Matthew 5: The Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes (6)
Pray Psalm 115.1-3.
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth.
Why should the Gentiles say,
“So where is their God?”
But our God is in heaven;
He does whatever He pleases.
Sing joyfully Psalm 115.1-3.
(Plainfield: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus)
Not to us, O God, not us, but unto Your Name give glory!
For Your love and faithfulness, ever to Your Name be glory!
Why should the nations cry, "Where is their God on high?"
You rule us, Lord, on high: Ever to Your Name be glory!
Read Matthew 5.1-12; meditate on verses 11, 12.
Prepare.
1. What kinds of persecution did Jesus specify here?
2. How should we respond to such persecution? Why?
Meditate.
Jesus wraps up this portion of the sermon on the mount by enlarging on the theme of persecution as what we must expect in the Kingdom of God. It must be an important theme and a most real expectation, as it’s the only one He elaborates in more detail. He mentions reviling us, speaking evil of us, and lying about us as particular forms of persecution to consider. We know, however, that those who hate Jesus will do much worse than this to His followers, when they are able.
Get your mind around this: If you have a vision for the Kingdom, and live a life of repentance, purity, showing mercy, and seeking peace, some people will speak evil of you and lie about you, and try to make you look stupid or naïve, or dangerous. You must not try to avoid such responses, but let your light shine in spite of it (as we shall see in verses 13ff).
When persecution comes, rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Persecution is proof that your faith is genuine. Rejoicing in persecution strengthens your faith by sharpening the focus of your life on the unseen things above, where Christ is seated in heavenly places, preparing a place for us with Him forever (Heb. 11.1; Col. 3.1-13; Jn. 14.1-4). We’re in good company when we have to undergo persecution, because the prophets of the Old Testament and the disciples of the New were persecuted, as have been many of our brothers and sisters throughout history; and as many are throughout the world today.
Jesus points us to the eternal manifestation of His Kingdom (v. 12), beyond time into heaven and beyond, into the new heavens and new earth. The beatitudes set the theme and basic categories for life in the Kingdom. They are our essential marching orders while we remain here in time. In the remainder of the sermon on the mount, Jesus will fill in more of the details He has outlined in verses 1-12. Thus, the beatitudes are like the Ten Commandments, which the rest of the Law unpacks and illustrates. Jesus is giving a new Law for His Kingdom, but, as we shall see, it does not eliminate, but is based on and enhances that Law and those commandments already received.
Reflect.
1. How are the beatitudes like the Ten Commandments?
2. How must we respond to persecution? How can believers help one another during times of persecution?
3. What “reward” can we expect for responding to persecution as Jesus commands?
Not only should we patiently endure all the horrible treacheries of the persecutors that can be contrived in a time of persecution for Christ’s name against the just, or the various reproaches that can be heaped upon us, or the punishments that can be applied to the body, but we should even welcome them with exultation because of the coming glory. Chromatius (fl. ca. 400), Tractate on Matthew 17.9.2-3
Embolden me for the Kingdom today, O Lord, and help me to…
Pray Psalm 115.9-18.
In a time like this – indeed, at all times – we need to remember that God is sovereign, that He does all things well, works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, and that He works good through those who know Him to show His love to the world. Pray that He will use you thus today.
Sing Psalm 115.9-18.
Psalm 115.9-18 (Plainfield: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus)
All who trust in Jesus yield – ever to His Name be glory! –
find in Him their help and shield – ever to Your Name be glory!
O Israel, trust the Lord! He helps us evermore!
Fear Him obey His Word: Ever to Your Name be glory!
Blessings from our gracious Lord – ever to Your Name be glory –
will attend us evermore – ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless all who fear You, Lord, all who obey Your Word,
all who Your Name adore: Ever to Your Name be glory!
Grant us, Savior, great increase – ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless us with eternal peace – ever to Your Name be glory!
Heaven and earth are Yours; let every soul adore
and bless You evermore: Ever to Your Name be glory!
T. M. Moore
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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006). All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).