The Beatitudes: Embracing the Cost of Citizenship (2)
The Kingdom of GOD • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 43:23
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· 21 viewsIn this series, we are looking at what it means to be citizens in the Kingdom of GOD. We take a look at how we should live and how we partner with the FATHER in HIS reign. This week we take a look into the details of the Sermon on the Mount as we continue looking at the third triad of Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:9-12 where we focus on v.10 and consider that persecution is the price of peace.
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Announce text: Matthew 5:1-16
Key Text: Matthew 5:1-16
Review
We’ve been tracing the biblical theme of GOD’s Kingdom, beginning with humanity’s original purpose to share in GOD’s rule as stewards of creation. Adam and Eve’s rebellion broke that trust, cursing their work and spawning human kingdoms that oppose GOD’s reign. Israel was chosen to reveal the nature of GOD’s Kingdom, yet it cycled through rejection, captivity, repentance, rescue, and restoration. GOD then entered history as Jesus - fully man, fully GOD - preceded by John the Baptist’s proclamation that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus echoed this message, announcing the gospel—the good news that the King has returned and invites people back into GOD’s reign.
This set the stage for the Beatitudes, where Jesus redefines the “good life” as blessedness in unexpected states. After exploring who is blessed and who belongs to the Kingdom in the first two triads, we now focus on the third triad (Matthew 5:9‑12), which highlights the cost and reward of Kingdom citizenship, beginning with the promise that peacemakers will be called GOD’s children. Peacemaking is portrayed as an active, dynamic role—derived from the Greek eiréné‑poios (“peace‑maker”) and linked to the Hebrew shalom (wholeness, completeness)—requiring believers to bring order to chaotic, conflicted situations rather than merely avoiding them.
We began looking at three dynamics of the divine mandate with counting the cost and embracing the reward of citizenship. The first dynamic of peacemaking:
Peacemakers Bear the Image of CHRIST.
The message emphasized three key themes:
Pursuing peace through love, the means by which we confront evil (as taught in Matthew 5:44‑45 and Luke 6:35).
Partnering with the HOLY SPIRIT, whose empowerment lets believers live out Kingdom values beyond mere legal effort (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18).
Embracing prophetic peace, recognizing that true peace involves hardship, perseverance, and anticipation of CHRIST’s ultimate fulfillment (Isaiah 9:6‑7; John 14:27).
An illustrative story of the fourth‑century monk Telemachus, who entered a Roman gladiatorial arena repeatedly pleading “In the name of CHRIST, forbear,” and whose martyrdom halted the games, demonstrates the powerful, costly witness of a peacemaker. Ultimately, believers are called to enter conflict zones, pursue reconciliation, and embody Kingdom peace through love, SPIRIT‑led action, and prophetic hope, asking themselves where GOD is urging them to make peace—in family, work, or community.
As we move to Matthew 5:10–12, let’s embrace our identity as GOD’s children, trusting JESUS, our PRINCE OF PEACE, to empower us as peacemakers.
Announce text again: Matthew 5:1-16
Scripture Reading
Scripture Reading
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the hillside, and sat down. His disciples came to him.
2 He took a deep breath, and began his teaching:
3 “How good is life for the powerless, because theirs is the kingdom of the skies.
4 “How good is life for those who grieve, because they will be comforted.
5 “How good is life for the unimportant, because they will inherit the land.
6 “How good is life for people who hunger and thirst for God’s justice! You’re going to be satisfied.
7 “How good is life for those who show mercy, because you will be shown mercy.
8 “How good is life for the pure in heart! You will see God.
9 “How good is life for the peacemakers, because they will be called children of GOD.
10 “How good is life for people who are persecuted because of God’s saving plan! The kingdom of heaven belongs to you.
11 “How good is life for you, when people slander you and persecute you, and say all kinds of wicked things about you falsely because of me!
12 Celebrate and rejoice: there’s a great reward for you in heaven. That’s how they persecuted the prophets who went before you.”
13 “You’re the salt of the earth! But if the salt becomes tasteless, how is it going to get salty again? It’s no good for anything. You might as well throw it out and walk all over it.
14 “You’re the light of the world! A city can’t be hidden if it’s on top of a hill.
15 People don’t light a lamp and put it under a bucket; they put it on a lampstand. Then it gives light to everybody in the house.
16 That’s how you must shine your light in front of people! Then they will see what wonderful things you do, and they’ll give glory to your father in heaven.
16 That’s how you must shine your light in front of people! Then they will see what wonderful things you do, and they’ll give glory to your father in heaven.
Prayer for added blessing to the reading of the Word
Message
Message
The beatitudes are 9 sayings of JESUS in which HE is reframing what the good life is. We have been digging into the Greek and Hebrew words underlying our English translation of what JESUS is saying in our text, and this morning, we will continue looking at the third triad covered in vv.9-12.
Here is the third triad in context in a blended paraphrased translation from the BibleProject and the NTFE version:
9 “How good is life for the peacemakers, because they will be called children of GOD.
10 “How good is life for people who are persecuted because of God’s saving plan! The kingdom of heaven belongs to you.
11 “How good is life for you, when people slander you and persecute you, and say all kinds of wicked things about you falsely because of me!
12 Celebrate and rejoice: there’s a great reward for you in heaven. That’s how they persecuted the prophets who went before you.”
So, where the first triad was a look at the unexpected places or states of being that JESUS identified as a state of blessedness, and the second triad revealed that JESUS was identifying the type of people GOD is forming - those who live in the KINGdom; in the third triad, we are looking at the cost of and reward for those citizens living in the KINGdom of GOD.
Years ago, a large statue of Christ was erected high in the Andes on the border between Argentina and Chile. Called "Christ of the Andes," the statue symbolizes a pledge between the two countries that as long as the statue stands, there will be peace between Chile and Argentina. Shortly after the statue was erected, the Chileans began to protest that they had been slighted -- the statue had its back turned to Chile. Just when tempers were at their highest in Chile, a Chilean newspaperman saved the day. In an editorial that not only satisfied the people but made them laugh, he simply said, "The people of Argentina need more watching over than the Chileans.
— Bits & Pieces, June 25, 1992.
Two men who lived in a small village got into a terrible dispute that they could not resolve. So they decided to talk to the town sage. The first man went to the sage's home and told his version of what happened. When he finished, the sage said, "You're absolutely right." The next night, the second man called on the sage and told his side of the story. The sage responded, "You're absolutely right." Afterward, the sage's wife scolded her husband. "Those men told you two different stories and you told them they were absolutely right. That's impossible -- they can't both be absolutely right." The sage turned to his wife and said, "You're absolutely right."
— David Moore in Vital Speeches of the Day.
There is humor in both of those illustrations of conflict, but when we choose to get involved in disputes in an effort to create peace, we should expect there will be difficulty, and yes, even persecution.
This morning we will look at the second of three dynamics of the divine mandate with counting the cost and embracing the reward of citizenship.
Peacemakers Bear the Image of CHRIST.
Persecution is the Price of Peace.
Today, we are going to look at v.10:
10 “How good is life for people who are persecuted on account of doing what is right, because theirs is the kingdom of the skies.
Now, before we jump into the verse here, I want us to reconsider the audience JESUS is speaking to. More specifically, I want to give a brief overview of the four groups of people in JESUS’ audience. We briefly saw these in the overview of the SOTM - I think it was in the BP video we watched - but we’re going to dig a little deeper into the details of these groups because there’s a question or two that I want us to consider this morning in the context of these beatitudes as we look at the socioeconomic makeup of the crowd in relation to this verse.
So, the four people groups in JESUS’ audience:
Sadducees
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The Sadducees were the elite of Jewish society, akin to aristocrats, holding positions as high priests and owning vast wealth and land. They collaborated with Rome to preserve their status, power, and riches. While not enthusiastic about Roman rule, they accepted it as a means to maintain their privileged position. In the New Testament, they often clashed with JESUS, likely viewing HIS growing influence as a threat to their authority.
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For instance, in Matthew 3:7, John calls them a “brood of vipers,” a vivid description of their character. A notable Sadducee, Caiaphas, appears in the crucifixion narrative, accusing JESUS of disturbing the peace. For them, “peace” meant preserving their control, even if it required eliminating JESUS. Though they might have endorsed peacemaking in theory, their approach starkly contrasted with CHRIST’s vision.
The four people groups in JESUS’ audience:
Sadducees
Pharisees
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The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish group devoted to the Torah, the entire Hebrew Bible, and oral traditions, distinguishing them from the Sadducees, who rejected oral tradition. As influential community leaders, they were akin to local pastors, guiding people in living according to GOD’s directives.
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Despite sharing a common heritage and reverence for the Torah with the Sadducees, they strongly opposed the Sadducees’ dismissal of oral tradition, leading to significant conflict. In the Gospel accounts, the Pharisees frequently interacted with JESUS, WHO sometimes criticized them for hypocrisy, teaching righteousness but not always embodying it. However, not all Pharisees opposed JESUS, as exemplified by Nicodemus, a Pharisee who was not antagonistic toward HIM.
The four people groups in JESUS’ audience:
Sadducees
Pharisees
Essenes
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The Essenes were a separatist Jewish sect likely based in Qumran near the Dead Sea, known for their rigorous, law-focused lifestyle aimed at purifying their community. Living in isolation between the mountains and the sea, they withdrew from mainstream Jewish society, particularly criticizing temple practices, and prayed for divine restoration. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered at Qumran, reveal their strict adherence to religious laws.
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Their dualistic worldview, dividing people into good and evil, suggests a potential conflict with JESUS’ teachings on peacemaking, which emphasized reconciling opposing sides. Their self-imposed isolation raises questions about how they reconciled their secluded lifestyle with the concept of fostering harmonious relationships.
The four people groups in JESUS’ audience:
Sadducees
Pharisees
Essenes
Zealots
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The Zealots were a radical, militant Jewish faction, possibly not a fully organized group but defined by a fervent ideology. Exemplified by figures like Simon the Zealot in the New Testament, they were fiercely opposed to Roman occupation and those who collaborated with it, including tax collectors, Sadducees, and high priests aligned with Rome. Their zeal echoed the Maccabean revolts, sparked by actions like Antiochus Epiphanes’ desecration of the Temple, which led them to form a military force to expel foreign influence, cleanse the Temple, and restore proper worship.
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In their view, such actions constituted peacemaking. However, their aggressive stance created conflict not only with Romans but also with other Jewish groups, including Pharisees who did not share their radical approach, resulting in widespread tension and a lack of harmonious relationships within and beyond their community.
Ok. I want to ask you a rhetorical question or two based off what we just covered. As I was reading the descriptions of those groups, were there any that stood out to you in a way that you think you might identify most with? What kind of people group, if you were being completely honest, would you say you would fit in most with?
So, these are the groups of people that make up the community that JESUS is speaking to, and just by the facts that we have heard on each group, you already see there would be built-in tension with one another. Then, when you consider JESUS is instructing HIS disciples (and us!) in v.9 from the last message in this series, that they (we) are to enter into that environment and work toward creating peace, you begin to realize how difficult of a task this is going to be.
Do you see any parallels between the groups of people in JESUS’ day and the groups of people we encounter in our society today?
JESUS, in the midst of this environment, is saying, “The good life is for those who don’t withdraw from conflict.” You can’t make peace, if you’re avoiding or withdrawing from the fight. You can’t be an agent of peace - a broker of peace - between two parties, if you don’t enter into the conflict.
In the context of JESUS’ Sermon on the Mount, each group would have their own perspective on what making peace would look like, so HIS teachings would challenge their views on peace. JESUS’ Sermon on the Mount presented a manifesto for peacemaking through generous, self-sacrificial love, even for enemies, reflecting the character of GOD’s family. This approach, involving mercy and right motives, set a high standard that risked misunderstanding but aimed to create a world made right.
In the Sermon on the Mount, JESUS teaches that the good life belongs to those persecuted for righteousness, as theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Peacemaking, central to JESUS’ ethic, involves fostering harmony and including marginalized groups like the poor and lepers, but it often leads to persecution. This opposition does not come from those being reconciled but from others who disagreed with JESUS’ approach to peacemaking. Persecution, including from Roman authorities, is not a sign of failure but an expected outcome of living out GOD’s Kingdom values in a resistant world. JESUS’ teaching challenges the assumption that doing right guarantees acceptance, emphasizing that persecution is a natural consequence of following HIS ethic of righteousness, as seen in HIS own life and the experiences of HIS disciples.
I want to look at this verse again in the NASB for a number of reasons. There are also two tie-togethers that I want us to see here in the introduction of this message.
10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
persecution - can be physical violence, verbal abuse, or both
perfect tense indicates past & present persecution
righteousness is the cause for the persecution
The first tie-together is the word, righteous.
remember the two types of righteousness we talked about in v. 6?
doing right by GOD, and consequently others
imputed righteousness - GOD’s gift; JESUS’ righteousness credited to us - justified by our faith
in this context, it refers to only one’s behavior or conduct
blessing - those who persevere in persecution are rewarded with KoG (present & future reign)
There are three points I want to share with you this morning related to this theme, Persecution is the Price of Peace. The first one is this ...
Persecution: The Price of Peace
Persecution is Predicted.
Persecution is foreseen and warned about in biblical texts. In preparing for this message this morning - actually, the same happened when preparing for the message covering v.9 - there was a verse that kept coming to my mind.
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
As I was comparing translations, I thought this was interesting - the NRSV words it this way:
33 I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”
Let me tell you something, I don’t want to be persecuted. I mean, who here does? Yet, JESUS promises if you follow me - if you live out my ethics, be prepared - don’t say I didn’t warn you - you’re going to face hardship, you’re going to be misunderstood, you’re going to be persecuted. JESUS repeatedly warned of persecution, even within households, and urged preparation for it, promising HOLY SPIRIT’s assistance at judicial examinations.
Well, sign me up! Right? Again, JESUS says this is a state of blessedness, and like with other states we’ve seen before, we would be saying, “No way, man!” Yet, it is a natural consequence of living out the ethics of the KINGdom of GOD.
12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Additionally, Paul provides "continual warning that tribulation is inseparable from discipleship."
22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,
Peter also warns of impending dangers, stating that Christians should not be surprised at persecution as something unusual. In fact, persecution became "the hallmark of the true prophet" in Jewish eyes, indicating an expected pattern.
15 The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent word to them again and again by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place;
16 but they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, until there was no remedy.
52 “Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become;
So, we see from Scripture that persecution is a predicted and integral part of faithful discipleship, expected and prepared for by biblical figures and early Christians, who saw it as a hallmark of true devotion.
Persecution: The Price of Peace
Persecution is Predicted.
Persecution Purifies Faith.
There are numerous references in Scripture to trials refining believers.
25 “I will also turn My hand against you, And will smelt away your dross as with lye And will remove all your alloy.
9 “And I will bring the third part through the fire, Refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ And they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ ”
Scripture states that for a little while, various trials only prove the genuineness of faith in Peter's warnings. Persecution is portrayed as testing and strengthening faith.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
The overall narrative emphasizes that righteousness does not guarantee a prosperous life, but such suffering confirms the authenticity of commitment, as in the "high cost of righteousness" inherited by Christianity. Paul's assurance that "in every form of tribulation, Christians are more than conquerors" implies a purifying victory through endurance.
35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
Persecution serves to purify and refine the believer's faith. In moments of trial, Christians are invited to rely more fully on GOD, shedding superficial beliefs and emerging with a stronger, more devoted spirit. This purification process not only deepens personal spirituality but also exemplifies CHRIST’s purification through suffering on the cross, inviting others to witness GOD’s transformative work.
Persecution: The Price of Peace
Persecution is Predicted.
Persecution Purifies Faith.
Persecution Promises Peace.
So, here’s more encouraging news: there is a future peace or reward beyond persecution. JESUS promises HOLY SPIRIT’s assistance amid trials.
17 “But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues;
18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
19 “But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.
20 “For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
Paul's view that tribulation leads to being "more than conquerors" (Rom 8:35–37), suggests ultimate victory and rest. Peter's exhortation in 1 Peter encourages suffering for righteousness, remembering that "CHRIST did too—for them," and to "arm themselves" while sharing in CHRIST’s sufferings, with the final word to "Stand fast!", pointing to eternal resolution. Israel had confidence in GOD’s sovereignty despite suffering, and Christianity inherited this.
In Mt16.24-26, we see where faithfulness to JESUS is the only way to life and the kingdom.
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
25 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
26 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Revelation reflects ongoing persecution but ends with the perseverance of GOD’s people, implying promised divine peace after endurance.
9 I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
9 When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had
2 because His judgments are true and righteous; for He has judged the great harlot who was corrupting the earth with her immorality, and He has avenged the blood of His bond-servants on her.”
Ultimately, KING JESUS, restores peace to a broken world in a return to Eden - an eternal state of shalom. The fullness of the blessing is promised to those who are persecuted for righteousness: the possession of the kingdom of heaven. And this is the second tie-together I was talking about from v.10.
theirs is the kingdom of heaven - repeat of 5.3b
an inclusio means the repeating of this same statement ties together everything between the two uses of the phrase
v.3 & v.10 are like bookends
literary format that indicates promises in vv.4-9 are different ways of saying the same thing
so, then vv.3-9 lead to persecution in v.10 which acts as a bridge or transition that points to vv.11-12 (next week’s message)
So then, in the KoG, there is comfort, there is inheritance, there is satisfaction, there is steadfast or everlasting love & forgiveness, there is GOD’s Presence, and there is family (belonging ).
I want to encourage you this morning to view your present suffering in light of eternal glory. By enduring persecution, we testify to the world about the power and hope of the Gospel, following in the footsteps of CHRIST WHO secured victory through suffering. This assurance provides a profound sense of peace and purpose in the midst of trials.
So, pj … What’s the point?
Conclusion
Conclusion
The Christ of the Andes statue stands tall, symbolizing peace between Chile and Argentina, yet sparked disputes over its orientation. A sage in a village declared both feuding men “absolutely right,” diffusing tension with wisdom. Jesus declares in Matthew 5:10, “How good is life for people who are persecuted on account of doing what is right, because theirs is the kingdom of the skies.” Persecution, as Jesus taught, is the price of peace for Kingdom citizens.
In the last message of this series, we saw peacemakers enter conflict with love (khesed), led by the Spirit, to restore shalom. Today, we learned persecution is predicted, purifies faith, and promises peace. In Roman-occupied Judea, Jesus’ audience—Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, Zealots—faced tension, yet He called them to pursue righteousness (tzedekah), even at the cost of suffering. This inclusio with Matthew 5:3 frames the Beatitudes as a path to the Kingdom, where persecution confirms our faith’s authenticity.
Where are you facing opposition for doing right? In standing for justice, showing mercy, or making peace? Don’t shrink back. Persecution refines us, revealing Christ’s image through the Spirit’s power. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we’re more than conquerors, assured of the Kingdom’s reward. Like the sage or the Andes statue, let’s stand firm in conflicts—at home, work, or community—through ministries like Love INC, embodying holiness as Christlikeness. As we move to Matthew 5:11–12, let’s pray for the Spirit to strengthen us, testifying to the Gospel’s hope amid trials, trusting Jesus for eternal shalom.
Closing prayer & benediction
24 The Lord bless you, and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.’
Scripture records the following words in v.27:
27 “So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them.”
So, receive and go with the blessings of YAHWEH!
