In His final Beatitude, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). Jesus could never be accused of false advertising or hiding the negative in the fine print. He makes it very clear in this Beatitude that persecution is a POSSIBILITY if you choose to be His disciple. In this lesson, we’ll examine three things we can learn about persecution from this Beatitude and consider whether or not we are being persecuted, as well as the implications if we are and if we are not.

John 15:1-8 (ESV)

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Lesson Resources:

Rick Atchley. “He is the Vine.” Sermon presented at The Hills Church of Christ, North Richland Hills, TX, 2001.

Robert H. Stein. Luke. The New American Commentary, Vol. 24. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishing Group, 1992.

Warren W. Wiersbe. Jesus in the Present Tense. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 2011.