Matthew 5:10-12

As we conclude the Beatitudes part of the Sermon we get to what is perhaps the least favorite one. Think about when you last read Matthew 5:10-12. Did you hear yourself saying something like, "good to know but I hope it does not happen to me". If you did you are not alone, but that does not make it the correct response. Lets read it now in both the NASB and Message versions.

Matthew 5:10"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. (NASB)

Some key words in this version are: righteousness, persecution, falsely, reward, and Me (Jesus). We will look at these words closer in a moment but first let continue and read the Message version.

Matthew 5:10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. (The Message)

Some corresponding key phrases in this version are: commitment to God, drives you even deeper, speak lies about you, trouble.

Lets begin now and look closer at Matthew 5:10. What righteousness, mine or Jesus'? Is that the same as commitment to God? I looked up the Greek to try and understand this better and see if the Spirit would show us something from it. The word in this passage for righteousness is "Dikaiosune". And simply put righteousness is a state or condition that is acceptable and pleasing to God. This is impossible without the blood of Christ. In the Message version the corresponding phrase is "commitment to God". A commitment to God does not put us in a state of righteousness acceptable to God. However, it takes nothing less than a complete commitment to Christ to receive the cleaning of His Holy blood and His righteousness.

When we look at Cain and Abel both of them were committed to God, but only one as acceptable. Cain was committed to God because he wanted to bring Him an offering but when his offering was refused Cain's response to God's rejection of his offering caused him to fall to sin. This is just one example of where only having a commitment does not bring about righteousness.

Now persecution is something none of us want if we are honest with ourselves. It is simply no fun. But the Message version states something very key to what this persecution does when we do encounter it. If, unlike, Cain we respond correctly it will drive us deeper into our relationship with the Lord, and deeper into His kingdom.

Before I talk about Matthew 5:11 let me make a point of fact. The key words in this verse are falsely and lies. Now, if what people are saying about you is true, then you may need to examine your own heart and see if you are truly representing Jesus by your words and actions. But this verse refers to when you are being persecuted and false things are being said about you because of Christ or in order to discredit God. The Message version elaborates a bit more to explain why people do this when the truth is staring them in the face. And I think it states it really well. "What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable."

Brothers and sisters. If this is you, and you are being convicted then take this opportunity now to ask the Lord to forgive you. We have all heard the saying, "Pride comes before the fall", and I would hate to think that any of you is willing to take that fall.

Matthew 5:12 is a word of encouragement. Jesus wants us to know that we are not alone when this happens to us. And that we should not expect to be free from it either. Instead, be of good cheer, because many saints before you have been treated this way. Too many to name here. Even Jesus was falsely convicted because of His willingness to follow the Father and only speak truth. How could we servants think we would escape the treatment our master received?

I pray that this somewhat slow walk through the Sermon on the Mount is blessing you, and causing you to seek the Lord deeper than you have before. I feel like His invitation to all of us this year is to come another step (perhaps more if you dare) closer to Him. Allowing Him to continue the work He started in you.

Blessings.