Persecuted for Christ
Mark 26, 2023
Dr. Bradford Reaves
Crossway Christian Fellowship
Matthew 5:5-6
This is a chapter that most people want to skip. Today many churches are prone to avoid discussing the truth that faith in Jesus will not always bring sunny days and a care-free life. Quite the contrary. Faith in Jesus will put you at enmity with the world. Or, as James puts it conversely, “friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4). The truth that Jesus is conveying in the concluding beatitude is that becoming a citizen in the Kingdom of God will cause the world, the world’s systems, and those outside of Christ’s Kingdom to have such a distain for you, even to the point of persecuting you.
During World War II, as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, General George C. Marshall is said to have been recruiting an officer for a “secret and dangerous mission.” What truly stands out is his specific request: “I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point football player.” He didn’t promise a ticker-tape parade or medals—just a solemn challenge and an opportunity to serve at the highest risk, with no applause awaiting at the finish line.
While there’s no record of exactly when or where he said it (Marshall himself attended VMI, not West Point), there is a plaque at West Point’s Michie Stadium that memorializes it. Cadets touch that plaque before games, reminding them of courage, commitment, and silent sacrifice. That’s the call of the Christian.
Most of the time, particularly in America, churches present persecution as something far away in a distant authoritarian land where believers need to hold hidden worship services in fear the authorities barging into the room. The sad reality is those places do exist and believers should be aware of it. Did you know, according to the group “Open Doors,” who closely monitor Christian persecution world-wide, that Christianity is the most persecuted religious group world-wide? The BBC reported that “the persecution of Christians in parts of the world is at near "genocide" levels, according to a report ordered by Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt” (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48146305).
According to Open Doors, in 2024, there were 4,476 Christians were murdered for their faith, and 380 million Christians around the world suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination (https://www.opendoors.org/en-US). While the US is far from a dangerous place for Christians to live, we should not think we are immune from persecution and even more our faith is in opposition to cultural trends.
I think it is worth saying here something that all believers should take to heart. That is I believer it is more dangerous to water down our faith in Jesus Christ in order to avoid persecution than the persecution itself. The truth is, the closer you walk with Jesus Christ, the more you will stand out from the world—and not always in a way that feels comfortable. At some point in your Christian life, you will discover this profound reality: living for Christ in a fallen world invites hostility. Jesus said it plainly:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:10–12).
We have climbed the ladder of the Beatitudes—poverty of spirit, mourning over sin, meekness, hunger and thirst for righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, and peacemaking. Each rung has drawn us higher into the life of the Spirit. But now we see the cost: the world will not applaud Christlikeness. In fact, it will despise it. And yet Jesus calls us blessed. This final Beatitude does something remarkable: it pulls back the curtain on the inevitable clash between God’s kingdom and the kingdom of this world.
So. how can persecution be a blessing? Why does living for Christ provoke such hostility? And how can we endure it with joy? Let’s take this step by step.
1. The Inevitable Collision of Kingdoms
First, notice that Jesus does not say “if” you are persecuted but assumes that you will be. Paul shares this reminder also in his letter to Timothy: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). Persecution comes because righteousness and unrighteousness cannot coexist in peace. Darkness always resents the light that exposes it. When Christ’s righteousness shines through you—through your integrity, your refusal to compromise, your refusal to laugh at sin, or your boldness to speak truth—it makes people uncomfortable.
Think about it. Jesus Christ was the most loving, compassionate, and perfect man to ever walk the earth. Yet the world crucified Him. Should we expect a standing ovation when we follow in His footsteps? When you live for Christ:
• You expose the false peace of sin. (John 3:19–20)
• You confront the idols of the age. (Acts 19:23–27)
• You challenge people’s self-righteousness. (Matthew 23:13–15)
This is not about being abrasive or obnoxious for its own sake. As James Montgomery Boice points out, there’s no blessing for suffering because you’re a “nuisance.” The truth is, some Christians are not persecuted for righteousness’ sake but because they’re acting self-righteously or foolishly. But when your Christlike life becomes a living rebuke to sin, you’ll discover what Jesus promised his disciples before going to the cross: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18).
A careful examination of Scripture reveals that this collision of kingdoms is not unique to Jesus’s sermon. First we see that Jesus himself declared the Kingdom of God at odds with the world when he said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting… But my kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36) Also, Jesus preached a Gospel of repentance. Repentence means that we turn away from the things in opposition to God and back to righteousness. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)
Jesus also said that the world Hates the Kingdom of God:
• “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)
• “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15)
• “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” (James 4:4)
The Bible also reminds us that this is not merely a cultural clash of the two Kingdoms, but a spiritual battle that is happening. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness…” (Ephesians 6:12) He also says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh…” (2 Corinthians 10:3–4).
The good news for believers this that there will come a day when the Kingdom of God will prevail over the kingdom of darkness once and for all. John, in the Book of Revelation writes, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15). Paul likewise also encouraged the believers in Rome to stand firm in the faith because, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” (Romans 16:20).
These messages are not unique to just New Testament Scriptures. They are universal truths throughout the entire Bible. consider the few examples.
The Old Testament identifies the clash of kingdoms all the way back to Genesis, in the Garden of Eden and subsequent events. During the building of the Tower of Babel, they identify the very spirit behind their endeavor: To oppose God. “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves…” (Genesis 11:4) This is a clear example of the kingdom of man rising up in defiance against God’s rule.
Likewise we see a spirit of rebellion in the heart of Pharaoh prior to the exodus. “Pharaoh said, ‘Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go?’” (Exodus 5:2)
Psalm 2 is a perfect prophetic summary of the cosmic clash between God’s Messiah and the rebellious nations. “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed.” (Psalm 2:2). We continually see this spirit at work today in the nations that works manically to wipe Israel off the face of the earth or even here in the United States where pro-Palestinian protesters on publicly funded college campuses shout “From the River to the Sea,” an antisemitic euphemism that means that Israel should not be in existence.
We also see the faithful remnant persecuted for standing up for their faith. Sometimes that resulted in death, like the prophets Jesus mentions in verse 12. Other times the faithful are persecuted and delivered, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who boldly pronounced, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us… But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods…” (Daniel 3:17–18)
2. Persecution: A Sign of True Discipleship
What Jesus wanted us to know is first, we should expect persecution for our faith. Secondly, Jesus wants his disciples to know that persecution is not a sign that you’ve failed; it’s evidence that you’re walking in step with Jesus. Peter understood this. He wrote: “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (1 Peter 4:14).
There’s something profoundly encouraging in this. Persecution—whether it’s insults, slander, or worse—is not random. It’s a mark of identity. It means the world sees Christ in you. In the book of Acts, the apostles rejoiced when they were flogged, “that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” (Acts 5:41). They understood something we often forget: to suffer for Christ is not a curse, but instead it’s an honor.
I often face ridicule from people for my bold stance of the Gospel. I speak very plainly about the moral deterioration of the world around us. Even more concerning of the moral deterioration of the world is the moral deterioration happening within the Church as many churches or denominations try to imitate the world in order to please the world. Sometimes I get discouraged by the comments or people who take what I say out of context. Even worse are those who flat out lie about my character or even my family so that my reputation could be harmed. You would be surprised at the stories.
Jesus’ words remind me that I should not be surprised, but even more, I do not need to defend myself or set the record straight (like I’m often tempted to do!). Rather, there is a reward for faithfulness because these things are a sign of discipleship and faithfulness. These kind of persecutions are not recorded by watch groups like open doors. They don’t rise to the level of persecution that a Christian secretly studying Scripture in North Korea under the threat of death may face. But know for certain, they do not go unnoticed in Heaven. Our job, be it in the face of derision or death, is to remain faithful to the Gospel.
“For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do” (Hebrews 6:10). So stand firm. Don’t trade eternal reward for momentary comfort. When that day comes, you will hear the words that make it all worth it: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
3. What Does “Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake” Really Mean?
Jesus is not talking about suffering for being difficult, arrogant, or argumentative. Nor is He referring to the discomfort of facing the consequences of our own sin. This persecution comes “for righteousness’ sake” and “on my account.”
It happens when:
• You stand for biblical truth in a culture that despises absolutes.
• You refuse to compromise your integrity at work.
• You share the gospel with a friend who mocks you for believing in “fairy tales.”
• You stay faithful in a marriage while the world applauds infidelity.
• You raise your children to follow Jesus while the culture indoctrinates them with lies.
When you choose Christ over comfort, the world notices and often reacts with hostility.
For many Christians in the West, persecution looks like ridicule, loss of opportunities, or being ostracized. A Christian student stands alone for biblical sexuality and is labeled a “bigot.” A believer in business refuses to participate in unethical practices and is passed over for promotion. A parent refuses to allow their child to participate in questionable classes at school and is labeled fanatical.
In Loudoun County, Virginia, concerned parents—like Scott Smith, a father speaking out after his daughter was sexually assaulted in school—have faced shocking accusations. The National School Boards Association referred to these parents as “domestic terrorists” in a letter to federal officials, requesting FBI and DOJ action against them. Smith, along with others, was effectively placed on a terror watch list simply for exercising their First Amendment rights and advocating for their children.
In Canada, Pastor Tobias Tissen of Steinbach, Manitoba, was arrested and jailed after defying provincial public-health orders aimed at shutting down in-person worship. He refused bail conditions that would have prevented him from preaching. Tissen later spent 45 hours behind bars for standing firm in obedience to his Lord—not public opinion .
But in much of the world, persecution is deadly. For instance, in North Korea, believers are sent to labor camps. In Nigeria, Christians are slaughtered by radical groups. In China, pastors are imprisoned for holding “illegal” worship services. Yet what is surprising is that the church thrives in these places. Why? Because suffering has a purifying, strengthening effect. As Tertullian famously said, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”
4. Rejoice and Be Glad?
This is perhaps the most shocking part of Jesus’ teaching: “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (v. 12). This isn’t the natural response to persecution, especially when it involves the threat of one’s life, but it is to be the response of the believer. You see, it’s easy to rejoice when life is going well and we should give praise to God when we recognize his blessings in our life. But Jesus calls us to rejoice when we are reviled, mocked, or mistreated for His sake. Why?
First, Persecution aligns us with the prophets. Jesus lays out the reason plainly, “So they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” When you suffer for Christ, you’re in good company—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, John the Baptist, and even Jesus Himself walked this path. This is not a lonely road. It’s the narrow road of the prophets, apostles, and even Christ Himself. Consider just a few of of the company you keep.
Isaiah stood before kings and commoners alike and declared, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). He warned of God’s coming judgment on a nation steeped in idolatry and injustice. And for this, tradition tells us he was hunted down and executed—bound inside a hollow log and sawn in two. The world could not bear his message, so it silenced the messenger.
Jeremiah, the “weeping prophet,” wept not only for Jerusalem’s sins but for the pain of his own rejection. He was beaten and put in stocks (Jeremiah 20:2). Later, he was thrown into a cistern—an empty water pit—where he sank into thick mud, left to die in darkness (Jeremiah 38:6). Why? Because he dared to proclaim God’s Word to a stubborn people. But even in that pit, Jeremiah remained faithful, trusting that God saw what others despised.
In Babylon, Daniel rose to prominence through integrity and wisdom, but it was his prayer life that became his undoing in the eyes of jealous officials. They tricked King Darius into signing a decree outlawing prayer to any god but the king. Daniel’s response? He opened his windows toward Jerusalem and prayed just as he had done before (Daniel 6:10). That act of defiance landed him in the lions’ den. And yet, even there, God shut the mouths of the lions and honored Daniel’s unflinching faith.
John the Baptist wasn’t executed for vague platitudes. He was beheaded for calling out King Herod’s adultery and sin. John’s message was uncompromising: “It is not lawful for you to have her” (Matthew 14:4). And though it cost him his life, Jesus would later say of him, “Among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11).
At the top of the list stands the Lord Jesus Christ himself. Jesus is not calling for you to do anything that he has not himself endured. Except of all the men who stood in the halls of righteousness, Jesus was absolutely sinless. The sinless Son of God stood trial before Pilate, falsely accused by religious leaders and mocked by soldiers. A crown of thorns was pressed into His brow. A robe was thrown over His shoulders in mock worship. The One who healed the sick and raised the dead was flogged, spat upon, and led to a Roman cross while the crowd shouted, “Crucify Him!” (Matthew 27:22). No one was ever more righteous—and no one was ever more hated for it.
This is the prophetic pattern:
1. Righteousness exposes sin
2. Sin responds with hostility
3. But God rewards faithfulness
So if the world hated Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, John, and even crucified Christ Himself, should it surprise us when it despises us for living in His truth? Jesus said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you… A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.” (John 15:18, 20)
You are not the first to walk this road. And you won’t be the last. But every step you take in faith is watched by heaven. And on that day when you stand before the throne, you will see that not a single insult, tear, or sacrifice went unnoticed. So take heart, child of God. You’re in good company.
Jesus also reminds us that persecution is not an ends to itself, but it also produces heavenly reward. “Your reward is great in heaven.” Every insult, every act of faithfulness, every tear shed for Christ’s sake is noticed by God and will be repaid a hundredfold (Matthew 19:29).
Persecution is not the end of the story. The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who endure. Jesus admonished the Seven Churches of Revelation to hold fast and endure the time they were living, but what does that look like and how do we live as blessed persecuted ones? It’s not just a matter of ‘grin and bear it’ or walking around pretending nothing is happening. It is understanding that the Lord does and will give us strength in the face of persecution.
How do we do that?
• Stand firm in truth. (Ephesians 6:13) Don’t compromise biblical convictions to avoid conflict.
• Respond with love. (Matthew 5:44) Pray for those who persecute you.
• Keep an eternal perspective. (2 Corinthians 4:17–18) Earthly suffering is temporary; heavenly reward is eternal.
• Encourage one another. (Hebrews 10:24–25) As hostility increases, the church must become a haven of courage and hope.
When I was in law enforcement, there were times I stood for truth and paid a price. There were times when I needed to make decisions based on my knowledge of the Law and the truth of the situation at hand. Sometimes they were unpopular (especially to the people I was arresting). There were many times, when being a Trooper wasn’t ‘fun.’ Delivering news to a family of the loss of their loved ones, investigations that involved children or the vulnerable, horrific scenes of violence, accidents, and even terrorism. However, at the end of the day, when I walked through the door and saw my family, my friends, and neighbors, I always understood that I was literally the ’thin blue line’ that existed so they could sleep peacefully in their beds that night.
And yet, at the end of the day, when I walked through the door and saw my family, my friends, and my neighbors, understood this profound reality: I was part of that “thin blue line” that existed so they could sleep peacefully in their beds that night. But here’s the thing: even with all of that experience, nothing compares to the subtle, soul-deep pressure Christians face every day to simply be silent.
The enemy whispers: “Stay quiet. Don’t stir the pot. Don’t offend. Keep your head down and blend in.” But hear me: silence in the face of evil is not spiritual maturity; it’s a dereliction of duty. We were not saved to sit down, back down, or blend in. We were saved to stand. To be salt and light in a decaying, dark world (Matthew 5:13–16). To proclaim Christ’s truth boldly—even when it costs us something.
Christian, if you have never felt the sting of rejection for your faith, ask yourself: Have I been hiding the light of Christ? If you have suffered for Him, even in small ways, take heart. You’re walking in the footsteps of your Savior. The world may cancel you, mock you, or even kill you. But it cannot touch your reward.
Persecution may feel like a curse, but in God’s economy, it’s a blessing. It’s proof that you belong to Christ. It’s an opportunity to show His worth. And it’s a pathway to joy that this world cannot understand. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” The kingdom is coming and one day the suffering will end. On that day, the persecuted will hear the words that make it all worth it: “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21).
