I am a Jesus pusher!!! The change in pronouns bears directly on the interpretation and understanding of our passage (Matthew 5:11). We must understand our passage not in light of the entirety of the Beatitudes, but also in light of persecution. The thrust of the first seven beatitudes is positive. Even the first beatitude reminding us that we are “poor in spirit” is positive in light of His presence sourcing us! We inherit the land (Matthew 5:5); we hunger and are filled (Matthew 5:6). We live in mercy (Matthew 5:7); we are pure in heart and see God (Matthew 5:8). We dwell in peace (Matthew 5:9). This becomes positive instruction giving us courage to be salt and light is our society. Our passage (Matthew 5:13-16) is about how we, the Kingdom people, function in the world.
A negative is definitely injected with the last beatitude on persecution (Matthew 5:10). Jesus gives further instruction to eliminate any confusion or oversight. He said, “I am really talking about persecution. I am not saying they will experience it; I am saying you will experience it.” Everything He is says about being salt and light must be experienced and expressed in a world persecuting you; and saying all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake” (Matthew 5:11). This is not a call to comfort, solutions to all your problems, or elimination of all difficulties. This is not a call to happiness, good feelings, or emotional highs. This is a call to the fulfillment of God’s plan, which is your destiny. He has uniquely created you to merge with you. As a Kingdom person you will give demonstration to who He is in the uniqueness of your own identity. This will happen in the context of persecution. It is a privilege to be an expression of who He is! I am a Jesus pusher!!!