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Matthew 5:11-12 – An Argument for the Deity of Christ
Most of the arguments for the deity of Christ given by Himself within the gospels are not blatant declarations, but tacit, clever and somewhat shadowy implications. Does Jesus so early in His ministry, in His Sermon on the Mount, claim to be on par with the God of the Old Testament in 5:11-12?
The preacher states those persecuted because of their relationship to Him are akin to those persecuted prophets in the Old Testament. As a prophet is to God, the disciples are to Jesus. Why were they persecuted? Because of their relationship with Yahweh. If Jesus’ disciples were comparable to the prophets, then Who would He be comparable to? Yahweh.
This argument for the deity of Christ is supplemented and augmented at the end of the sermon when He again broaches the subject of prophets. But this time, instead of Old Testament prophets who obviously prophesied in the name of Yahweh, these prophets prophesy in the name of Jesus Christ (Mt.7:21-23). Prophets prophesied in the name of God. Jesus is divine.
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