Topical Encyclopedia The title "Carpenter" is one of the earthly designations attributed to Jesus, reflecting His humble beginnings and His connection to ordinary human life. This title is derived from the New Testament, where Jesus is identified with the trade of carpentry, a common and respected profession in ancient Jewish society.In the Gospel of Mark, the people of Nazareth, Jesus' hometown, express their astonishment at His wisdom and miraculous powers, questioning, "Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?" (Mark 6:3). This passage highlights the familiarity of the townspeople with Jesus' earthly occupation, emphasizing His humanity and the normalcy of His upbringing. Similarly, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is referred to as the carpenter's son: "Is this not the son of the carpenter? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?" (Matthew 13:55). This reference underscores the perception of Jesus as part of a typical family unit, with Joseph, His earthly father, being a carpenter by trade. The title "Carpenter" signifies more than just a profession; it symbolizes Jesus' identification with the working class and His experience of human labor and toil. It serves as a reminder of His humility and His willingness to engage in the ordinary aspects of human life. This aspect of Jesus' identity is significant in understanding His mission and ministry, as it reflects His approachability and relatability to the common people of His time. Furthermore, the title "Carpenter" can be seen as a metaphor for Jesus' role in the spiritual realm. Just as a carpenter shapes and constructs physical structures, Jesus, through His teachings and sacrifice, builds and restores the spiritual lives of believers. This duality of meaning enriches the understanding of Jesus' mission on earth, as both a humble servant and a divine architect of faith. In summary, the title "Carpenter" attributed to Jesus in the New Testament serves as a profound testament to His humanity, humility, and the transformative power of His ministry. It reflects His connection to everyday life and His divine purpose in shaping the spiritual foundation of His followers. Nave's Topical Index Mark 6:3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. Nave's Topical Index Library Hypocrisy Resources Questions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.org Is the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar biblical? | GotQuestions.org Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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