“If Jesus had come to earth with the mission not of going to the cross, but to do your job, how would He do it?”

It was a question posed at a recent luncheon I attended, and the ensuing conversation was thought provoking. What would Jesus do a little differently? A little better?

Sometimes we forget that Jesus likely worked as a carpenter before starting his “public ministry.” And yet, that carpentry work was just as public as His three years of travelling and preaching. What kind of carpentry work do you think He did? Do you think He cut corners and made benches that would collapse? Can you imagine his followers saying, “Wow, He’s a great speaker and you should listen to what He says, but don’t buy His benches…”

How do you think Jesus performed in His day job?

How many lives do you think Jesus touched with a different kind of hammer and nails than the ones that hung Him to the cross?

And what does that say about how we, as His followers, should be doing our jobs?

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).