How Traditional Woodworking is Teaching Me About the Humanity of Jesus
This year, I have been leaning into the doctrine of the hypostatic union. That is, I have been exploring the depths of the two natures of Jesus Christ: His humanity and His deity.
I have come to realize that there is so much more to the humanity of Jesus Christ than I have often allowed myself to recognize.
One unexpected way that I have been struck by the humanity of Jesus is through learning traditional woodworking.
Over the Summer, I have endeavored to build a simple workbench using nothing but hand tools and scrap wood. No power tools. No hardware.
I have no background in woodworking. But I am discipling a friend who has taken to the craft and he has been helping me to learn.
Beyond the goodness of laboring side-by-side with a brother as we walk in a discipleship relationship together, I have become acquainted with another goodness: the humanity of Jesus.
One such way that traditional woodworking has taught me to appreciate the humanity of Jesus is through the physicality of the craft. When I lay a chisel or a plane on a piece of wood, I am forced to engage with my body in a way that I don't often do in my everyday life. My hands become calloused and my arms tire from the effort of holding and maneuvering the tools. Yet, in this physical work, I am reminded that Jesus was a carpenter. He would have known intimately the feeling of sweat on his brow as he worked with his hands. He would have experienced the same aches and pains that I do as I work on a piece of wood. This physicality reminds me that Jesus was not just a spiritual being but a physical one as well.
A second way that I’ve been struck by the humanity of Jesus is through my growth in understanding the craft. When I first started woodworking, I understood very little about the process. But as I have practiced, studied, and made mistakes, I have grown. Through the process, I have come to appreciate the fact that Jesus, despite His deity, developed. The Bible tells us that Jesus grew in wisdom and understanding, implying that in some regard, on Earth, he had to learn just as we do. As a carpenter, His last project was likely better than His first. It is strange for me to think of Jesus in this way.
A third way that traditional woodworking has given me a deeper understanding of the humanity of Jesus is through the connection that I feel to the wood. When I take hold of a piece of wood to work on, I am drawn to its unique character and texture. I have romanticized this project. I enjoy imagining how when it is finished, a pile of scrap wood from the side of the road will be transformed into a functional workbench upon which I will fashion many more items. Working with this material reminds me that Jesus too was connected to the world around Him. He appreciated the beauty and intricacy of His creation and used it to teach people about God's love and provision.
Finally, traditional woodworking has taught me about the humanity of Jesus through the joy that it brings me. There is something so satisfying about taking a rough piece of wood and turning it into something beautiful and useful. It makes me happy. This joy reminds me that Jesus was a person who experienced joy too. He attended weddings, he celebrated with his disciples, and he delighted in the good things of life with thanksgiving to the Father. This joy is a reminder that Jesus was not just a solemn prophet but a joyful person who cared about the everyday joy of His followers.
There are many different ways to explore the humanity of Jesus Christ. For me, traditional woodworking has been a powerful tool in helping me to see Jesus in a new light. I encourage you to find your own way of connecting with the humanity of Jesus. How might you encounter this side of Christ in your life today?
