Blessed Are The Persecuted

This Sunday Jesus bookends the introduction of his sermon with this final Beatitude.

"Blessed are those that are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

According to Jesus, kingdom citizens are characterized as being a persecuted people. A people that are taken back when their character collides with culture. This also raises a very penetrating question for every Jesus follower, namely, "How have I suffered for righteousness' sake?" And if not, why not?

Here in Jesus' final Beatitude, he reveals a wonderful promise that empowers us to endure hard things for right living.