Authentic Manhoodنموونە

The Carpenter

Carpentry is a manly thing. Working with tools and caring for the smallest details, all to see a finished project does something to a man.

Joseph, Jesus’ earthly dad, was a carpenter in a small town. The only way he could stay in business was to do good work and complete his projects.

But what did he do with a project he knew he wouldn’t finish?

In Luke 2, Joseph’s life has been crazy. Marriage. Census. New baby. Then, to top it off, he hears something that probably stabbed at his husband-heart.

Jesus is eight days old, and Joseph and Mary bring Him to the temple for dedication, where they meet Simeon, an elderly priest who pours out praise and blesses the new parents.

But then Simeon does something interesting. He turns to Mary and says:

“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:34-35 NIV, emphasis added)

Did you catch it?

Simeon spoke this prophecy directly to Mary—even though Joseph was standing right there.

Can you imagine hearing something like that spoken to your wife? What would you do with that?

Not much is said about Joseph after this moment, but we do read how he responded to this news—he did his best to follow God’s heart and take care of his family.

As a carpenter, he knew that it was the little things that would make a project beautiful, so he did what he could for his family, not knowing if he would be around to see the finished project.

In the end, Joseph was not at the Cross. And as Mary’s soul was pierced—it was the carpenter’s son, hanging on a cross of wood, that brought together the finished project.

Living authentically as a man doesn’t mean you’ll get to understand the full picture. It just means that you will do your best in the little things you are called to so that the bigger project is more beautiful in the end.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the blessings of my family and friends. Help me see the little things I can do to build them up into more of who You want them to be. Amen.

Reflection: What little things can you do today for your wife, kids, friends, and colleagues to add value to whoever is around you?