Why was Jesus a Carpenter?

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Its likely Jesus served his hometown of Nazareth as their carpenter for many years before starting his ministry. Near the end of Jesus’ first year of ministry, he returns to his hometown where his teaching wisdom astonishes the religious leaders. According to Matthew 15:55, they ask themselves, “Is this not the carpenter’s son?” They were offended that a local carpenter’s son was wiser than they were in religious matters. Mark 6:3-6 adds during this hometown visit the carpenter’s son healed some sick people but they still did not believe in him. How could this lowly, blue-collar type worker not know his place in life? Who was he trying to impress?

The word for carpenter used by Matthew and Mark is “tekton” in Greek. This is a common term for someone who works with their hands, such as an artisan or craftsman; or more precisely, a carpenter, wood-worker, or builder. The homes in Nazareth were mostly carved from limestone by stone-workers or masons, not carpenters. The roofs were typically wood logs and thatch. Thus, Jesus’ step-dad, Joseph likely spent most of his time working with wood to help build furniture and other home furnishings.

In the Bible, carpenters are known for cutting down mighty trees and repurposing them to create something new, such as the Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus as the creator of the world (Colossians 1:16) came to earth to cut down the old covenant with Abraham and build up a new covenant with all the people of the world. Jesus declares to Peter in Matthew 16:18 that “on this rock I will build my church.” So Jesus was a creator, builder, craftsman, and carpenter in one.

During Passover week in Jerusalem when Jesus was 12, Luke 2:49 records Jesus was asked why he was in the temple and not with his parents. His answer was: “I must be about my Father’s business.” The business of His Father in Heaven involved ministry and teaching the words of the law and prophets. Before doing God’s business he did the business of his earthly father, which was carpentry. It was customary in those days for families to perform the same trades for generations. Trade skills and secrets were passed from father to son. So as a youth, Jesus obeyed the 5th commandment to honor and respect his earthy father Joseph and served as his apprentice. After Joseph died, Jesus as the oldest son would take over the responsibility of providing for the family and inherit the family business. Around the age of 30, Jesus likely passed this responsibility to one of his brothers so that he could begin his ministry.

Consider that a tree used to make a feeding trough for animals was repurposed to cradle a new baby, God’s son. Also, a tree used in Jesus’ death was repurposed to give us life through his blood sacrifice. What better profession is there for the creator and savior of the world than a carpenter?

For more detail, check out: http://facultyblog.eternitybiblecollege.com/2011/12/was-jesus-a-carpenter/