Why is our reward in heaven great if we are persecuted and reviled (Matthew 5:12)?

Answer

The primary audience for Christ’s Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1—7:29) was the twelve disciples. Others came and listened, but the Lord’s main purpose was to teach His closest followers—the twelve men who were designated for leadership in God’s kingdom (see Matthew 19:28; Revelation 21:14). These apostles would face the most severe persecution. To address this concern, Jesus concluded His opening Beatitudes with this comforting assurance: “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 5:11-12; ESV).

The disciples were about to endure unprecedented persecution under the cruel Roman Empire. Indeed, throughout history, faithful followers of Christ have faced severe oppression and persecution (2 Timothy 3:12; Philippians 1:29). The Lord knew that His kingdom leaders and faithful servants would need to maintain an eternal perspective. The Beatitudes offer this hope—they assure us that, regardless of the suffering and hardship endured for Christ’s sake, we can be confident that our reward in heaven will be great.

Honor, blessing, and recompense in heaven are not promised merely as compensation for injustices suffered in this life but specifically for “those who are persecuted because of righteousness” « Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.», (Matthew 5:10). God has a special reward reserved for believers who are insulted, mocked, punished, and treated unfairly because of their stance and testimony for Jesus Christ. These are Christians who diligently practice kingdom righteousness and endure suffering for it.

These kingdom servants resemble the prophets of the Old Testament who “were mocked, flogged, imprisoned, stoned, sawed in half, killed with swords, wore skins of animals, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering in deserts, mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground” (Hebrews 11:32-38;NLT;cf: Hebrews 11:26;see also Acts 7:51-53;James 5:10). For all who endure similar mistreatment as the prophets of old, Jesus promises unimaginable rewards in heaven.

Jesus isn’t just urging His most faithful “movers and shakers” to withstand persecution but to “rejoice and be glad” in it. Despite their temporary hardships, these servants exhibit the most distinctive qualities of kingdom servants. They have the radical courage to let their “light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” «Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. », (Matthew 5:16). They are bold enough to endure suffering at the hands of their King’s enemies and still rejoice (see Acts 5:41;Romans 5:3;2 Corinthians 12:10;Hebrews 10:34;James 1:2;1 Peter 4:13).

Hebrews 12:10; Hebrews 10:34; James 1:2; 1 Peter 4:13). In reality, they are ready to sacrifice everything, even their own lives, to obtain the kingdom of heaven «And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. », (Revelation 12:11).

The apostle Paul’s way of life exemplified that of a servant of the kingdom. He regarded everything valuable in this temporary life as insignificant compared to the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:7-11).

As Christians, we should anticipate the world to detest us (Mark 13:13; 1 John 3:12). However, if we live as dedicated servants of the kingdom, sharing in Christ’s suffering due to our association with Jesus, our reward in heaven is immense: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” «For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; », (2 Corinthians 4:17). The apostle Peter affirmed, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoiceInasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13). Our present suffering is not even worth comparing with the glories of heaven “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”, (Romans 8:18).

The Bible is abundantly clear that God rewards our faithfulness to Him (Genesis 15:1; Ruth 2:12; Proverbs 13:13; Psalm 18:20; Luke 6:35; Colossians 3:24). Jesus Himself promises the “victor’s crown” for those who suffer persecution “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”, (Revelation 2:10). Our reward in heaven is great when our desire to live righteously is intense and determined—when our testimony for Christ shines so brightly that the enemies of God’s kingdom are driven to extinguish its brilliance.