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The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5 - 7

Chapter 5

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be very glad, because your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

What does this mean?

Context and Interpretation

1. Context in the Sermon on the Mount:
   • The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) presents Jesus' teachings on the values and principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Beatitudes, which open the sermon, describe the attitudes and behaviors that are blessed by God.
2. Immediate Context:
   • This passage follows the Beatitude that addresses persecution for righteousness. It emphasizes the personal nature of persecution that Jesus' followers may experience specifically because of their allegiance to Him.

Explanation of the Passage

1. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.":
   • Jesus addresses His followers directly, highlighting the reality that they may face insults, persecution, and false accusations because of their association with Him. This persecution is not just for general righteousness but specifically for their identification with Christ.
   • The types of persecution mentioned include verbal abuse (insults), physical or social oppression (persecution), and defamation (false accusations).
2. "Rejoice and be very glad, because your reward in heaven is great;":
   • Jesus calls His followers to respond to persecution with joy and gladness. This response is counterintuitive and reflects a deep trust in God's promises and perspective.
   • The reason for rejoicing is the assurance of a great reward in heaven. This eternal perspective provides hope and encouragement in the face of present suffering.
3. "For in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.":
   • Jesus connects the experience of His followers with the experiences of the prophets in the Old Testament. The prophets were often persecuted for their faithfulness to God and their proclamation of His truth.
   • This connection places Jesus' followers in a long line of faithful witnesses who endured suffering for the sake of God's kingdom. It offers a sense of solidarity and continuity with the righteous suffering of God's people throughout history.

Biblical Principles

1. Identification with Christ:
   • This passage emphasizes the importance of identifying with Christ, even when it leads to persecution. Followers of Jesus are blessed when they suffer because of their allegiance to Him.
   • Jesus warned His disciples that they would face hatred and persecution because of His name (John 15:18-20).
2. Eternal Perspective:
   • The call to rejoice in persecution is rooted in an eternal perspective. The promise of a great reward in heaven provides hope and motivation to endure present suffering.
   • Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 8:18, where he writes, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
3. Solidarity with the Prophets:
   • By connecting the persecution of His followers with the persecution of the prophets, Jesus highlights the continuity of God's work through history. His followers are part of a legacy of faithfulness and witness.
   • Hebrews 11 provides a "hall of faith" that includes many who suffered for their faith, culminating in the ultimate example of Jesus Himself.

Application

• Enduring Persecution: Believers are encouraged to endure persecution with a joyful attitude, trusting in God's promises and looking forward to their heavenly reward.
• Identifying with Christ: This passage challenges believers to boldly identify with Christ, even when it leads to opposition and suffering. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in the face of adversity.
• Drawing Strength from History: Reflecting on the experiences of the prophets and other faithful witnesses can provide strength and encouragement. Believers are part of a larger story of God's redemptive work in the world.

Challenges and Encouragement

• Facing Opposition: One challenge is the fear and difficulty of facing opposition and persecution. This passage encourages believers to find strength in God's promises and the example of those who have gone before.
• Rejoicing in Suffering: Rejoicing in the midst of suffering requires a deep trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to focus on the eternal reward and the privilege of sharing in Christ's sufferings.