Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
-Matthew 5:11-12
Why does Jesus teach this? Being reviled and persecuted and slandered is not my idea of feeling blessed. I’m blessed when I’m happy, comfortable, successful. I’m blessed when I’m surrounded by loved ones or given a raise or
Perhaps we have an incomplete concept of blessing.
Being happy, comfortable, etc. are indeed still parts of being blessed. But Jesus says that so is being reviled on Jesus’ account. Perhaps the story of Joseph can help.
Read yesterday’s sermon on Joseph here: Joseph: Beyond the Technicolor Dreamcoat
Joseph lived a difficult life. He did not cause these difficulties. HIs father, Jacob, made him the favorite son and gifted him the special robe to show it. His brothers’ jealousy led Joseph to be thrown into a pit and sold into slavery. Potiphar’s wife’s wickedness led him to prison. The chief cupbearer’s forgetfulness kept Joseph in prison two years longer than he should have. But throughout his life, “the Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2).
Perhaps being blessed has nothing to do with circumstance. Perhaps being blessed has everything to do with God’s presence.
And throughout Scripture, God is present to those who suffer, who are on the margins of society, who are reviled and persecuted and slandered. Blessed are those to whom God is present.
Blessed is Joseph in the pit, in slavery, and in prison.
Blessed is Jesus on the cross.
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- How would you define being blessed? When you think of yourself as blessed, what causes that?
- Read the whole Beatitudes passage (Matthew 5:3-12). Does this change your definition of being blessed?
- When do you sense God’s presence? How does your circumstance affect that sensing?
- Create time this week to spend time in silent solitude and notice God’s presence. When you give yourself that time, note how it makes you feel. Blessed are those to whom God is present.
Pastor Drew's Desk 