Matthew 5:11

Saturday, 16 November 2024

 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Matthew 5:11

“Blessed are you when they shall defame you, and they shall pursue, and they shall lay forth all evil utterance, falsifying because of Me” (CG).

The previous verse noted those pursued for righteousness’ sake, saying that theirs is the kingdom of the heavens. Jesus’ words continue now with, “Blessed are you when they shall defame you.”

The word oneidizó, to defame, is introduced here. HELP Word Studies says, “properly, to disgrace (insult), reproach; mock (curse); insult, cast blame (create shame) – viewing someone (something) as culpably guilty and therefore deserving punishment.”

The reason for this defaming is not yet given, and so to continue, Jesus next says, “and they shall pursue.”

It is the same word introduced into the New Testament in the last verse and which is often translated as “persecute.” It is as if these people continually chase after you, never allowing you to rest and defaming you with every chance they can in the process. And yet, Jesus continues, saying, “and they shall lay forth all evil utterance.”

Most newer translations, based on a different source text, leave off the word rhéma, “utterance.” For example –

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” NIV

Either way, the thought is that of being constantly spoken against as evil in various ways. One can think of Paul in the Book of Acts, who was constantly hounded by the Jews who opposed him. They lied and manipulated in order to silence his message. This type of evil speaking actually cost Stephen his life in Acts 7. With that noted, Jesus next explains the context of these persecutions, while expanding on the previous clause saying, “falsifying because of Me.”

It is another new word, pseudomai, to lie or speak falsely. These are direct attacks against an individual intended to cause harm to him. In fact, such accusations could bring charges and severe penalties depending on the situation.

Peter, in his first epistle, and maybe thinking of these words of Matthew, wrote similar words for his audience as well –

“If you are reproached [oneidizó] for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:14

Life application: All of these things came upon Jesus, and so it is expected that they would come upon His followers as well. In the Christian Western world, there has been a large bubble of protection over believers as even governments supported the Christian cause.

Most of the dissensions didn’t come from outside but from within, such as the Protestant-Catholic wars and upheavals throughout the years. However, the tide has turned. Christians are now openly targeted by the ungodly, rabid left. They are accused of being the haters and usurpers of what is right.

This will not decrease. The persecution will grow to a fevered pitch if the Lord doesn’t return first. Churches will be targeted, pastors will be arrested for minor charges, and congregants will have their faith tested. It is no longer a question of “if” but of “when and to what degree.”

Folks need to be ready to either stand up for their faith or to walk away and hide cowardly from those who will no longer tolerate lights of righteousness in an ever-darkening world of wickedness.

Glorious God, we can see and read the writing on the wall. It is not unknown, and we don’t need a prophet to explain it to us. Rather, we can look around and clearly see that the world is becoming less tolerant of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Give us strength and wisdom to stand in this hour and boldly proclaim the word in a world that so desperately needs to hear it. Amen.