Matthew 5:10-12 The Beatitude of Suffering Persecution

Matthew 5:10-12

10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

What do you think went to the congregation minds when they heard Jesus say, “ You are blessed when you suffer for righteousness.,” Lots of people like to line  up to go to a good movie, or a music concert or a family holiday gathering, but no one signs up for persecution.  In the last few weeks, we have been watching tv & listening to the event of people saying we are tired of being oppressed, but followers of the Lord have been persecuted ever since the book of Genesis;

Genesis 4:8 Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

Jesus tells the congregation, those that are persecuted, the kingdom of heaven is their & that is the main problem. Those people who make this world of sin their kingdom, really can’t stand those who represent the kingdom of heaven. So it is easy for them to insult, or assault or make false crimes that the children of righteousness have committed.  Jesus and Satan both make statement is scripture as to what kingdom the come from;

Luke 4:5 And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.

John 18:35-36 Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”

So the followers of Christ shouldn’t have been wondering why there is conflict between both kingdoms. The people who are of the kingdom of Satan really hate those of Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus tells those of His kingdom rejoice when you suffer at the hands of those of Satan’s kingdom. The Holy Bible helps Christian to know how which kingdom will pass away & which one will be everlasting.

1 John 2:16-17 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

A person who loves this world, really doesn’t wanna lose it & to them the kingdom of heaven is a fairy tale or make believe but can a son & daughter of the Lord really look around at this current kingdom & say this kingdom of peace & love. When one Paul’s beloved friend Demas learned Paul was gonna die for the gospel of Christ, he deserted Paul, only Paul’s true friend stayed with him, their names were Luke & Mark.

2 Timothy 4:10  for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.

We know Luke & Mark’s name very well, and how many Christian know Demas name. According to Jesus’ sermon on the mount Mark, Luke & Paul are blessed but Demas isn’t, the question is for you & me. Will we be blessed, God bless you all. The Lord Jesus loves you & so do I. Sam H.

2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

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