Reflections by Keith Funk

In this final beatitude of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, we encounter a subtle yet significant change in his address. In the preceding verses we hear our Lord speaking about the crowds, describing those who were near on that day. In this beatitude, however, Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples, “Blessed are you…” The disciples are included within Jesus’ broad purview. He sees them and knows them, just as he sees and knows the crowds about him. In this beatitude, Jesus also infers what is ahead for them. His disciples will face significant challenges to the point of persecution. So, this beatitude is for them. I suggest that maybe there is something here for us as well.

In these past weeks, from the beatitudes, we have gotten a first-hand look at the values and operation of the kingdom of the heavens—God’s kingdom. We have seen how this kingdom functions in an entirely opposite manner from the kingdoms of the world. We have seen the kingdom Jesus announces as an “upside down kingdom.” However, it is this kingdom of Jesus that is truly right-side up. Because of this, there is a problem and this problem has persisted over millennia where the kingdom of the heavens is exposed to the world. Where God’s kingdom is exposed, there will be rejection. Very often this rejection is subtle and downplayed. In some circumstances, however, the rejection has been violent to the point of excessive persecution.

Jesus anticipates this for his disciples. He knows there will be cost to them for their allegiance to him and to the kingdom of the heavens. It is inevitable. From the world to the powers and principalities that impose their influence, rulership and governance are held all too tightly. God’s kingdom is a threat to the world’s rulers and their systems. As it was in the days of Jesus and his disciples, so it is in ours as well. Here I am reminded of the words from Ecclesiastes, “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

In all of this, Jesus sees things for what they are. And it’s here maybe we can take some inference for any who seek to follow Jesus. Allegiance to that which is right, as defined by Jesus and according to how God’s kingdom operates, comes with the risk of cost. Such cost may come in differing ways from mild rejection to overt persecution. Be this as it may, there is a risk.

However, there are also two things to be taken from Jesus’ words that can speak volumes to any who seek to follow him.  One is that in rejection and/or persecution for his sake, there is confirmation of one’s true allegiance as Jesus’ disciple. In other words, when we are spurned because of our association with Jesus, or in witness to him and God’s kingdom, we have confirmation of who we are. Great comfort can be taken in this, can it not?

There is also the affirmation and anticipation of the greater things to come— “for your reward is great in heaven.” This is no small thing. Here I am reminded of the words: eye has not seen, nor ear heard…” (Isaiah 64:4; 1 Corinthians 2:9). So, it was for Jesus’ disciples of that long ago day, and so it is for us.

Peace be with you.