Verbally abused

Theological Reflections on Matthew 5:11–12

In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, Jesus proclaimed the Beatitudes to His disciples, and the Beatitude specifically mentions the blessed being persecuted for righteousness (Matthew 5:10–12). This passage not only sheds light on the situation of Christians in the world, but also provides a deep reflection on the practice of faith.

The blessing of persecution

Here Jesus pointed out that believers are blessed when they are reviled and persecuted because of His name. This blessing does not come from suffering per se, but from the suffering they bear out of the pursuit of God's justice. Jesus encouraged believers to "rejoice and be glad" because their reward in heaven is great. This reminds us that true blessings are often at odds with worldly standards, and that suffering may be seen as a failure, but in the kingdom of God, it is a sign of glory.

The association between righteousness and persecution

When Jesus spoke of "persecution for righteousness' sake," Jesus emphasized consistency in faith and behavior. If a believer is attacked for pursuing righteousness, speaking the truth, or opposing injustice, this is a manifestation of the authenticity of their faith. In today's society, we are often faced with moral choices, and choosing to stand on the side of truth may be met with opposition and criticism. This passage reminds us that upholding faith and moral principles, even in the face of difficulties, is worth pursuing.

The echo of history and contemporary

Jesus' reference to "your prophets who were also persecuted in the same way" is not only a consolation, but also a warning to history. Many prophets have been persecuted for delivering God's message, showing that loyalty to God's calling often comes with challenges. In contemporary times, we also see many Christians facing social pressure or legal sanctions for sticking to their faith. Thus, Jesus' teachings are not only applicable at the time, but also have far-reaching implications for believers today.

conclusion

Matthew 5:11-12 is not just a teaching about blessings, it's a call to life. It challenges how we perceive difficulties and challenges, and how we hold on to our faith in our daily lives. As Christians, we are called to pursue righteousness, and even in the face of persecution, we must remember that our reward in heaven is great. Let us stand courageously in the face of challenges and respond with joy to those difficulties that come because of the truth.

Citations:

[1] http://chungi.biblekm.com.tw/f2faq/index.php?load=read&id=71

[2] https://zh-hant.theologyofwork.org/new-testament/matthew/the-kingdom-of-heaven-at-work-in-us-matthew-5-7/the-beatitudes-matthew-51-12

[3] https://hk.ptl.org/code/devotionals.php?day=334

[4] https://zh-hant.theologyofwork.org/new-testament/matthew/the-kingdom-of-heaven-at-work-in-us-matthew-5-7/the-beatitudes-matthew-51-12/blessed-are-those-who-are-persecuted-for-righteousness-sake-matt-510

[5] https://www.books.com.tw/products/E050129018

[6] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%E9%A6%AC+%E5%A4%AA+%E7%A6%8F+%E9%9F%B3+5%3A11-12&version=CUV

[7] https://cnbible.com/cu/matthew/5.htm

[8] https://lk15911.blogspot.com/2013/09/blog-post_3049.html