Rejoice and be glad, because your reward is great in heaven, for in this way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
In this passage Jesus comforts and encourages those who suffer under persecution for their faith and righteousness. He calls them not only to be unafraid of these hardships, but even to rejoice and exult. The persecutions that Jesus’ followers have endured or are enduring recall the similar sufferings of the prophets, which were also for God’s truth. Jesus emphasizes that a great reward awaits them in heaven. This word not only brings comfort, but also urges believers to realize that their persecutions are temporary, while their heavenly reward is eternal.