Do you ever wonder about the early years of Jesus’ life? A lot was written about his birth. A lot more was written about his ministry, from ages 30 to 33. However, the Lord lived a quiet life in between. One thing that we know is that Jesus worked as a carpenter, or perhaps a stonemason or handyman. I believe that there is a reason for everything in the Bible. Certainly in the earthly life of the Son of God. So why was Jesus a carpenter? What was the spiritual significance of this line of work?
Joseph was a carpenter
Jesus’ mother’s husband, Joseph, was a carpenter. So, as was the custom of the time, Jesus would have entered into an apprenticeship at a young age. Submitting to his earthly parents, being obedient to them, and helping the family in their trade was the right thing to do.
“Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:51-52).
The work of a carpenter was humble work. He worked with his hands; he was not wealthy. He was seen as just another low-status inhabitant of Nazareth. His true identity was difficult for the other townspeople to swallow:
“Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him.” But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.” (Matthew 13:54-57).
Jesus entered into his ministry at the age of 30 (Luke 3:23). This is quite interesting, because this is the age that Levites would officially enter into the priesthood (Numbers 4:3). And we know that Jesus is our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). Having come from the humble beginnings as a carpenter, his mind-blowing depth of knowledge of the scriptures brought glory to God and proof of his divinity. Similarly, David became king at the age of 30 after many humble years (2 Samuel 5:4); and Joseph became second in command in Egypt at the age of 30 after years in prison (Genesis 41:46). The Bible overflows with prophetic evidence pointing to Jesus.
God is the Creator of Everything
“For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.” (Hebrews 3:4).
God created everything. He created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1), the mountains, forests, animals, and us! Jesus was with his Father in the beginning (Colossians 1:16). “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3). So it is in his very nature to create. To build. To make things.
God gave Noah detailed instructions for the construction of the ark (Genesis 6). He gave detailed instructions to Moses for the tabernacle (Exodus 25). He gave David detailed instructions for his son Solomon’s construction of the temple (1 Chronicles 28) and led Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall (Nehemiah 2). The Lord even gave both Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40-48) and John (Revelation 21-22) detailed dimensions of the new temple and New Jerusalem (check out Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is There, for more).
Jesus is the Creator and the Builder. He included building metaphors throughout his ministry. When speaking over the ministry of Peter, Jesus states: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18). When prophesying his death, Jesus speaks of the temple: “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” (John 2:19). He uses a similar metaphor when teaching on the cost of discipleship: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.” (Luke 14:28-29).
He is even building as we speak. “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3).
Quiet Moments to Prepare
You know how when you have a physical task, such as washing the dishes, raking leaves, or pulling weeds, that you are able to do some of your best thinking? Suddenly, you figure out a solution to an issue that you’ve been stressing about for days, or you have the most creative idea ever? Your hands are full and busy, but you are finally separate from the distractions that constantly overpower your mind. Perhaps, the nature of Jesus’ work, for those adolescent to young adult years, allowed for lots of one-on-one time with the Father. Perhaps He was able to pray and listen to God during this time, far more than if He were in a profession that required a great deal of interaction with the public or travel.
So, why was Jesus a carpenter? This profession allowed Jesus to honor his earthly parents and submit in all ways to God with humble beginnings. Further, it is within his divine nature to create and to build. Additionally, it may have been a wonderful use of time for those years, allowing for prayer and preparation from the Father. Let me know below if you can think of any more reasons for the spiritual significance of why Jesus was a carpenter!
I hope you enjoyed reading why was Jesus a carpenter? If you are interested in reading further, check out why did Jesus keep his scars? and why did Jesus say, my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1).
