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As we go through life we tend to use examples from our daily lives to explain thoughts/concepts that we have to someone else. David often used sheep/shepherds to talk about his relationship with God. Paul used a soldiers armor to talk about spiritual warfare. He also used the human body to talk about the body of Christ – the church.
Mark 6:2-3 – Scripture tells us that Jesus was a carpenter. His ministry started when he was 30, so we can somewhat gather that he was a carpenter for 25-30 years. What did he build? We don’t really know, perhaps tables and chairs… but it could have been towers or synagogues!
Construction is something that most of us can relate to and are familiar with. Jesus was equally familiar with everything. We have a line of things that we are familiar with, Jesus didn’t have a line where his knowledge and familiarity ended.
1 Corinthians 3:10-13 – Paul is talking about our lives, and whether our work will stand the test of time. Have we built on the foundation?
Luke 14:28-30 – Perhaps this is something that Jesus did with Joseph. Sitting down and figuring out what the job was going to cost before beginning, deciding whether there are sufficient resources before beginning. Are we aware of what all resources we’ll have to use to follow Jesus? What is it costing you and I to be a follower of Jesus Christ? Have we learned from this example?
Luke 13:4-5 – Jesus talking about a tower. Probably a news story of the day. Jesus is using this to make a point – unless we repent we will perish.
Luke 12:13-21 – This rich fool decided to tear down his barns and build larger ones. He was resting on his success… That night his soul was required of him and what was the value of the things to this man?
Matthew 21:33-40 – Jesus often talks about towers. This master of a house did a lot of work, he did all of the right things to have a prosperous vineyard, but his servants didn’t cooperate. He was sorely disappointed in their lack of commitment. Jesus has done everything for us to have an abundant life. He has full right to expect fruit from our lives. Have we given him proper respect as Lord of our lives? What difference does it make in our lives if Jesus is Lord of all?
Matthew 16:13-20 – There is no better foundation to build on than that of Jesus Christ. We do well to ponder, are we really building squarely on the foundation of Jesus Christ?
Luke 6:46-49 – Obedience. Jesus is using building and construction to show that there is profound need for obedience.
1 Corinthians 10:23, Ephesians 4:29, Acts 20:32, Ephesians 2:20, Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 2:21 – Peter and Paul used a lot of building references as well.
Let us start with Jesus as the foundation for everything else. Let us take heed with how we are building.
Jesus said, “I will build my church.” Will you and I be a part of that?
God will accomplish his will. Will you, will I be part of that? Or will we be getting in the way and confusing things?