What Is Jesus Good At?

Dallas Willard asks: “So what is Jesus good at?”* If we intend to mentor under him it’s a good idea to know his specialty.

If we aren’t clear, we will be poor students. We may experience disappointment, and misunderstanding. People sometimes want Jesus to teach them things that he is simply not good at. Then they get frustrated when it doesn’t work out. This is wrong.

Jesus is not good at keeping everyone happy. He’s not good at helping rich people get richer. He’s not good at maintaining the status quo. He’s not good at holding his tongue when powerful people are acting unjustly.

So don’t go to Jesus to learn these things. Don’t pretend he taught you.

What is Jesus good at? Willard’s answer: Jesus is good at living in the Kingdom of God. He’s good at obedience to the Father. He’s good at telling stories that steer people’s choices towards the transforming, peace loving, will of God. He’s good at actions that bring justice and offer mercy. He’s good at humble living.

If you want to learn any of these things (and more), follow Jesus. But know what he is good at, before you commit.

* Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy pg. 282.

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