you.”​—Matt. 5:11, 12; compare Luke 6:22, 23.

“Those who have been persecuted” are Christians who have experienced reproach, slander and ostracism “for righteousness’ sake,” or “for the sake of the Son of man.” Their sufferings are due to worshiping Jehovah and bearing the name of Jesus Christ and following his footsteps closely.​—1 Pet. 2:19-21.

The reason for rejoicing here is the same as that given in the first happiness, namely, “the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.” (Compare Matthew 5:3.) Though it may mean reproach, being expelled from their communities and even death in some cases, Christians know that the “joy” of ruling with Christ in God’s heavenly kingdom or enjoying perfect human life as its earthly subjects are well worth it.​—Matt. 25:21, 23; Heb. 12:2; Rev. 21:1-5.

This ‘reward in the heavens’ (that is, from God) is not in the sense of wages earned for work done. Under no circumstances can sinful humans earn God’s favor and obligate him to bless them. (Gal. 2:16; Jas. 2:10) The reward of kingdom blessings is an “indescribable free gift,” an evidence of God’s benevolence and generosity. (2 Cor. 9:15; Jas. 1:16-18) It is a reward paid to Christians for faithfully enduring reproach, persecution and wicked lies said against them because of their unbreakable devotion to God.

Jesus also presented a contrast to these final two happinesses, saying: “Woe, whenever all men speak well of you, for things like these are what their forefathers did to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26) Rather than proclaiming God’s truth, the “false prophets” of ancient Israel spoke what people wanted to hear; and the people “loved it that way.” (Jer. 5:31) But such popularity has never been an indication of God’s favor. The approval of Jehovah God rests only upon persons who speak and act in accord with his Word. (Ps. 15:1, 2) Those who do that, however, can expect persecution, for Jesus said: “If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”​—John 15:20.

Memorializing Christ’s Death​—How Much Longer?

THE MEMORIAL of Christ’s death has only a limited run. To first-century Christians, the apostle Paul wrote: “For as often as you eat this loaf and drink this cup, you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he arrives.” (1 Cor. 11:26) This plainly means that, when the Lord Jesus Christ does arrive, the proclaiming of his death by means of celebrating the Lord’s Supper, or Evening Meal, will stop.​—1 Cor. 11:20.

At Passover time of the year 33 of our Common Era, the Lord Jesus Christ established “the Lord’s evening meal.” Indicating its purpose, he said to his faithful apostles: “This is my body which will be given for you; do this as a memorial of me.” Also, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this as a memorial of me.” (Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:23-25, The Jerusalem Bible; The New English Bible) The pouring out