In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses those who experience bullying for His sake.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10), Jesus says in the last blessing of His first sermon.

BLESSINGS FOR THE BULLIED

This eighth Beatitude—a term that comes from a Latin word meaning “blessings”—seems backward compared to the other seven. With those, Jesus promised a reward for upright attitudes and behaviour. In contrast, this final promise of God’s favour is for individuals who experience hostility due to their faith: If you suffer bullying because of your godly values and choices, you qualify for this blessing.

Most of us shy away from conflict. We don’t expect others to call us ugly names, lie about us or make our lives miserable because we choose to follow Jesus. But Jesus makes it clear: expect persecution. In a later sermon, He said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

How comforting to know that when we experience difficulties due to our faith, God rewards us. He reserves a special type of favour for those who are willing to risk their reputations for His sake.

A MATTER OF TENSE

Jesus uses the present tense when He says, “theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” not “theirs will be the kingdom of heaven.” The kingdom of heaven belongs to mistreated followers of God right now. They’re not waiting for God to give them a reward someday, to make up for their current suffering. God favours them today, in their present circumstances.

The kingdom of heaven represents God’s power, comfort and strength for daily living.

If you belong to God’s kingdom, Jesus is your king. He sees what you suffer for His sake. He honours your faithfulness. And He grants you a unique brand of blessing because you’re willing to risk hostility for His sake.

God reserves a special type of favour for those who are willing to risk their reputations for His sake. JEANETTE LEVELLIE

BOOKENDED BEATITUDES

Jesus began the Beatitudes with, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). He then ends the list of favours with, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Both promise the same reward: the kingdom of heaven. Jesus said this on purpose to show us that God rewards these two groups with the same blessing. So, what makes these two types of people so special?

The poor in spirit recognize how spiritually bankrupt they are without God. They fully depend on His mercy and kindness. Those persecuted for righteousness also show their reliance on God by valuing His approval over human applause, His kingdom over earthly comfort. Both groups rely entirely on God. To both groups, Jesus promises the kingdom.

If you fit in the category of “persecuted for righteousness’ sake,” you can feel confident in knowing Who’s got your back. God will reward your faithfulness. The persecution you experience is never wasted. Your suffering isn’t pointless.

You’re blessed.

Photo: Neely Wang/Lightstock.com

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