Dallas Willard’s second question (see below) is “Who is well off?”
A. Even the spiritually bankrupt, when they trust in Jesus, enrolling as his apprentices.
Obviously, Dr. Willard is taking his cues from the Beatitudes. From Matthew 5:
3“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Unlike some interpreters, Willard does not teach that the Beatitudes are pre-conditions or requirements for being “blessed,” or as I worded it above, “well off.”
This is good news, in my estimation. In other words, one doesn’t have to fit into one, some, or all of these categories in order to follow Jesus. We are thus free to stop gazing at our navels, wondering if we are poor enough in spirit, merciful enough yet, sad enough, etc. in order to know the blessing of God. Whew!
So, we may begin where we are. To be sure, there is no entrance into the eternal kind of kingdom-of-God life Jesus gives without faith and repentance.
Nonetheless, if we do find ourselves irreligious and ignorant of the ways of God (“poor in spirit”), or fussy, critical perfectionists (perhaps that is one way to read “hunger and thirst after rightness“) we are welcome to follow Jesus and put on his easy yoke and carry his burden, which is light.
Now, didn’t you always know deep in your heart that blessedness was not reserved for a special sort of person? Isn’t that what grace means?
I am grateful that Christ died for everyone regardless of status, life circumstances, or past mistakes. Because of this we are rich in him. I am grateful that I don’t have to earn his love or that past failures disqualify me.
Me too! Thanks for your comment, Marie.
Dave,
Much better than the “ten commandments for disciples”-view. I also think it may be that Jesus is describing his disciples. His followers are the poor in spirit, etc. And, as you point out, the blessing is pure grace.
Thanks for pointing out this piece.
Hi, Curt.
Yes, I think “describing the disciples” (the view of Bonhoeffer) makes sense, too. Maybe it’s a “both/and” kind of deal.
Dave