Was Jesus of Nazareth a....?

Question

This is going to seem like an inconsequential question, and in the grand scheme of things i suppos it is.

Was he a good carpenter? Did he like it?

I only ask this because many of the old Daoist masters and Buddhist sages did hold down other types of jobs on the side. At times, what they did exemplified the manner in which they taught.

And you can tell a lot about a person from the way they approach their work.

Answer 1

There is only one mention in scripture that Jesus was a carpenter (Mark 6:3). The word used there for "carpenter" is probably closer to what we think of as a "contractor" today. He was the one who planned and supervised the work, rather the actual craftman doing the work.

There are several references to construction concepts - such as Jesus being the Author (we would say "Framer") and Finisher of our faith, his being the cornerstone from which the measurements for our faith are taken, and Jesus often compared the Christian life to build a house or a tower.

Answer 2

I never really thought about it before.

Presumably, if Jesus built something as a carpenter, it would be perfectly built. The most awesomest paragon of carpentry ever hewn from lumber.

So where are these mighty artifacts of carpentry perfection? They shouldn't have fallen apart (unless Jesus wasn't infallible) or been knocked down. So where are they?

Nazareth and Jerusalem should be filled with indestructible sheds and perfectly built benches.

Answer 3

Yeah, that's true. Most people are drones, getting up everyday to avoid not getting a paycheck. But a few make their work their purpose, or when they find their purpose it becomes their work. Jesus knew who he was and what he had to do, so his work was better than anything you could get from the avg union carpenter. I imagine he put his heart into it.

Answer 4

Jim Gaffigan did a bit about that:

Good thing that Messiah thing worked out. He built a shed for my cousin - what a piece of ****. The whole time hes screaming, "I'm the son of God!" Well, now you're building a shed. Hop to it, Jesus!

Answer 5

Since "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man," (Luke 2:52), and did "all things well" (Mk. 7:37), we can assume that his carpentry was perfect, as was His life and sacrifice for our sins. And so is "place" He is even now preparing for His bride, true believers (Jn. 14:1-4).

(1 Pet 2:21-24) "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: {22} Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: {23} Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: {24} Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."

(2 Cor 5:20-21) "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. {21} For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

(Acts 3:19) "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"

Answer 6

Well it's not a BAD question LOL

I guarantee he would have been a perfect carpenter. Perfectly steady hands, perfect hand/eye coordination etc.

Answer 7

Dear Chen

In Our Holy Book Quran it is not mentioned about (Jesus) Eisa's peace be on him Profession.

As mentioned by Our Holy Prophet that Many of the Prophets including him were sheperds and even Christians mentioned Jesus Christ as a Holy Sheperd .

I have read and seen Photos displayed by Christians that Joseph the husband of St. Mary was a Carpenter.

Again Muslims denounce St. Mary Mariam peace be on her to be married or even proposed to Carpenter Joseph. This disrespects and even creates doubts among people to believe Jesus Christ Eisa peace be on him was born to Virgin Mary, while showing her contacts with Carpenter Joseph.

In Holy Book Quran it is mentioned Mary Mariam peace be on her was fostered by her Uncle Zachariah peace be on him also a holy prophet of God Allah. He was a carpenter by profession.

When Zachariah peace be on him saw Allah's Bounty on Mariam peace be on her, he supplicated to Allah to grant him a Son so as to keep the prophethood on going after him. Allah answered his prayers and gave him a Son Yahua (John) while he was ninety years old and his wife too not of an age to concieve and deliver a child.

Hence John Yahya peace be on him too was miraculously born as Jesus Eisa peace be on him born to Virgin Mary Mariam peace be on her.

Dear Chen I do not know whether my answer has fulfilled your requirement, but I thought let me give you the knowledge of Islam regarding the subject.

Holy Book Quran has dedicated one complete chapter in respect of Mary Mariam peace be on her. Please read it to know further details. It might look strange that Bible does not have a chapter or much details about Mary.

Answer 8

it would be great if archeologists discovered evidence to determine that. until then i'll interpret the occupation "carpenter" as a metaphor (i.e. builder of shelter)

Answer 9

As far as I know there is no evidence one way or the other.

Answer 10

He was and remains a myth. Nothing more.