WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.919 now we have a few different passages to look at together a couple from John's gospel spent a lot 00:00:09.919 --> 00:00:17.460 of time in John's gospel recently and then we'll be back in Matthew so here in John chapter 3 00:00:17.460 --> 00:00:27.379 and at verse 16 we read we're going to read down to verse 21 we read there for God so loved the 00:00:27.379 --> 00:00:35.820 world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have 00:00:35.820 --> 00:00:43.000 eternal life for God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world 00:00:43.000 --> 00:00:49.439 through him whoever believes in him is not condemned but whoever does not believe stands condemned 00:00:49.439 --> 00:00:55.500 already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only son this is the verdict 00:00:55.500 --> 00:01:01.579 light has come into the world but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds 00:01:01.579 --> 00:01:09.019 were evil everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that their 00:01:09.019 --> 00:01:16.920 deeds will be exposed but whoever lives by the truth comes into the light so that it may be seen plainly 00:01:16.920 --> 00:01:25.320 that what they have done has been done in the sight of God and then John chapter 15 00:01:25.320 --> 00:01:35.520 and beginning at verse 18 down to verse 25 where Jesus says if the world hates you keep in mind that 00:01:35.520 --> 00:01:43.379 it hated me first if you belonged to the world it would love you as its own as it is you do not belong to 00:01:43.379 --> 00:01:49.299 the world but I have chosen you out of the world that is why the world hates you remember what I told 00:01:49.299 --> 00:01:55.859 you a servant is not greater than his master if they persecuted me they will persecute you also 00:01:55.859 --> 00:02:02.560 if they obeyed my teaching they will obey yours also they will treat you this way because of my name 00:02:02.560 --> 00:02:08.479 for they do not know the one who sent me if I had not come and spoken to them they would not be guilty 00:02:08.479 --> 00:02:15.859 of sin but now they have no excuse for their sin whoever hates me hates my father as well 00:02:15.859 --> 00:02:23.039 if I had not done among them the works no one else did they would not be guilty of sin as it is they 00:02:23.039 --> 00:02:29.599 have seen and yet they have hated both me and my father but this is to fulfill what is written in 00:02:29.599 --> 00:02:41.079 their law they hated me without reason and now our beatitude which is in Matthew chapter 5 and from 00:02:41.079 --> 00:02:52.599 verse 10 to verse 12 blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of 00:02:52.599 --> 00:03:02.019 heaven blessed are you when people insult you persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you 00:03:02.019 --> 00:03:12.099 because of me rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven for in the same way they persecuted 00:03:12.099 --> 00:03:15.579 the prophets who were before you 00:03:15.580 --> 00:03:29.400 I want to begin with a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer he said this suffering is the badge of true 00:03:29.400 --> 00:03:38.360 discipleship now Bonhoeffer as you may know was someone who was imprisoned and tortured and ultimately killed 00:03:38.360 --> 00:03:45.080 for opposing Hitler and the Nazi regime during the second world war 00:03:45.080 --> 00:03:54.600 that regime that rejected Jesus and rejected the values of Jesus saw Bonhoeffer and those like him in the 00:03:54.600 --> 00:04:04.580 confessing church as voices to be silenced they were standing on the side of Jesus so they needed to be got rid of 00:04:04.580 --> 00:04:11.660 I came across a statistic this week a very sobering one 00:04:11.659 --> 00:04:23.019 that between the years 2000 and 2010 it is estimated that there were one million Christian martyrs 00:04:23.019 --> 00:04:26.699 one million people killed because of their faith 00:04:26.699 --> 00:04:36.079 and today you can read of stories of religious persecution in different parts of the world 00:04:36.079 --> 00:04:45.599 where even the the covid pandemic is being used as a as a weapon to deny poor suffering Christians from 00:04:45.599 --> 00:04:52.879 getting aid and relief as they have already been denied work or land or freedom 00:04:52.879 --> 00:05:02.240 so especially if you're a part of the clue our next missions night in December will focus attention on work 00:05:02.240 --> 00:05:05.360 for the persecuted church 00:05:05.360 --> 00:05:10.500 so that'll be a Wednesday night at the beginning of December and we're going to pray for the persecuted church 00:05:10.500 --> 00:05:12.079 shortly 00:05:12.079 --> 00:05:17.040 think how challenging the idea of persecution is 00:05:17.040 --> 00:05:23.280 for our day and for where we are we live in a culture of comfort 00:05:23.280 --> 00:05:28.400 that's very risk averse we like our comfort and security 00:05:28.400 --> 00:05:35.860 and we live in a time where any kind of inconvenience is unwelcome even at the most moderate level where 00:05:35.860 --> 00:05:39.120 you know we lose internet connection and it's oh it's a disaster 00:05:39.120 --> 00:05:44.079 so you think about persecution and our gut instinct 00:05:45.439 --> 00:05:46.240 most likely 00:05:47.439 --> 00:05:48.879 is to think of how to avoid it 00:05:50.000 --> 00:05:53.360 so this final beatitude continues to challenge us 00:05:54.399 --> 00:05:56.560 just as the others have 00:05:58.800 --> 00:06:04.720 so we're going to think about three things together that Jesus teaches us here about persecution 00:06:04.720 --> 00:06:06.639 first of all the reality 00:06:06.639 --> 00:06:10.959 of persecution this is very much a when not an if 00:06:13.120 --> 00:06:18.319 it's interesting to notice maybe you noticed it as we were reading the change of vocabulary so 00:06:18.319 --> 00:06:20.719 so the main body of the the beatitudes 00:06:21.519 --> 00:06:24.159 blessed are those blessed are those but in verse 11 00:06:25.759 --> 00:06:26.560 blessed are you 00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:32.800 when people insult you persecute you and falsely say all kinds of things about you so here's an emphasis 00:06:32.800 --> 00:06:39.199 deliberately from Jesus to the disciples right in front of him you will face persecution 00:06:40.079 --> 00:06:43.680 they are being told loyalty to Jesus 00:06:45.600 --> 00:06:46.560 brings rejection 00:06:47.759 --> 00:06:49.280 not recognition and acclaim 00:06:51.120 --> 00:06:53.680 to pursue righteousness to aim for 00:06:54.400 --> 00:06:55.280 integrity 00:06:55.279 --> 00:06:55.839 mercy 00:06:55.839 --> 00:06:58.319 to be concerned for justice 00:06:58.319 --> 00:07:01.439 to live looking to practice mercy 00:07:01.439 --> 00:07:04.879 and to live out God's standards 00:07:05.759 --> 00:07:07.199 while we would expect to be 00:07:07.839 --> 00:07:11.039 applauded perhaps as as model citizens 00:07:11.519 --> 00:07:13.279 will actually Jesus says 00:07:14.319 --> 00:07:15.759 put you in the firing line 00:07:15.759 --> 00:07:22.560 because we find ourselves in the heat as Christians of spiritual battle 00:07:24.240 --> 00:07:31.920 and and our lives of righteousness when they are lived before the world challenges the moral indifference that we see around us 00:07:32.639 --> 00:07:37.039 challenges the conscience of people and that is not something 00:07:37.040 --> 00:07:39.360 that is popular 00:07:41.280 --> 00:07:43.439 and that's the consistent teaching of Jesus 00:07:44.160 --> 00:07:47.200 that's why we read those passages in John's Gospel so we read 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:50.080 in John chapter 3 00:07:50.800 --> 00:07:53.520 we read that sort of the famous 00:07:54.160 --> 00:07:55.360 Gospel verse about 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:56.480 God's 00:07:57.200 --> 00:07:57.520 love 00:07:58.400 --> 00:08:00.080 for the world that those who would believe 00:08:00.640 --> 00:08:02.080 would have eternal life 00:08:02.080 --> 00:08:04.240 but Jesus goes on to say that though he is 00:08:04.240 --> 00:08:07.680 his light and though he has come to give love and to bring life 00:08:08.319 --> 00:08:09.600 people prefer darkness 00:08:10.879 --> 00:08:11.759 they actually hate 00:08:12.319 --> 00:08:14.319 the light they hate Jesus they don't want to feel 00:08:14.960 --> 00:08:15.920 exposed 00:08:18.000 --> 00:08:22.319 and Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount will say to the church you are the light of the world 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:25.759 and so a similar thing happens 00:08:27.199 --> 00:08:29.600 with Jesus as with his followers 00:08:29.600 --> 00:08:32.080 and then in John 15 00:08:32.960 --> 00:08:39.920 we read there and that's just after that that wonderful section where Jesus said I'm the vine and you are the branches and that 00:08:39.920 --> 00:08:45.279 call to abide in him and to bear fruit and then he goes on immediately to talk about 00:08:45.920 --> 00:08:49.120 well the world hated me so don't be surprised when they hate you 00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:52.799 he says to his followers 00:08:52.799 --> 00:08:59.519 you've been chosen out of the world by God's grace saved by grace so you no longer belong to the world so that the world 00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:01.600 rejects you 00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:08.639 and so Jesus teaches the disciples and teaches us that if we want to represent 00:09:08.639 --> 00:09:12.399 the Lord Jesus Christ if we want to represent his righteousness 00:09:13.120 --> 00:09:13.279 and 00:09:14.240 --> 00:09:16.159 some will be drawn to the light 00:09:16.960 --> 00:09:18.879 like if you're out in the dark you switch on 00:09:19.600 --> 00:09:22.319 a light and you'll see insects being drawn to the light 00:09:23.039 --> 00:09:23.919 but others 00:09:24.799 --> 00:09:26.639 will want to extinguish the light 00:09:27.679 --> 00:09:28.960 so they can continue 00:09:30.720 --> 00:09:33.679 to to live in the darkness of 00:09:33.679 --> 00:09:34.959 their sin 00:09:34.959 --> 00:09:37.359 without having that guilt 00:09:37.919 --> 00:09:39.439 being exposed 00:09:40.959 --> 00:09:43.039 the consistent message of the Bible 00:09:44.639 --> 00:09:48.319 is that spiritual warfare is real 00:09:50.879 --> 00:09:52.799 and there are no neutral countries 00:09:53.599 --> 00:09:56.159 there is no middle ground that we can find 00:09:56.959 --> 00:09:59.039 and we can trace that conflict right through 00:09:59.599 --> 00:10:01.439 the Bible and indeed through church history 00:10:01.440 --> 00:10:03.680 there is Adam 00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:05.360 made in the image of God 00:10:05.920 --> 00:10:07.520 living in God's perfect world 00:10:08.240 --> 00:10:09.200 with Eve 00:10:09.200 --> 00:10:11.280 and the enemy comes 00:10:12.240 --> 00:10:12.720 Satan 00:10:13.120 --> 00:10:14.640 who wants to destroy and divide 00:10:15.440 --> 00:10:16.560 and lead them into sin 00:10:17.280 --> 00:10:17.680 we see 00:10:18.480 --> 00:10:19.520 the conflict between 00:10:20.400 --> 00:10:22.640 spiritual good and spiritual evil there with 00:10:22.640 --> 00:10:24.640 with Moses and Pharaoh 00:10:24.640 --> 00:10:27.360 who wants to resist God and resist God's plan 00:10:28.560 --> 00:10:30.800 we see it with Israel and the nations 00:10:30.799 --> 00:10:33.279 Israel is called to be a light to the nations 00:10:33.279 --> 00:10:36.879 but the nations want to extinguish and eliminate the people of God 00:10:36.879 --> 00:10:38.159 and the purposes of God 00:10:38.959 --> 00:10:41.679 and sadly to Israel too often fail to be that light 00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:44.079 we see it with King David 00:10:44.639 --> 00:10:48.559 who has to face the opposition of the giant Goliath 00:10:48.559 --> 00:10:51.199 who would defy God and the armies of God 00:10:51.759 --> 00:10:54.719 we see it when Jesus arrives in the world 00:10:54.720 --> 00:10:58.720 and King Herod wants to kill him as an infant 00:10:58.720 --> 00:11:01.440 and we see the powers of his day 00:11:02.160 --> 00:11:05.759 colluding together to have Jesus crucified 00:11:05.759 --> 00:11:09.279 just as God's saving plan had ordained 00:11:10.080 --> 00:11:12.240 and then we see in the book of Acts 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:13.680 and through the rest of the New Testament 00:11:13.680 --> 00:11:16.879 that the church is attacked and persecuted 00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:21.200 by the religious authorities and by the powers of Rome 00:11:21.200 --> 00:11:24.240 and so we see that story continue 00:11:28.480 --> 00:11:33.280 so it's important that as Christians we recognise that we must on the one hand pursue righteousness 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:37.200 and we must expect that to be costly 00:11:37.200 --> 00:11:41.520 in our workplace 00:11:41.520 --> 00:11:46.640 to pursue honesty and integrity 00:11:46.640 --> 00:11:51.120 to avoid the gossip or the backbiting 00:11:51.120 --> 00:11:53.920 in your classroom 00:11:53.920 --> 00:12:00.800 to maintain the moral values that the Bible lays out 00:12:00.799 --> 00:12:03.439 to live in our society 00:12:03.439 --> 00:12:07.199 wanting to be guided by biblical truth 00:12:07.199 --> 00:12:12.159 is going to mean people will take pot shots at us 00:12:12.159 --> 00:12:14.479 and that's a hard thing 00:12:14.479 --> 00:12:17.399 Jonathan Dodson in his book 00:12:17.399 --> 00:12:19.120 Our Good Crisis 00:12:19.120 --> 00:12:21.519 says the only way we're going to do this 00:12:21.519 --> 00:12:24.719 is when we decide 00:12:24.719 --> 00:12:26.879 to bank everything 00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:28.480 on the truth 00:12:28.480 --> 00:12:30.559 that Jesus loves us 00:12:30.559 --> 00:12:32.720 and that belonging to him 00:12:32.720 --> 00:12:35.120 and his kingdom 00:12:35.120 --> 00:12:36.720 is worth it 00:12:36.720 --> 00:12:44.159 Let's think now for a few moments about the nature of persecution 00:12:44.159 --> 00:12:47.439 because it's important for us to recognise in these verses 00:12:47.439 --> 00:12:51.200 that there is a kind of persecution that is blessed 00:12:51.200 --> 00:12:56.480 and there are different forms that persecution takes 00:12:57.680 --> 00:12:59.040 So first of all let's think about this 00:12:59.040 --> 00:13:02.800 what persecution is and is not blessed 00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:05.280 Jesus is not saying 00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:09.920 every time we suffer that we are blessed 00:13:10.640 --> 00:13:16.480 when we are persecuted because of our unrighteousness 00:13:16.480 --> 00:13:22.080 If we do wrong and we face consequences 00:13:22.080 --> 00:13:25.120 if we sin and we face consequences 00:13:25.120 --> 00:13:26.600 is that persecution? 00:13:27.639 --> 00:13:28.840 No, that's punishment 00:13:28.840 --> 00:13:31.159 and that's a different thing 00:13:31.159 --> 00:13:35.480 So we're not blessed if we're persecuted because of our unrighteousness 00:13:35.480 --> 00:13:40.659 and we're not blessed if we're persecuted due to our self-righteousness 00:13:40.659 --> 00:13:45.219 So we know what that looks like when we're judgmental towards others 00:13:45.219 --> 00:13:48.419 when we are offensive towards others 00:13:48.419 --> 00:13:50.740 Yes, there is the offense of the gospel 00:13:50.740 --> 00:13:55.179 but we don't want to be personally offensive and vindictive to others 00:13:55.179 --> 00:14:00.419 We don't want to be proud in the way that we talk to and about others 00:14:00.419 --> 00:14:05.139 It's why in the letter of 1 Peter so much is about character and speech 00:14:05.139 --> 00:14:09.620 as we live as exiles, as we as Christians are foreigners 00:14:09.620 --> 00:14:12.259 then it's important that we show honour to people 00:14:12.259 --> 00:14:15.659 It's important that we give people proper respect 00:14:15.659 --> 00:14:19.059 and that we speak about our truth with gentleness 00:14:19.059 --> 00:14:24.819 We look to persuade people with our humility and kindness 00:14:24.819 --> 00:14:28.259 So we're not blessed if we're persecuted because we're self-righteous 00:14:28.259 --> 00:14:30.939 What persecution is blessed though? 00:14:30.960 --> 00:14:34.620 It's when we're persecuted because of righteousness 00:14:34.620 --> 00:14:37.779 In other words, when we are loyal to Jesus 00:14:37.779 --> 00:14:41.419 When we are loyal to the values of Jesus 00:14:41.419 --> 00:14:45.539 and when we look to live those out with the character of Jesus 00:14:45.539 --> 00:14:50.159 then we are blessed even as we are persecuted 00:14:50.159 --> 00:14:56.080 Jesus, just a few verses later in chapter 5 and verse 16 00:14:56.080 --> 00:14:57.460 will say, in the same way 00:14:57.460 --> 00:15:00.500 Let your light shine before others 00:15:00.500 --> 00:15:03.160 that they may see your good deeds 00:15:03.160 --> 00:15:07.160 and glorify your Father in heaven 00:15:07.160 --> 00:15:11.639 So we are to shine at a light in the darkness 00:15:11.639 --> 00:15:17.320 To be persecuted means to be mocked or despised 00:15:17.320 --> 00:15:20.379 to be alienated or snubbed 00:15:20.379 --> 00:15:23.539 To be humiliated for trying to live that way 00:15:23.539 --> 00:15:27.439 For trying to live as a follower of Jesus 00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:37.060 We are familiar with the concept of being guilty by association 00:15:37.059 --> 00:15:44.259 I still remember as a naive first year student 00:15:44.259 --> 00:15:49.219 wearing a certain set of football colours 00:15:49.219 --> 00:15:51.519 in the wrong part of Glasgow 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:56.379 And because of an association with a particular football club 00:15:56.379 --> 00:16:01.819 receiving the shouts and the insults that go with 00:16:01.819 --> 00:16:06.279 People reject Jesus 00:16:06.679 --> 00:16:09.019 People reject his gospel 00:16:09.019 --> 00:16:16.100 So they will reject and persecute those who are loyal to Jesus and the gospel 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:21.680 We are persecuted by our association with the Lord Jesus 00:16:21.680 --> 00:16:29.700 So when we suffer, we want to suffer because we are doing God's will 00:16:29.700 --> 00:16:36.580 That's the suffering that's commended when we are doing good for the sake of Jesus 00:16:36.580 --> 00:16:40.340 What forms can persecution take? 00:16:42.279 --> 00:16:45.560 Verse 11 is helpful in this 00:16:45.559 --> 00:16:49.139 It says, blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you 00:16:49.139 --> 00:16:52.859 and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me 00:16:52.859 --> 00:16:58.299 So we have drawn and we will later draw attention to 00:16:58.299 --> 00:17:00.759 the physical persecution that's mentioned there 00:17:00.759 --> 00:17:04.339 because we are aware today 00:17:04.339 --> 00:17:07.639 that we have brothers and sisters in other parts of the world 00:17:07.639 --> 00:17:10.159 who are being attacked and being imprisoned 00:17:10.159 --> 00:17:14.220 and being denied basic rights and being martyred today 00:17:14.220 --> 00:17:19.059 Now that's not our experience 00:17:19.059 --> 00:17:21.799 Most of us will not experience physical persecution 00:17:21.799 --> 00:17:26.799 But Jesus does refer to emotional persecution 00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:31.000 And maybe that's something we identify with 00:17:31.000 --> 00:17:33.460 where we are demeaned because of our faith 00:17:33.460 --> 00:17:35.640 where we're cut out of 00:17:35.640 --> 00:17:40.559 conversations, miss out on opportunities 00:17:40.559 --> 00:17:42.059 where we are shamed 00:17:42.059 --> 00:17:44.460 because we're Christians 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:48.740 And there is also verbal persecution 00:17:48.740 --> 00:17:52.480 perhaps a whispering campaign 00:17:52.480 --> 00:17:55.079 perhaps it's slander 00:17:55.079 --> 00:17:57.619 or outright lies 00:17:57.619 --> 00:18:01.480 because we want to follow Jesus 00:18:01.480 --> 00:18:03.619 Persecution can be obvious 00:18:03.619 --> 00:18:04.899 or it can be subtle 00:18:04.899 --> 00:18:05.559 it can be public 00:18:05.559 --> 00:18:07.480 or it can be private 00:18:07.480 --> 00:18:09.380 But as a church 00:18:09.380 --> 00:18:09.940 as Christians 00:18:09.940 --> 00:18:11.640 we need our eyes wide open 00:18:11.640 --> 00:18:14.059 Jesus teaches 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:15.720 it's inevitable 00:18:15.720 --> 00:18:18.039 We follow after all 00:18:18.039 --> 00:18:18.940 a persecuted 00:18:18.940 --> 00:18:21.200 cross-carrying saviour 00:18:21.200 --> 00:18:23.980 So again to go back to Peter 00:18:23.980 --> 00:18:24.240 he said 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:25.220 don't be surprised 00:18:25.220 --> 00:18:27.700 by the fiery trials 00:18:27.700 --> 00:18:30.500 And in all that 00:18:30.500 --> 00:18:31.559 as we are aware 00:18:31.559 --> 00:18:33.220 that persecution is something 00:18:33.220 --> 00:18:34.680 that is real for the Christian 00:18:34.680 --> 00:18:37.140 we also need to recognise 00:18:37.140 --> 00:18:39.240 again that our response matters 00:18:39.240 --> 00:18:42.220 In our community discipleship groups 00:18:42.220 --> 00:18:43.160 we're spending time in 00:18:43.160 --> 00:18:44.440 in 1 Peter 00:18:44.440 --> 00:18:47.080 and again we're seeing 00:18:47.080 --> 00:18:48.299 time and again 00:18:48.299 --> 00:18:50.539 that call to honour and gentleness 00:18:50.539 --> 00:18:52.480 and to bear up under suffering 00:18:52.480 --> 00:18:54.220 for the sake of the gospel 00:18:54.220 --> 00:18:58.140 And as we do so 00:18:58.140 --> 00:19:00.539 we remember that we are following 00:19:00.539 --> 00:19:02.120 in the footsteps of Jesus 00:19:02.120 --> 00:19:04.460 Jesus again 00:19:04.460 --> 00:19:05.440 in the Sermon on the Mount 00:19:05.440 --> 00:19:08.759 chapter 5 verse 44 00:19:08.759 --> 00:19:10.160 said 00:19:10.160 --> 00:19:11.539 I tell you 00:19:11.539 --> 00:19:13.640 love your enemies 00:19:13.640 --> 00:19:15.059 and pray 00:19:15.059 --> 00:19:17.960 for those who persecute you 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:20.220 And Jesus of course 00:19:20.220 --> 00:19:22.519 practised what he preached 00:19:22.519 --> 00:19:24.359 Do you remember as Jesus 00:19:24.359 --> 00:19:25.960 was there on the cross 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:28.079 being mocked 00:19:28.079 --> 00:19:30.079 having been savagely beaten 00:19:30.079 --> 00:19:32.220 and now hung up to die 00:19:32.220 --> 00:19:33.480 prayed 00:19:33.480 --> 00:19:34.379 Father forgive them 00:19:34.379 --> 00:19:35.359 they don't know what they're doing 00:19:35.359 --> 00:19:38.960 Jesus died on the cross 00:19:38.960 --> 00:19:40.319 out of love for his enemies 00:19:40.319 --> 00:19:42.660 If you're a follower of Jesus 00:19:42.660 --> 00:19:44.079 you are once an enemy 00:19:44.079 --> 00:19:46.839 and it was out of sheer love 00:19:46.839 --> 00:19:47.559 and grace 00:19:47.559 --> 00:19:50.639 that Jesus came to reconcile you 00:19:50.639 --> 00:19:51.420 to make enemies 00:19:51.420 --> 00:19:52.620 into friends 00:19:52.620 --> 00:19:55.140 So Jesus 00:19:55.140 --> 00:19:57.779 loved us 00:19:57.779 --> 00:19:59.860 when we were 00:19:59.860 --> 00:20:01.320 persecuting him 00:20:01.320 --> 00:20:04.820 when we were resisting 00:20:04.820 --> 00:20:06.519 him and his will 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:08.960 And it's so important 00:20:08.960 --> 00:20:09.740 to remember 00:20:09.740 --> 00:20:11.000 that Jesus has done that 00:20:11.000 --> 00:20:13.240 to give us strength 00:20:13.240 --> 00:20:14.800 and to recognise too 00:20:14.800 --> 00:20:16.519 that he promises 00:20:16.519 --> 00:20:17.320 to be with us 00:20:17.320 --> 00:20:18.539 to give his Holy Spirit 00:20:18.539 --> 00:20:19.200 to help us 00:20:19.200 --> 00:20:20.859 so that we can love others 00:20:20.859 --> 00:20:22.859 that we can pray 00:20:22.859 --> 00:20:24.319 for others 00:20:24.319 --> 00:20:26.159 that we can honour 00:20:26.159 --> 00:20:27.079 those 00:20:27.079 --> 00:20:28.720 who mean 00:20:28.720 --> 00:20:30.159 ill 00:20:30.159 --> 00:20:31.460 against us 00:20:31.460 --> 00:20:35.759 Now the last thing to say 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:38.259 the radically challenging thing to say 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:40.500 is that Jesus calls us 00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:42.960 blessed 00:20:42.960 --> 00:20:45.779 when we are persecuted 00:20:45.779 --> 00:20:47.740 and he calls us 00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:48.559 to 00:20:48.559 --> 00:20:49.799 in verse 12 00:20:49.799 --> 00:20:50.859 rejoice 00:20:50.859 --> 00:20:52.460 in persecution 00:20:52.460 --> 00:20:54.400 rejoice and be glad 00:20:54.400 --> 00:20:55.960 because great 00:20:55.960 --> 00:20:56.900 is your reward 00:20:56.900 --> 00:20:57.460 in heaven 00:20:57.460 --> 00:20:59.200 for in the same way 00:20:59.200 --> 00:20:59.980 they persecuted 00:20:59.980 --> 00:21:00.599 the prophets 00:21:00.599 --> 00:21:01.720 who were before you 00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:03.660 now how counter-cultural 00:21:03.660 --> 00:21:04.120 is this 00:21:04.120 --> 00:21:04.720 this isn't 00:21:04.720 --> 00:21:05.519 this isn't Jesus saying 00:21:05.519 --> 00:21:06.299 run 00:21:06.299 --> 00:21:07.200 from 00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:08.079 persecution 00:21:08.079 --> 00:21:09.420 but embrace it 00:21:09.420 --> 00:21:10.039 rejoice 00:21:10.039 --> 00:21:12.539 when you are persecuted 00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:13.380 now how in the world 00:21:13.380 --> 00:21:14.120 can we do that 00:21:14.120 --> 00:21:16.440 Jesus gives us 00:21:16.440 --> 00:21:16.980 two reasons 00:21:16.980 --> 00:21:17.600 in verse 12 00:21:17.600 --> 00:21:18.720 the first reason 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:19.039 is 00:21:19.039 --> 00:21:20.480 the reward 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:21.720 of the kingdom 00:21:21.720 --> 00:21:22.259 of heaven 00:21:22.259 --> 00:21:24.160 the Beatitudes 00:21:24.160 --> 00:21:24.900 have got as it were 00:21:24.900 --> 00:21:25.759 a kingdom of heaven 00:21:25.759 --> 00:21:26.500 sandwich 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:28.019 verse 3 00:21:28.019 --> 00:21:29.100 first Beatitude 00:21:29.100 --> 00:21:29.860 blessed are the poor 00:21:29.860 --> 00:21:30.180 in spirit 00:21:30.180 --> 00:21:31.120 for theirs is the kingdom 00:21:31.120 --> 00:21:31.500 of heaven 00:21:31.500 --> 00:21:32.940 the last Beatitude 00:21:32.940 --> 00:21:33.740 blessed are those 00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:34.400 who are persecuted 00:21:34.400 --> 00:21:35.200 because of righteousness 00:21:35.200 --> 00:21:36.720 for theirs is the kingdom 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:37.039 of heaven 00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:38.200 and then the other 00:21:38.200 --> 00:21:39.060 Beatitudes in a sense 00:21:39.060 --> 00:21:39.900 are the filling 00:21:39.900 --> 00:21:41.220 this is 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:42.980 what we receive 00:21:42.980 --> 00:21:43.799 now 00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:44.560 and we look forward 00:21:44.560 --> 00:21:45.060 to in the future 00:21:45.060 --> 00:21:47.480 as those who are part 00:21:47.480 --> 00:21:48.320 of the kingdom 00:21:48.320 --> 00:21:49.259 of heaven 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:50.480 as we rejoice 00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:51.220 in suffering 00:21:51.220 --> 00:21:52.039 out of loyalty 00:21:52.039 --> 00:21:52.779 to Jesus 00:21:52.779 --> 00:21:54.620 he's saying to us 00:21:54.620 --> 00:21:56.440 that you will be comforted 00:21:56.440 --> 00:21:58.100 and you will 00:21:58.100 --> 00:21:58.840 inherit the earth 00:21:58.839 --> 00:22:00.839 when you hunger 00:22:00.839 --> 00:22:01.179 and thirst 00:22:01.179 --> 00:22:01.659 for righteousness 00:22:01.659 --> 00:22:02.899 you will be filled 00:22:02.899 --> 00:22:05.240 you will be shown 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:05.519 mercy 00:22:05.519 --> 00:22:06.659 you will see God 00:22:06.659 --> 00:22:07.659 you will be called 00:22:07.659 --> 00:22:08.879 sons of God 00:22:08.879 --> 00:22:09.519 the reward 00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:10.059 of the kingdom 00:22:10.059 --> 00:22:10.619 of heaven 00:22:10.619 --> 00:22:12.859 is how we can rejoice 00:22:12.859 --> 00:22:13.559 in persecution 00:22:13.559 --> 00:22:14.279 and that requires 00:22:14.279 --> 00:22:14.879 a very different 00:22:14.879 --> 00:22:15.480 perspective 00:22:15.480 --> 00:22:18.139 to recognise 00:22:18.139 --> 00:22:18.619 that here 00:22:18.619 --> 00:22:19.819 we may lose 00:22:19.819 --> 00:22:22.859 but in heaven 00:22:22.859 --> 00:22:23.599 there is gain 00:22:23.599 --> 00:22:25.199 ultimately 00:22:25.199 --> 00:22:25.759 the reward 00:22:25.759 --> 00:22:26.259 is God 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:26.779 himself 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:28.680 and so we want 00:22:28.680 --> 00:22:29.859 our trajectory 00:22:29.859 --> 00:22:30.480 our perspective 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:31.259 to be that we want 00:22:31.259 --> 00:22:32.119 to live for him 00:22:32.119 --> 00:22:32.799 and to see him 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:33.980 as our great reward 00:22:33.980 --> 00:22:35.940 so we can rejoice 00:22:35.940 --> 00:22:37.200 in persecution 00:22:37.200 --> 00:22:38.180 because of the reward 00:22:38.180 --> 00:22:38.819 of the kingdom 00:22:38.819 --> 00:22:39.460 of heaven 00:22:39.460 --> 00:22:41.680 but then we can also 00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:42.279 rejoice 00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:43.819 because when we are 00:22:43.819 --> 00:22:44.440 persecuted 00:22:44.440 --> 00:22:45.819 as followers of Christ 00:22:45.819 --> 00:22:46.519 it's a sign 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:47.899 of our genuine faith 00:22:47.899 --> 00:22:50.799 that's why Jesus says 00:22:50.799 --> 00:22:51.619 look it was the story 00:22:51.619 --> 00:22:52.279 for the prophets 00:22:52.279 --> 00:22:53.220 in the Old Testament 00:22:53.220 --> 00:22:55.059 anybody who wants 00:22:55.059 --> 00:22:56.440 to follow after 00:22:56.440 --> 00:22:57.559 God's ways 00:22:57.559 --> 00:22:58.400 follow after Jesus 00:22:58.400 --> 00:22:59.660 will face this 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:01.180 Acts chapter 5 00:23:01.180 --> 00:23:01.880 verse 41 00:23:01.880 --> 00:23:02.559 the apostles 00:23:02.559 --> 00:23:03.880 left the Sanhedrin 00:23:03.880 --> 00:23:05.299 rejoicing 00:23:05.299 --> 00:23:06.700 because they'd been 00:23:06.700 --> 00:23:07.500 counted worthy 00:23:07.500 --> 00:23:08.539 of suffering disgrace 00:23:08.539 --> 00:23:09.519 for the name 00:23:09.519 --> 00:23:10.960 suffering disgrace 00:23:10.960 --> 00:23:12.319 for Jesus 00:23:12.319 --> 00:23:15.700 at the end of the day 00:23:15.700 --> 00:23:17.420 in God's eyes 00:23:17.420 --> 00:23:20.039 the persecuted church 00:23:20.039 --> 00:23:21.759 is on the right side 00:23:21.759 --> 00:23:22.400 of history 00:23:22.400 --> 00:23:23.980 mocked 00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:24.640 attacked 00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:25.799 despised 00:23:25.799 --> 00:23:26.819 even killed 00:23:26.819 --> 00:23:28.660 but those who are 00:23:28.660 --> 00:23:29.920 loyal in battle 00:23:29.920 --> 00:23:32.019 receive that medal 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:32.579 of honour 00:23:32.579 --> 00:23:34.519 which is the crown 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:35.379 of life 00:23:35.379 --> 00:23:40.079 John Stott 00:23:40.079 --> 00:23:40.879 in his book 00:23:40.879 --> 00:23:42.539 on the Sermon 00:23:42.539 --> 00:23:43.240 on the Mount 00:23:43.240 --> 00:23:45.259 says that the ways 00:23:45.259 --> 00:23:46.359 of the God 00:23:46.359 --> 00:23:47.019 of Scripture 00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:49.039 seem topsy-turvy 00:23:49.039 --> 00:23:49.559 to people 00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:51.619 that's nowhere 00:23:51.619 --> 00:23:52.200 I think more 00:23:52.200 --> 00:23:53.460 clear than 00:23:53.460 --> 00:23:54.279 here 00:23:54.279 --> 00:23:57.460 to go back 00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:58.440 to Bonhoeffer 00:23:58.440 --> 00:24:00.639 who we began 00:24:00.639 --> 00:24:00.919 with 00:24:00.919 --> 00:24:02.700 he says this 00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:03.960 discipleship 00:24:03.960 --> 00:24:04.919 means 00:24:04.919 --> 00:24:05.799 allegiance 00:24:05.799 --> 00:24:07.819 to the suffering 00:24:07.819 --> 00:24:08.519 Christ 00:24:08.519 --> 00:24:10.460 and it is 00:24:10.460 --> 00:24:11.359 therefore not 00:24:11.359 --> 00:24:12.220 surprising 00:24:12.220 --> 00:24:14.119 that Christians 00:24:14.119 --> 00:24:15.019 should be called 00:24:15.019 --> 00:24:15.940 upon to suffer 00:24:15.940 --> 00:24:17.539 in fact 00:24:17.539 --> 00:24:19.860 it is a joy 00:24:19.860 --> 00:24:21.799 and a token 00:24:21.799 --> 00:24:23.559 of his grace 00:24:23.559 --> 00:24:27.160 in closing 00:24:27.160 --> 00:24:29.680 let me encourage 00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:31.240 you as I want 00:24:31.240 --> 00:24:32.519 to encourage myself 00:24:32.519 --> 00:24:34.539 examine 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:36.180 your allegiance 00:24:36.180 --> 00:24:38.299 and your loyalty 00:24:38.299 --> 00:24:41.059 is it to 00:24:41.059 --> 00:24:42.159 Christ 00:24:42.159 --> 00:24:45.180 or is it 00:24:45.180 --> 00:24:45.539 to 00:24:45.539 --> 00:24:46.680 comfort 00:24:46.680 --> 00:24:49.359 are you 00:24:49.359 --> 00:24:49.960 ready 00:24:49.960 --> 00:24:51.659 to stand 00:24:51.659 --> 00:24:52.259 up for 00:24:52.259 --> 00:24:52.619 Jesus 00:24:52.619 --> 00:24:56.519 to embrace 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:58.379 persecution 00:24:58.379 --> 00:24:59.659 as reality 00:24:59.659 --> 00:25:01.159 for the sake 00:25:01.159 --> 00:25:01.759 of living 00:25:01.759 --> 00:25:02.440 as 00:25:02.440 --> 00:25:04.019 the people 00:25:04.019 --> 00:25:04.559 of God 00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:08.440 and as 00:25:08.440 --> 00:25:09.139 we reflect 00:25:09.139 --> 00:25:09.720 on that 00:25:09.720 --> 00:25:10.500 remember 00:25:10.500 --> 00:25:12.099 the Saviour 00:25:12.099 --> 00:25:12.879 who went 00:25:12.879 --> 00:25:13.779 into battle 00:25:13.779 --> 00:25:14.659 for us 00:25:14.659 --> 00:25:15.460 the one 00:25:15.460 --> 00:25:16.259 who suffered 00:25:16.259 --> 00:25:16.940 and was 00:25:16.940 --> 00:25:17.559 persecuted 00:25:17.559 --> 00:25:18.460 and was 00:25:18.460 --> 00:25:18.960 killed 00:25:18.960 --> 00:25:20.139 for us 00:25:20.139 --> 00:25:20.539 the one 00:25:20.539 --> 00:25:21.419 who stands 00:25:21.419 --> 00:25:22.759 with us 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:24.159 so we're not 00:25:24.159 --> 00:25:24.559 asked to do 00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:25.019 this in our 00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:25.720 own strength 00:25:25.720 --> 00:25:28.019 these are 00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:28.740 ideals 00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:29.379 for the 00:25:29.379 --> 00:25:29.940 people of 00:25:29.940 --> 00:25:30.259 God 00:25:30.259 --> 00:25:31.259 to follow 00:25:31.259 --> 00:25:31.700 those who 00:25:31.700 --> 00:25:32.299 are filled 00:25:32.299 --> 00:25:32.740 with the 00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:32.980 Spirit 00:25:32.980 --> 00:25:33.480 those who 00:25:33.480 --> 00:25:34.079 have the 00:25:34.079 --> 00:25:34.500 presence 00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:35.960 of Jesus 00:25:35.960 --> 00:25:36.480 the Saviour 00:25:36.480 --> 00:25:36.900 those who 00:25:36.900 --> 00:25:37.940 have our 00:25:37.940 --> 00:25:38.519 Father in 00:25:38.519 --> 00:25:38.779 heaven 00:25:38.779 --> 00:25:40.000 who watches 00:25:40.000 --> 00:25:41.519 over us 00:25:41.519 --> 00:25:44.539 blessed 00:25:44.539 --> 00:25:45.319 are those 00:25:45.319 --> 00:25:45.599 who are 00:25:45.599 --> 00:25:46.200 persecuted 00:25:46.200 --> 00:25:47.519 because of 00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:48.000 righteousness 00:25:48.000 --> 00:25:49.619 for theirs 00:25:49.619 --> 00:25:50.759 is the 00:25:50.759 --> 00:25:51.180 kingdom of 00:25:51.180 --> 00:25:51.460 heaven 00:25:51.460 --> 00:25:54.500 and 00:25:54.500 --> 00:26:06.940 .