"Following"

8 of 8 Beatitudes
"Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of Righteousness - - for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
Matthew 5:10
The biblical passage continues to elaborate: "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in Heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12). Jesus said many times that those who follow Him will be persecuted. "If they persecute me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20-21).

 The Lord promised those that suffer for his sake will be rewarded with the Kingdom of Heaven!
Persecuted - - Following JESUS - - no matter the cost.