“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” -Matthew 5:11-12 (ESV)
These words from the mouth and heart of Jesus were spoken to a multitude including his newly called band of disciples. Likely they were more directed at those who would follow him for the next three years than at the large multitude. They were part of the Sermon on the Mount and incorporated into the Beatitudes. Let’s look at these words in light of Resurrection Sunday. Followers of Jesus, the Son of God, who believe what Jesus taught, do share in in all things glorious. This includes persecution, slander, defamation, lies about character. How Jesus was treated by the apostate Jewish leaders and reprobate Roman governor is how we are to expect to be treated. Because Jesus was persecuted, we should expect the same. Because Jesus was crucified, we count ourselves crucified with him and in faith we live for Him. Christ’s resurrection on that Sunday after His Friday crucifixion is something we share. We too have the new life given to us when we believe. Now it is only for us to rejoice that we, raised with Christ in faith, can look forward to a great reward in heaven.
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