Blessed are the Persecuted

March 15, 2023

Jeff Harrington

This is the last beatitude and it has several unique features. It is the longest beatitude given. It is the only beatitude with commentary. It’s the only beatitude Jesus repeats. It is the only beatitude with an expected response. It is the only beatitude directed personally to the hearer. Note how the beatitude begins with “Blessed are those” and then changes to “Blessed are you”. This beatitude seems an abrupt change in direction from the last one, “Blessed are the peacemakers”. How do we go from peacemaking to persecution? It seems counterintuitive. If we are peacemakers, why are we persecuted? Why would the world want to persecute peacemakers?