Sermon on the Mount – Blessed are the Persecuted • FOUNDED IN TRUTH

Understanding the Beatitude: Blessed are Those Who are Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake

In this Bible teaching, Matthew Vander Els of Founded in Truth Fellowship delves into the meaning of the final beatitude in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God.” This teaching emphasizes that this statement isn’t merely a passive blessing but a recognition of a particular way of life that aligns with the kingdom of God.

The speaker explains that within the Christian calendar, this message resonates particularly around the time of Resurrection Sunday and Passover, which both highlight themes of freedom and redemption. Just as Passover commemorates the liberation of ancestors from slavery, this beatitude speaks to a present-day liberation from the slavery of sin and the oppressive forces of the world through the mission of the Messiah.

The core of this beatitude lies in the understanding of “blessed.” Rather than a simple bestowal of favor, in this context, “blessed” or “good life” describes the state of those who embody these characteristics. It’s an ironic twist, suggesting that those who experience hardships for doing what is right are actually living a life that is deeply connected to God’s kingdom. They are in a “liminal space” between the world’s corruption and the full realization of God’s kingdom, positioned on the threshold of experiencing its fullness. These are individuals who see the world as it truly is and understand what it could be.

The teaching explores the idea of standing up for justice and righteousness, contrasting it with simply defending a Christian identity. It argues that these verses encourage believers to stand against injustice and unrighteousness, which inherently means representing Jesus and allowing the kingdom of God to become visible in the world. This act of standing against the status quo, especially when it is unjust, often leads to resistance and even persecution from those who benefit from the existing unrighteous systems.

To illustrate this point, the speaker draws parallels with the Old Testament prophets like Amos, Jeremiah, Micah, and Ezekiel, who were rejected and even killed for challenging the powerful elite and societal injustices of their time. Yeshua’s message here prepares his followers for a similar reality when they dare to challenge the unrighteousness of the world.

The teaching cautions against the human tendency to believe one’s own political or ideological stance is inherently righteous. Throughout history, individuals and even entire nations have believed they were fighting for justice, even when their actions were oppressive. The example of Nazi Germany’s persecution of the White Rose, a non-violent resistance group including Sophia Scholl, highlights how a nation can justify extreme actions, like beheading individuals for distributing anti-war pamphlets, in the name of national security and a perceived righteous cause.

The Civil Rights Movement in the United States provides another powerful illustration of this concept. The widespread resistance to racial equality, fueled by fear and misinformation, demonstrates how the majority can vehemently oppose what is ultimately just. The story of Ruby Bridges, the young black girl who faced intense hostility and hatred as she integrated a white school, underscores the reality of persecution for simply pursuing equality and the pain it inflicts. The speaker reflects on the fact that many who participated in these acts of injustice likely believed they were standing for what was right at the time, a sobering reminder of the need for constant self-assessment.

The core message is that true righteousness often stands in opposition to the prevailing norms and powers of the world, and those who choose this path should expect resistance. However, it is through this very act of standing against injustice that the kingdom of God pierces through into the world, offering a radical alternative.

Application for Everyday Life

• Be vigilant in identifying true injustice: Do not blindly follow popular opinions or political ideologies, but critically assess situations to discern what aligns with true righteousness.
• Be prepared to stand alone: Standing up for righteousness may mean going against the majority, even within your own community or family.
• Prioritize justice over comfort or popularity: Choose to act justly even when it is difficult or unpopular.
• Examine your own motivations: When feeling zealous to stand against something, question whether you might inadvertently be acting as an oppressor or if your definition of righteousness is truly aligned with God’s standards.
• Embrace the “backwards” logic of the kingdom: Understand that true fulfillment and connection to God’s kingdom may come through experiences of hardship and persecution for doing what is right.
• Be a “stargate” to the kingdom: By standing against injustice, you become a visible representation of God’s kingdom in the world, offering hope and a radical alternative.
• Learn from history: Recognize that past generations often stood for things that are now seen as unjust, fostering humility and critical thinking about present-day issues.

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References

Bible Verses

• Matthew 5:10
• Matthew 5:3
• Matthew 5:4
• Matthew 5:5
• Matthew 5:6
• Matthew 5:7
• Matthew 5:8
• Matthew 5:9

Books and Resources

• The Bible by various authors