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The Persecuted

by Paul George  
2/05/2008 / Bible Studies


Matthew 5:10-16

The disciple's life is one that is full of paradoxes. The disciple is told to rejoice when persecuted. There is a clue to why those who are the disciples of Jesus should rejoice when they are persecuted. The clue is found in verses 10 and 11. There is also a comparison in verses 10 and 11. In verse 10, Jesus refers to the past, those who have been persecuted. The reason for the persecution in the past was for the sake of righteousness.

When Jesus came to be baptized by John (Matthew 3:13) Jesus told John why it was necessary John baptism Him, to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). Righteousness has been defined as a state of conforming to an authoritative standard. In the Old Testament, righteousness defines the relationship between man and God. In Old Testament times the people of God were persecuted because of their relationship with God. In verse 11 we are told why the disciples, and we can apply this to every true believer in Christ, will be insulted, persecuted, and all kinds of evil said against them; it is because of their relationship with Jesus.

In verse 12, we are told what the disciples and this includes every true believer in Christ, response to the insulting remarks, persecution, and evil things said about them, we are to rejoice and be glad. Why are we to rejoice and be glad? We are to rejoice and be glad because of the reward that awaits us. We are to rejoice and be glad, because the people of God who were persecuted in the past were the blessed; we are the blessed in this present evil age.

In verse 12, there is encouragement to the faithful ministers. What happens to them even by those who profess to be followers of Jesus, even born again Christians, happened to the prophets of God, it happened to all the apostles, and has happened and will happen until the time God will do what He did to Israel, for four hundred years there were no God sent prophets in Israel.

Who are the persecuted in this present evil age, the time between the First Advent and Second Advent of Christ? Jesus told the disciples He will send out into the world that will hate them, to make disciples of all the nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey all that Jesus commanded them (Matthew 28:10-20).

Who are the persecuted, this can be in various forms, in this present evil age; they are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, they are like a city on a hill.

The two symbols salt and light, describes Jesus' plan for His disciples and what He expected of them has a definite purpose. He tells them they are to be like salt. They are to preach and teach the Word of God in such a way as to express the qualities of salt. Why did Jesus use the symbol salt? Salt is an indispensable necessity of life. The Word of God is an indispensable necessity of life. What did Jesus tell Satan when He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness; He said man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

There is also a warning in verse 13. If the qualities of salt are lost it becomes worthless.

This a warning to every minister and teacher, sugar coated messages and teachings, even though they contain the ingredients the ungodly are more inclined to enjoy are worthless. They may put names in the membership book; they will never add names to the book of life. The faithful minister and teacher of the Word of God must never expect faithful preaching to be acceptable and popular. Faithful preaching is contrary to human nature. The faithful minister must be prepared to face the displeasure and opposition of the ungodly. This is a testimony that their ministry is like salt that it has bitten into the depravity of their people. Instead of being discouraged and dismayed they should be endeavoring to season their congregation more and more with the pure salt of God's Word.

Using the term "You are the light of the world" Jesus likens His disciples to light. Spiritually the world is in darkness (2 Peter 1:19) and sits in the shadow of death (Matthew 4:16), because in Adam it turned away from Him who is Light. However, ministers of the Word of God are to be a beacon. There was a time when we sang about being a beacon so that the lost could find their way to safety, but that is too old fashion for today's tolerant attitude in far too many churches.

Jesus said, "A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house" (Matthew 5:14-15). Such is the case with God's ministers by virtue of their calling. Therefore, it follows that God's ministers cannot without great sin hide the gifts and talents which He has bestowed upon them, for they are as lighted candles which must not be put under a bushel, they are to let their shine before men, that they may see their good works, and glorify their Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Let your light shine refers to letting the will of God and His grace known to all people, backed up by a godly example. The ministers of the Lord are to be like salt, a light, a city on a hill so that God's people and the ungodly may not only hear their doctrine but also see their good works, and moved to follow the same, and bring honor and praise to the Lord.

Retired pastor,Church of the Nazarene

Author of web site Exploring God's Word

www.thewordofgodonline.net

New American Standard Bible

King James Version

The World English Bible

Sermons and Bible studies preached and taught by author

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