Jesus the Carpenter

I have always found it interesting that Jesus was a carpenter. His earthly father, Joseph was a carpenter and had obviously passed the trade on to Jesus. In Matthew 13:55 the Jews ask if this was not the carpenter's son. In Mark 6:3 the Jews ask if Jesus was not the carpenter. I like that Jesus was taught to work with his hands as he was growing up and while the Bible is silent about this, we can easily assume that he carried that trade right up until he began his ministry. That would be why the Jews were astonished at his doctrine as he taught and questioned "is not this the carpenter?" That was how he was known up to this point. I don't know why but that makes me smile. 

I think it is a lovely thought that the carpenter (builder) learned that profession and also is the builder of the bridge (metaphorically & spiritually) between us and God. The song "Jesus Built a Bridge" has always made my mind picture that of a carpenter and I am not even sure that was the intent or thought when the song was written. Jesus the carpenter builds. He uses trials in our lives to build us and make us strong. He uses relationships to bless us, try us and help us build our faith in Him and one another. It is a beautiful thought and picture! 

Just a little thought to help you picture Jesus in a different way. I know a young man that once told me when we worked with youth that he was going to be a carpenter and that he figured it was good enough for Jesus so it was good enough for him. ---He did become one by the way! 

Jesus already built that bridge between you and God when He died on the cross and rose from the grave. Have you taken the opportunity to use the bridge? You can use it by accepting that you are a sinner and that your sin separates you from God. When you put your trust and faith in what Jesus did, you become a child of God and therefore may use the bridge.