Living Beyond Sunday

Proverbs 22:1

A good reputation and respect
are worth much more
than silver and gold.

In this 12-week series, let’s peek into topics connecting our Sunday Sermons with what we do in our “9-5”

Reputation:

What do we know about Jesus’ reputation as a carpenter?  Think about it.  We form our opinions about someone by what we observe or learn from others.  

Often, a reputation is formed by what isn’t said.  

You might think we don’t really know much about Jesus’ reputation…but is that really the case!  We can learn much about Jesus’s reputation in the marketplace as a carpenter, when we stop and read between the lines.  

I believe Jesus’ reputation is clear by what isn’t said about Him.  

Ok, don’t get mad at me for reading between the lines. That space is full of information, we just need to step back and ask God daily to reveal Him truths through our bible study.

Here is what we know from scripture:

He was known as the carpenter’s son from Nazareth - Matt 13:55
He was a carpenter - Mark 6:3
He was liked by people – Luke 2:52

Now read between the lines:

No mention of poor workmanship or shoddy work
No criticism of Jesus in the marketplace
His personal relationships were healthy
His family was part of the community

So some questions to think about:

If Jesus had been plagued by a bad business reputation – would his ministry have been as successful?

How did Jesus’s reputation precede him as he started his ministry?

Was Jesus’s reputation as a business man/carpenter a help or hindrance as he ministered in the marketplace?

I believe we can all see that Jesus had a solid reputation. That reputation created a platform for his ministry to be well received. 

How is your reputation?  Does it precede you in a positive or negative way?  Clients, co-workers, and even friends pass judgement based on reputation.  Does your reputation point the way to Jesus in your workplace?  

Your reputation really does matter and can make a Kingdom difference.

 

 

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!