Why does Jesus bless the persecuted?
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others insult you, persecute you, lie about you, and say all kinds of evil things against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad! Your reward is great in heaven, for the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are you when people hate you and exclude you and insult you and slander you as evil because you follow the Son of Man! Rejoice when that happens and leap for joy! Great is your reward in heaven, for that is how their ancestors treated the ancient prophets.
Luke 6:22-23
The first seven beatitudes describe the character of Jesus’s apprentices: they will be humble, repentant, gentle, merciful, single-minded peacemakers who are intent on living in a way that honors God. The eighth beatitude does not describe another characteristic of a disciple. Instead, it explains both the blessings and consequences (persecution!) of discipleship.
Persecution comes in all shapes and sizes, but Jesus is blessing one particular group of persecuted people–those who are persecuted for “righteousness.” What is righteousness? In the context of Jesus’s sermon, righteousness is actively engaging in the pursuit of holiness–showing mercy, performing acts of kindness, making peace between enemies, and working with God in whatever projects he invites us into.