Today I want to look at verses 10-12, focusing on who Jesus was speaking to, and on the context of the entire message.
Matthew 5:10-12
(11)“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. (12)Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
There is a definite change of message going on with these last few "Blessed are..." statements. We seem to go from attitudes we need to possess to a statement of coming persecution. I suppose in some ways it is still about attitude, but this takes it to another level.
One question that comes to mind is, where will the persecution come from? I think we expect it to come from the world, from those who don't know Jesus. But what would this audience think, and what was Jesus trying to convey?
I think one answer is the world. For whatever reason, the general response to Christianity from those who do not know Jesus is one of hostility. It is not enough for them to not believe, they often seem offended that you might believe as well. Maybe this has something to do with the way that some approach belief and evangelism, and that is a subject for another post perhaps. In fact, even among believers, we generally do not tolerate those of different beliefs. But I again, that is a subject for another time.
But I also see a second source of persecution, which is from within the Jewish leadership. Where did the original persecution of Christians come from? It came from the very group Jesus first reached out to, the Jews. More specifically, the Jewish leaders. I believe that Jesus is speaking to the masses, future disciples potentially, not only warning them about coming persecution, which they probably expect to be coming from their oppressors, the Romans. But they don't see the other group that is oppressing them, their leaders. Read Jesus' words in Matthew 10:17-18, "Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles." Notice the location of the persecution, their synagogues.
Sad thing is, I believe that this is just as true today as it was then. We have left the religion of the Garden of Eden, and have replaced it with one that requires us to fall in line, to obey and not question. In an age when the Scriptures are more accessible than ever, do we take the time to try and read and understand them, or do we follow the leadings of those in charge and look down upon any who dare to question them? Should we not read these words regarding persecution and apply them not only to the government of the country, but also the leadership of the church? Not that we live in rebellion to any and all leadership, but that we approach things with open eyes and open ears. As Jesus said, "be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matt 10:16)
"for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (vs 12) Another clue as to where the persecution would come from. In all things remember, you are not alone. Remember Elijah, who was fleeing persecution to the point that he asked God to take his life? (I Kings 19:4) Then God provided for him, and spoke to him, not in a mighty storm or earthquake or fire, but in a whisper. (1 Kings 19:11-12) Which leads me to question, where I am looking for God? In the mighty buildings and programs and things of this world? I am reminded of the saying, "What you win them with is what you win them to." If we win them with comfort, are we winning them to comfort, so that if and when things become uncomfortable, their "faith" does not have an answer for this, and they leave their "faith." Or, are we looking for God in a manger? Are we listening for a whisper that causes us to draw near in order to be able to hear? And what does the voice say to him? It asks a question, one that I believe God would also ask of us, "What are you doing here?" (1 Kings 19:13) When Elijah answers, he tells God that he is the only one left and they are seeking to kill him too, which, by the way, is not an answer to the question God asked. Then God graciously reveals to him that he is not alone, there are " seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal." (1 Kings 19:18)
This whole idea of persecution seems so distant. Maybe we hear about it from time to time, but maybe not. Jesus must have thought it important for us to know about, for this is not the only time he speaks about it. But it certainly is not a popular thought. It is not something one wants to talk about if they are seeking to gather a huge following. But I don't think Jesus ever gave thought to what would make Him more popular.
Edited 2/4/2022
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