Steve's Blog

In this Lenten series I would like to invite you to consider Jesus’ “outstretched arms of love” toward all who followed him as disciples, seeking to emulate his life, self-sacrifice, and humble service to others. Today we will reflect on one distinct time and way Jesus stretched out his arms of love to all who beheld his glory, believed his message, belonged as his disciples, and sought to become more and more like his image and with more of their true identity in Christ Alone.

Read Mark 6: 30-44

Participating in meaningful ministry was Jesus’ goal for his disciples. Not just hanging out with him, traveling throughout Galilee, Judea and Jerusalem, walking, eating, sleeping and doing life together. Instead, the disciples were actively engaged in serving others with and for Jesus.

In this account of the feeding of the five thousand, we see a handful of ways Jesus involves his disciples in serving the needs of others. They first of all reported to Jesus all they had done and taught, keeping close accountability with the Lord. They also joined Jesus in a quiet place where they could rest and be replenished for the days ahead. Jesus invited them to come with him into those solitary places, knowing their need for regular breaks from the crowds that were beginning to exponentially form around Jesus.

On this particular occasion, Jesus had compassion on the large crowd, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd. His teaching ministry was continuing to expand, often late into the evening, in both the countryside and the villages. Seeing their need for food, he instructed his disciples to give them something to eat. They asked, “With just five loaves and two fish?” As the disciples assembled the crowd into groups of hundreds and fifties, he took the loaves and fish and lifted them up to heaven. He gave thanks and broke the loaves, giving the pieces to the disciples to distribute among them all.

After everyone was miraculously fed, the disciples picked up the broken pieces left behind, filling twelve basketfuls of bread and fish. A total of 5,000 were fed on that day. This encounter was enticing each of the disciples to the mission of their Lord Jesus. This inevitably impressed upon their hearts the transformational values of listening, obedience, and faithful service to others in need.

Who among us doesn’t want to be engaged in meaningful work for the Kingdom of God? When we know that our efforts are not extended in vain, we share more fully in the mission of God. Every effort in this most miraculous feeding was laced with the compassion of Jesus. Every ounce of energy was expended for the Gospel King Jesus was proclaiming. These experiences solidified the disciples’ commitment to more fully participate in Kingdom efforts, with Jesus and as a team.

Whether in the form of miracles, or simple acts of kindness, Jesus offers his disciples meaningful ministry that would expand the swath of the Gospel everywhere they traveled. The grace-filled Gospel was shared freely and generously as a tangible expression of Jesus’ outstretched arms of love. Therefore, behold Jesus inviting his disciples into fruitful ministry; believe firmly in the Gospel that proclaims truth, grace and love both far and wide; belong to the communion of saints who carry on his legacy of love; and become more outward in your service to the King and his Kingdom.

In this Lenten series I would like to invite you to consider Jesus’ “outstretched arms of love” toward all who followed him as disciples, seeking to emulate his life, self-sacrifice, and humble service to others. Today we will reflect on one distinct time and way Jesus stretched out his arms of love to all who beheld his glory, believed his message, belonged as his disciples, and sought to become more and more like his image and with more of their true identity in Christ Alone.

Read Matthew 10: 16-42

When the disciples were sent out by Jesus, they had no idea how radical would be their message or their Messenger. As Jesus prepares them to spread out and serve side by side, he speaks provocatively and proactively to them. One can only imagine the surprise look on their faces when Jesus makes it clear: they would be sent out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, Jesus urges them to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. They were to be on guard against men, for brother will betray brother; father his child; children will rebel against their parents.  In fact, Jesus says, all men will hate you because of Me. Following Jesus as 1^st Century disciples was filled with suffering, challenge, and hardship, as well as all the miraculous healings, releases from bondage, and abundance of spiritual vitality in Christ.

This is not the kind of message disciples of Jesus in the 21^st Century like to hear. We prefer hearing that following Jesus will take us into lands filled with milk and honey, where we will prosper in worldly ways in order to fulfill the dreams we’ve been taught from childhood to pursue: upward mobility in education, wealth, influence and possessions. But, when we look carefully at the biblical Gospel accounts, we don’t see anything like that whatsoever. In fact, quite the contrary. Jesus makes it clear,“Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

The Gospel of Jesus requires our full selves in full obedience being fully sold out to fully extend ourselves, so that the message is richly proclaimed in both word and deed. God is love, and when we receive his love the discipleship we’re invited into is a whole life devoting our entire life to give our complete life away…to Jesus, for Jesus, and all because of Jesus.

Jesus’ outstretched arms of love were opened fully for his disciples to receive. Their lives were transformed from the moment they met Jesus, and their desire to follow him was enhanced over time as they saw him in action.  But, living with and for Jesus required each of them to give all of themselves. No turning back. Nothing withheld. No holes barred. No compromise. No love for another more than Jesus. No other life was theirs to live but the one Jesus offered and empowered.

What about you, friend? Freely you’ve received, will you now freely give? His arms are outstretched toward you, will you welcome the loving embrace of Jesus? Will you give all for the sake of the cross of Christ, the very destination we’re heading toward this Lenten season? Behold Jesus giving his disciples immersion training in discipleship; believe that life and ministry in Jesus is always worth the cost; belong to the fellowship of the suffering; and become a disciple committed to living wholly for Jesus.

In this Lenten series I would like to invite you to consider Jesus’ “outstretched arms of love” toward all who followed him as disciples, seeking to emulate his life, self-sacrifice, and humble service to others. Today we will reflect on one distinct time and way Jesus stretched out his arms of love to all who beheld his glory, believed his message, belonged as his disciples, and sought to become more and more like his image and with more of their true identity in Christ Alone.

Read Matthew 10: 1-20

When Jesus called his disciples to follow him, he also gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. It’s amazing to consider the responsibility assigned to the twelve men he chose to be his closest companions. The fact that he empowered them to act in his behalf, giving them full power to do as he would do if he were in their sandals, dramatically displays his generously outstretched arms of love.

As he sent them out to serve in his name, he offered them some very specific instructions. They were to go to the lost sheep of Israel, with an intentionality that defined them as emissaries of Jesus.  As they traveled along their assigned pathway of service, they were given a specific message: preach the Kingdom of heaven is near. The Kingdom was Jesus’ favorite topic; he spoke of this more than any other issue. His desire was for his disciples to embrace and embody the richness of Christ’s Kingdom.

The disciples’ ministry was to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper, and drive out demons. They were set apart to perform miraculous healing in Jesus’ name, so that God would receive all the glory, honor and praise. They were not to be entrapped by anything that would hinder their mission, message or ministry. Instead, they were to travel light: no gold, silver or copper in their belts; no bag or extra tunic, sandals or staff for them to carry.

The entirety of Matthew chapter ten is filled with instructions. “Freely they have received, so freely they are to give” was their lived refrain. “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me” (Matthew 10: 40). The disciples would be receivable to others, not because of who they were as remarkable human beings, as a reflection of the God who sent them out in his name.

Each of us as 21^st Century disciples follow the same instruction manual as the 1^st Century disciples. The specifics may be edited per generation, but the overarching and guiding principles are cross-generational. We are to travel light. We are to find others who will bless and send us from place to place, as companions who share our faith community and mission. We have a message to proclaim and a ministry to perform…empowered by the Spirit, all for the glory of God, and all for the fulfillment of Christ’s Kingdom here on earth.  What Kingdom building activity is God calling you to this day? And, more abundantly in this season of your life in Christ?

Behold the King who offers clear instruction to all who follow him; believe in this great God who will make his way clear for you too; belong to the company of disciples who walk with him each new day; and become a faithful disciple who delights to follow Jesus into both familiar and uncharted terrain.

In this Lenten series I would like to invite you to consider Jesus’ “outstretched arms of love” toward all who followed him as disciples, seeking to emulate his life, self-sacrifice, and humble service to others. Today we will reflect on one distinct time and way Jesus stretched out his arms of love to all who beheld his glory, believed his message, belonged as his disciples, and sought to become more and more like his image and with more of their true identity in Christ Alone.

Read Matthew 4: 18-22 and Luke 5: 1-11

As Jesus was walking along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, he points out two brothers who were fishermen. He calls out a simple invitation, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  At first we read this and are astonished how quickly the men responded. In fact, the Scriptures use the words “at once” and “without delay” and “immediately.” Upon reflection, you might wonder, “Who in their right mind would drop their nets and blindly follow the voice of a stranger?

Thankfully, Luke gives us a bit more detail in his rendering of the story; they weren’t so blind after all. Jesus was indeed standing by the lake, with people starting to crowd around him and listening to him share the Word of God. So, as the crowd was thickening, he noticed two boats left there by the fishermen. One of them belonged to Simon (Peter) so he asked if it would be ok if he got in and if Simon would take him out away from the shore so Jesus could continue to teach the crowd of listeners.

In return for his gratitude, and after he was finished speaking, Jesus offers his outstretched arms of love to Simon by suggesting that he row out to the deep water and let the nets down for a catch. Simon respectfully shares with Jesus that they were hard at work all night long but hadn’t caught anything. However, Simon and his companions eventually do as Jesus suggested, and they catch more fish than their nets could handle. In fact, so many fish that their boats began to sink. They were astonished, so Simon falls down at Jesus’ feet and pleads with him to “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

Jesus comforts Simon Peter with the simple response, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” It was at that moment that Peter, his brother Andrew, James and his brother John, left everything behind and followed Jesus.

There is something very heartening in this story of invitation and followership. It’s all about Jesus’ love for others, his demonstration of that love through acts of kindness and miraculous affection. Each time he revealed himself and invited others to follow him, it was in the context of their normal lives and relationships. Jesus comes alongside others in very personal ways, reveals himself in ordinary and extraordinary ways, and then makes an offer few could refuse.

In the same way Jesus has come beside you, knows your name, is sensitive to your context, and desirous of expressing his love in tangible and intangible ways.  Behold him giving his disciples a loving invitation to follow; believe he will keep calling out your name; belong to the companions of Jesus who love to follow him; and become fully alive in the prospect of eternal invitations which will lead you into an abundant life in Christ.

In this Lenten series I would like to invite you to consider Jesus’ “outstretched arms of love” toward all who followed him as disciples, seeking to emulate his life, self-sacrifice, and humble service to others. Today we will reflect on one distinct time and way Jesus stretched out his arms of love to all who beheld his glory, believed his message, belonged as his disciples, and sought to become more and more like his image and with more of their true identity in Christ Alone.

Read Mark 1: 35-39; 6:45-56 and Luke 5:16

Jesus often withdrew to lonely, solitary places and prayed.

In the first chapter of Mark, we are reminded of Jesus’ ministry throughout Galilee. He proclaims the good news of God, and calls the first of his disciples. “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men” he pronounces to Peter and Andrew, James and John, all who were fishermen by trade were now fishermen by ministry. He goes on to Capernaum, teaching in the synagogue, driving an evil spirit out of the man who was violently distraught and sets him free. He heals Simon’s mother in-law and many others who were sick and demon-possessed. More and more examples of his outstretched arms of love.

But, very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. When the disciples found him, they urged him to return to the towns they had served the day prior, but Jesus leads them instead into nearby villages to share the good news.

In the second incident, after the feeding the five thousand, Jesus sends his disciples across the lake ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismisses the crowd. Immediately thereafter, Jesus leaves them all and went into the hills to pray.  Since the disciples didn’t really understand what had transpired in the miracle of the loaves and fish, their hearts were hardened. So, when Jesus is coming alongside them walking on water while the wind was howling and they were straining their oars, he had to reassure them of his presence amidst their terror. “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” When he climbed into the boat the wind died down and the disciples were completely amazed.

Do you notice the contrast between the calm, peace-filled Jesus and the anxious, fearful disciples? In the first story the disciples are ecstatic with what they had witnessed, and they wanted to see it all again. On the lake, they were frightened by both the wind storm and the ghost they thought was walking on the water, who was actually Jesus. From ecstasy to fearfulness…the inclination of the disciples was diametrically opposite of Jesus, who was consistently centered, focused, and peaceful.

If it was Jesus’ regular priority to distance himself from the crowds, disappear from the noise and confusion of his surroundings, in order to pray…how much more we should consider the same. We live in a loud, busy, complex world, and our lives mirror our culture in so many ways. If we never find a healthy distance or create life-giving boundaries from the cacophony of this world, we will never hear the symphony God longs to play for us in our hearts and souls. Choose today a solitary place and pray.

Behold Jesus in a solitary place; believe in the same priority for your own soul; belong to those who long for his deep companionship; become that child of God who longs for ever more time alone with Jesus.

In this Lenten series I would like to invite you to consider Jesus’ “outstretched arms of love” toward all who followed him as disciples, seeking to emulate his life, self-sacrifice, and humble service to others. Today we will reflect on one distinct time and way Jesus stretched out his arms of love to all who beheld his glory, believed his message, belonged as his disciples, and sought to become more and more like his image and with more of their true identity in Christ Alone.

Read Luke 10:38-42 and John 11: 1-37; 12: 1-3

Jesus not only had disciples with whom he had close relationships, but he also developed deep friendships, especially with a family from Bethany. Two were sisters, Mary and Martha, and the other was their brother Lazarus. The encounters with this family were deeply significant to Jesus and very meaningful to the three siblings. In fact, so important that we find him in their home during times when each would experience the fullness of his presence, power and peace.

The Gospels record for us a small handful of such encounters. On one such visit Jesus is reminding Martha that even though she has the gift of hospitality, there are times when such worrying and scurrying about can distract one from spiritual receptivity. He points to Mary her sister, who took time for uninterrupted listening and pondering at his feet. Instead of being upset about many things, only one thing is needed: attentiveness to the voice of Jesus.

On another occasion, Mary and Martha are searching for Jesus to heal their brother Lazarus. His sickness had overcome him to the point of death. They believed that Jesus could restore him from his sickness, but didn’t fully realize he could also raise him from the dead. When Jesus finally makes it to their home, Lazarus has died. Jesus weeps. He loved Lazarus and was sad that he had died. So, he prayed to his Father in heaven, and asked them to roll away the stone where Lazarus had been buried for four days. And, for the glory of God to be released in their presence, Lazarus was raised from the dead.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” These words came true in their incredible encounter with Jesus who powerfully demonstrated the truth of God’s Word in raising Lazarus from the dead. The peace that filled their souls from this fresh encounter with Jesus deepened their affection as friends and devoted followers of God.

Later we see Mary taking a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume, pouring it on Jesus’ feet, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. The presence of the Spirit of God rested on that household as together they prepared for Jesus’ final days on earth. The perfume had been saved for his burial, an offering of their devotion to Christ.

You too are a friend of Jesus. You too can offer your finest fragrance of love for his glory during Lent.

Behold him in the homestead of his dearly loved friends; believe in his power to perform a miracle of grace and healing in your midst; belong to those who pursue his daily companionship; and become a disciple who knows that only one thing matters: unhurried friendship with Jesus now and for all eternity.

In this Lenten series I would like to invite you to consider Jesus’ “outstretched arms of love” toward all who followed him as disciples, seeking to emulate his life, self-sacrifice, and humble service to others. Today we will reflect on one distinct time and way Jesus stretched out his arms of love to all who beheld his glory, believed his message, belonged as his disciples, and sought to become more and more like his image and with more of their true identity in Christ Alone.

Read Luke 4: 14-21 and Matthew 25: 31-46

After being released from the wilderness experience of successfully rejecting the devil’s temptations, Jesus returns to his hometown Nazareth. On the Sabbath he enters the synagogue, as was his custom, and he stood up to read from the prophet Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

After his baptism in the Jordan, clearly declared the beloved Son of God from heaven, and being consecrated for sacrificial service in the desert, Jesus reenters the synagogue with a renewed holy confidence. Even though in his hometown he was not valued as anything more than Joseph the carpenter’s son, he was now validated as the fulfillment of a word spoken long before his earthly arrival. And on that day the prophetic word spoken by Isaiah so long before came to fulfillment in Jesus.

Jesus’ mission statement expresses his call to preach good news, proclaiming freedom, recovery, and release to those in bondage to poverty, prison, blindness and oppression.  Those who were witnesses of his presence and power would see this made manifest in his life, witness and service to all who will henceforth cross his path. That’s exactly what Jesus does for a three-year period, with his arms outstretched in love. As his disciples see this with their own eyes, Jesus instructs them to do likewise.

By the time he was nearing the end of his earthly ministry, just prior to when he would be handed over to be crucified, Jesus reminds his disciples of their mission statement in the analogy of the separation of the sheep and the goats. The King will call those righteous who feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter to the homeless, clothing to the poor, healing to the sick, and liberty to those who are in prison. To all who do not heed this mission will be called goats, and they will be sent away to eternal punishment. But, to the righteous who do as Jesus suggest, they will experience eternal life.

This concise summary of mission is a great starting point for all healthy disciples who long to be in the center of God’s will. To offer the gospel of freedom and joy in Jesus is to invite another to belong to Jesus and in doing so to listen attentively to his voice and live abundantly for his glory. During Lent we will have many opportunities to offer our own outstretched arms of love to others in need of a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name. We will come across the hungry, the hurting, and the homeless, and we’ll be faced with the opportunity to offer healing in Jesus’ name. What will you choose?

Behold Jesus In the synagogue as he proclaims his mission; believe firmly in the truth that sets us free; belong to those who pursue Kingdom values; and become a loving disciple with holy determination.

In this Lenten series I would like to invite you to consider Jesus’ “outstretched arms of love” toward all who followed him as disciples, seeking to emulate his life, self-sacrifice, and humble service to others. Today we will reflect on one distinct time and way Jesus stretched out his arms of love to all who beheld his glory, believed his message, belonged as his disciples, and sought to become more and more like his image and with more of their true identity in Christ Alone.

Read Luke 4: 1-13

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, and on the heels of his spectacular baptism, was led by the same Spirit into the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. This is the account that defines for us the true meaning of Lent. These forty days for our Lord of fasting and temptation were defining and confirming days for his love of his Father, the Word of God, and the Kingdom he represented. Those very same declarations are what we ascribe as well in our Lenten fast this time around.

Each time Jesus was tempted by the devil, he responded with the strength of the Word of God. Tempting his appetites, by urging him to tell stone to become bread, Jesus responds, “Man does not live on bread alone.” Tempting his authority, by offering him all the kingdoms of this world, Jesus replies, “Worship the Lord your God and serve him daily.” Tempting his abilities, by suggesting he throw himself down from the highest point of the temple, Jesus retorts, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Each rejoinder was quoted from the book of Deuteronomy, the Law that was on the heart of Jesus.

It’s remarkable to consider the immediate challenge given to Jesus after the joyful experience of his baptism. From heaven’s declarative of love and affection, to earth’s most difficult trials and tribulations. To be given over to the devil’s schemes in the middle of the wilderness, showed all who would learn of this drama how Jesus was tempted as we are too. And yet, unlike us, he exits those forty days unscathed and never succumbs to any of the luring temptations offered to him. His willingness to enter this season of temptation is another very poignant example of Jesus’ outstretched arms of love toward all who would eventually listen to his voice, obey his call, and follow his example.

All of us understand the enticement of temptation, because we’ve all faced our fair share of allurement. Each time we are tempted to walk away from God and toward sin, we are brought face to face with our basic human condition. In the dark corners of such trials we are confronted by a much deeper choice of the will. It’s only in the light of God’s Word, and the enlightenment of God’s Spirit, that we will have the prayerful courage to say no in order to say yes to Jesus’ invitation to walk his way.

What temptations are standing in your way most consistently? What are the vulnerable places in your life that the enemy of your soul knows best to torment? How will you lean on God and your spiritual friends to defend you from such anguish? Will you trust Jesus to stand in the gap and keep you from falling prey to such temptations even today?

Behold him In the wilderness confronting the devil’s enticement; believe Jesus to strengthen you to say no to any temptation; belong firmly to the family of the empowered; and become steadfast in your soul.

In this Lenten series I would like to invite you to consider Jesus’ “outstretched arms of love” toward all who followed him as disciples, seeking to emulate his life, self-sacrifice, and humble service to others. Today we will reflect on one distinct time and way Jesus stretched out his arms of love to all who beheld his glory, believed his message, belonged as his disciples, and sought to become more and more like his image and with more of their true identity in Christ Alone.

Read Luke 3:21-23

When others were being baptized in the Jordan River, the thirty-year-old Jesus was also coming to be baptized. This was yet another powerful example of his outstretched arms of love. Here, Jesus willingly joins the larger group of those coming to the waters of baptism and submits his heart into the hands of the baptizer, and ultimately into the loving hands of God.

As he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased.”

The Triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – in unity of purpose and love, each fulfilling unique but completely integrated purposes with one another. The Spirit appears in the form of a dove, a tangible expression of the significance of this event for the Son of God and all who would witness this event. The Father gives voice to his affection for Jesus, clearly announced from heaven for all to hear. Three key messages emerge in this grand sentiment:  first of all, Jesus’ relationship with the Father as his Son; secondly, a declarative pronouncement of love; and thirdly, an affirmation of delightfully great pleasure.

The mission and ministry of Jesus is officially coming to fruition. His younger years with his family and among his community were preparing for this event and his forthcoming service to others. Here in the waters of baptism God is announcing from heaven that Jesus is now moving intentionally into relationships, worship and service, all of which will declare the Kingdom of heaven. This was a defining moment, an inflection point for Jesus, which would eventually be looked back upon as significant.

By far, the high point of his baptism is the Father’s declaration of his belovedness as a son. This status was of central importance to all who would eventually call upon him as Savior and Lord. His beloved place in the wide-open arms of the Father would be a continual reflection from Jesus to all who cross his path. Gracious, unconditional love would become the centerpiece of his message, his mission, and his ministry moving forward to the cross.

Can you recognize today how dearly God loves you as his child? Can you acknowledge the outstretched arms of love extended to you each moment of the day? Can you recall the many ways the love of Jesus has been your mainstay, the music in your ears, and the meaning of your with God life? Can you point out to others the outstretched loving arms of grace, mercy, forgiveness, joy and love offered by Jesus?

Behold Jesus in the river of gladness and salvation; believe the Gospel of unconditional love; belong today to the family of God who are being loved into the Kingdom; and become so filled up with love that you can’t help but freely and generously share Jesus’ love with all who will cross your path even today.

In this Lenten series I would like to invite you to consider Jesus’ “outstretched arms of love” toward all who followed him as disciples, seeking to emulate his life, self-sacrifice, and humble service to others. Today we will reflect on one distinct time and way Jesus stretched out his arms of love to all who beheld his glory, believed his message, belonged as his disciples, and sought to become more and more like his image and with more of their true identity in Christ Alone.

Read Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3, and Luke 2:41-52

Today we round the corner from the prophetic word spoken about Jesus’ arrival to earth, his subsequent miraculous birth, and enter his childhood story. But, frankly, there isn’t much that the biblical text offers us about his youth, beyond a few known facts. We know that he was raised in Nazareth, a very humble community. He had brothers and sisters, and the Bible provides us the names of his brothers, James, Joseph, Simon and Judas.

We also know that when he was twelve he tipped his hand about his unusual wisdom when with his family at the Feast of the Passover in Jerusalem he stayed behind in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. It took his parents three days to find him (the original “home alone” but in this case home in the temple!).  When Joseph and Mary finally found him, his mother asked him, “Son, why have you treated us like this?” Jesus answered them, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” His mother treasured these things in her heart.

Jesus was always about his father’s business. As a child one can surmise that he joined his father and brothers in Joseph’s carpentry business. Joseph undoubtedly would have taught his sons the trade, including Jesus. We don’t know for certain what that trade was, but some claim they made wooden plows. We are left to our imagination about how Jesus was in the carpentry shop. Most likely he was a good learner, a diligent worker, a faithful team player. Can you give yourself permission to imagine Jesus in the carpenter’s household, among his siblings, working, resting, completing jobs, enjoying meals, and delighting in conversation with those he lived, loved and served?

When as a twelve year old, he was also about his Father’s business. His heavenly Father sent him to earth to live among the leaders of the time and to share all that he knew to be true with all who would eventually follow him. Those who heard him interact with the teachers in the temple courts were amazed at his understanding and answers. When his parents finally found him they were astonished.

In both the carpenter’s shop and the temple courts, Jesus lived comfortably in the marketplace of wood carving and truthful ideas. He was a listener, a learner, and a dispenser of truth every place he traveled. His outstretched arms of love began to emerge early on. His arms of love would continue to be held wide open to all who would receive his message. On the job, no matter the setting, he remained faithful.

Behold him in the marketplace as the carpenter’s son and the dispenser of truth. Believe once more the incarnational story of Jesus living in a human family, with earthly parents and siblings. Belong to the incredible storyline which invites a deeper trust. Become a sincerely devoted recipient of truth today.