Malcolm Cox

Introduction What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we will look at the eighth beatitude: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10 NIV11) It's interesting that the warning about persecution follows the beatitude about peacemaking.  Perhaps this is to remind us that our efforts will often not be appreciated. The issue is so important to Jesus that he does what he did not do for any of the previous beatitudes — he expands on this one: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11–12 NIV11) 1. The Meaning in the context of the Gospel     - The kingdom. The first beatitude in verse 3 promises the sa