Text: Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus closes His statements on “The Blessed Life” with this final beatitude: “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness.” This, though, sounds absurd and is directly opposed to our cultural norms and personal wants. We have often come to believe that the truly blessed ones are those who are rich, who have everything they want, and who live life to the “full.” However, Jesus shows us once again that the life blessed in Him is very different than the world. In this message, God shows us plainly that there are deep, profound, and rich blessings in store for those who experience persecution in Christ, and this truth leads us to experience rejoicing and gladness in Him.