Jesus Life Hacks // Persecuted Matthew 5:10-12

Imagine you are in the market for a new car. You visit the dealer and the salesman who is showing you the latest model takes you for a test drive. As you turn out of the parking lot, he launches into his sales pitch: "Three hours in this car," he says, "and your back will be so out of joint, you will need physical therapy to walk upright again! The cost of repairs alone will put my children through college. And when you drive it down the street, every head will turn, because everyone who sees you will be laughing at you."

Nobody who wanted to make a sale would say such a thing. It doesn't make much sense. Jesus ends his sermon with a similar warning to his disciples.

Matthew 5:10-12 "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

The word “persecuted” means to “pursue” or “chase.” It can also be translated “harass.” “Persecuted” in this passage is used in reference “allow themselves to be persecuted.”

Jesus taught during a violent times. Israel was occupied by the Roman empire. Violence was common.The Romans employed torture and murder to keep people in line. Political and religious leaders regularly called for harsh punishments for anyone who opposed their authority (John 8 the woman caught in adultery who Jesus saved from being stoned?)

People were looking for a savior who was powerful. But, like today, many were looking toward an idea of power that Jesus came to stand against.

Jesus didn’t come with political or military power but as a suffering servant. (OT prophets in Isaiah 52 & 53 foretold of his mission)

Jesus knew persecution was coming.

Jesus was rejected by members of his own family, endured the shame of his hometown community who gossiped about his “illegitimacy,” was hated by the religious leaders of his day, betrayed by friends, falsely accused, beaten, and tortured to death.

Jesus choose and willingly endured persecution.

Jesus is telling us not if persecution comes but when. And how we respond to persecution is what’s important. Jesus understood that people will “falsely say all kinds of evil against you” and “insult you” because by living by His commands, we’re challenging a value system many people have based their entire lives on.

2 Timothy 3:12 NIV In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

For Jesus persecution was an opportunity to demonstrate radical love towards an enemy. Love is easy to extend to those we like.

Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [46] If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? [47] And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? [48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Loving your enemy is seeing them as an image bearer and child of God.