Incomparable Carpenter
Jesus' brief ministry surpasses all great philosophers in influence and inspiration worldwide.
Socrates taught for 40 years, Plato for 50, Aristotle for 40 and Jesus for only 3 1/2 years. Yet the influence of Christ's ministry infinitely transcends the impact left by the combined years of teaching from these greatest of philosophers. Jesus painted no pictures, yet some of the finest artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci received their inspiration from Him. Jesus wrote no poetry, but Dante, Milton and scores of the world's greatest poets were inspired by Him. Jesus composed no music; still Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach and Mendelssohn reached their highest perfection of melody in the music they composed in His praise. Every sphere of human greatness has been enriched by this humble Carpenter of Nazareth. Would You? Once there was a well-trained carpenter who never asked for union wages; who never owned a home that he could call his very own; a brilliant young teacher who never asked for an increase in salary; a great physician who healed the sick and afflicted and never asked whether they had Medicare or insurance; a good neighbor who always tried to show His love and was never unfriendly. He traveled all over the country trying to help somebody everywhere He went; and often fed large numbers of people when He found them hungry whether they had money or not. He was so wrapped up in trying to help people that He often wept over their pitiful condition. Yet, they crucified Him, and some of the very people He tried to help joined the senseless mob who mocked Him and spit in His face!