correctly to persecution. Do not react, resent, or retaliate (1 Peter 4:1). Three good responses:

1) Reign (Matthew 5:10). We need to act as kings, above the circumstances. People with low self-esteem react quickly and defend themselves.

2) Rejoice (Matthew 5:12; 1 Peter 4:14; Acts 5:41). Realize it is a privilege to be persecuted for Christ’s sake. It may give new opportunities to witness for Christ (Acts 1:8). It will give you an opportunity to grow (Psalm 119:67; Hebrews 12:2).

3) Release (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:14, 17-21). Love, pray, act.

Rewards for Persecution

God rewards our persecution. There is a double mention of ‘blessings’ to this beatitude of persecution.

1) There is a reward now. Jesus uses the word ‘is’ to show that the persecuted are presently enjoying the kingdom, rather than entering the kingdom in the future. When we are persecuted, we can identify with Christ and the Prophets (John 10:4).

2) There is a future reward (Matt. 5:12; Mark 10:28-30). Examples: Moses (Hebrews 11:26), Abraham (Hebrews 11:10). Other passages: 2 Timothy 2:12; Romans 8:18-19). They may take away everything we possess in this world, but they shall never be able to touch anything God has given us in the next.

Ignatius once said, “Nearer the sword, then nearer to God. In company with wild beasts, in company with God.”

W.C. Burns of India said, “Oh, to have a martyr’s heart, if not a martyr’s crown.”

You can read my other Sermon on the Mount articles: Life Redefined: Sermons from The Sermon on the Mount.