The overview of Matthew 5:2-12 can be found here, while an important word study on the term blessed can be found here. You can find the overviews of the previous verses in from Matthew 5:2-11 at the following links:
For any person who does not have easy access to Bible software you can look up all cross references listed in this blog at the Bible Gateway website.
It is easy and quick to use and you can choose from many different
translations. The cross references are a big part of any Bible Study
that we may undertake!
"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Important Terms
All definitions were culled from the Complete Word Study Dictionary from AMG Publisher, Vine's Expository Dictionary and/or Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary.
Blessed:
- see word study at this link.
Rejoice:
- ESword Concordance Search--- Paul often uses the word rejoice when discussing our hope in God in Romans.And Jesus is also telling us to rejoice because we are blessed (see word study on Blessed in topic notes) if we follow Him! This state of blessedness is a permanent state based on our relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. If we are in a right relationship with God this state of blessedness exists regardless of our earthly circumstances.
- Definition--- To be glad. In this case an absolute sense of gladness. (Jesus has been victorious!) Opposite of mourning! A constant state (according to Mounce) because of our relationship to Jesus. In fact the first use of the Greek work in the NT is when the Magi see the star that leads them to baby Jesus. Mat_2:9-10
- Other important cross references--- Joh 14:27 Isa 25:9 Joh 4:14 Rom 8:35-39 Luk 6:23 Act 5:41 Rom 5:3 2Co 4:17 Php 2:17 Jas 1:2 1Pe 4:13 Php 4:4 1Th 5:16
Glad:
- ESword Concordance Search--- Luk 6:23 Act 2:26 Rev 19:7 Php 2:17 Php 2:18 1Pe 4:13 Php 4:4 1Th 5:16
- Definition-To show one's joy by leaping, showing ecstatic joy and delight. Leap for joy.
- In this context emphasizes rejoice. Means to rejoice exceedingly.
reward:
- ESword Concordance Search--- Mat 5:46 Mat 6:1 Mat 6:2 Mat 6:4 Mat 6:6 Mat 6:16 Mat 6:18 Mat 10:41-42 Mar 9:41 Luk 6:35 1Co 3:8 1Co 3:14 Col 3:24 Heb 10:35 2Jn 1:8 Rev 11:8 Rev 22:12 Heb 11:6 Psa 19:11 Psa 58:11 Pro 11:18 Isa 3:10 Gen 15:1
- Definition--- wages, reward. In this context, to be received hereafter. (Jesus uses the words WILL BE..as it is a reward that is waiting for us). It is our reward in Heaven. Not an earthly reward.
persecuted:
- Please see notes to Mat 5:10
- Other Cross-References--- Mat 10:18-23 Mat 10:39 Mat 19:29 Mat 24:9 Mar 8:35 Mar 13:9 Mar 13:13 Luk 9:24 Luk 21:12 Luk 21:17 Act 9:16 Php 3:8 Rev 2:3
prophets:
- Definition-One to whom and through whom God speaks. One whom speaks under divine influence and inspiration.
- (ie: If people have been persecuting God's chosen messengers they will also persecute others who follow God's own son!)
Other Relevant Cross-References
- Jas 5:10 Mat 5:17 Mat 7:12 Mat 11:13 Mat 13:17 Mat 23:31-34 Mat 23:37 Luk 11:49-50 Heb 1:1 1Pe 1:10 Act 7:52
Summary
Jesus is telling us that the persecution discussed in Mat_5:10-11 is nothing new as people have been persecuting the Lord's chosen (prophets) forever. But we are to look past the present persecution and look forward to our reward in heaven! It is is promised by Jesus and it will be great. As with the entirety of the beatitudes, Jesus is telling us to focus not on our earthly state or condition, but to instead focus on our spiritual state, our relationship with God, the Father. For if this relationship is right, then we will be in a state of blessedness regardless of our earthly circumstances.
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