Jesus' years as a carpenter are more than background; Scripture's details are purposeful, and God apparently judged this the best vocation to prepare His Son for His greater work. The Greek tekton is broad enough to include builder, craftsman, and stonemason, so as a Man Jesus took raw materials and made finished products. This continues what He has done since the beginning as Creator, since all things were made through Him and for Him (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Though He now sits at the Father's right hand as glorified High Priest, He never ceases to create. He is building something greater: the church, an indestructible temple built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Himself as chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22; Matthew 16:18). Its raw materials are the called, who are living stones (I Peter 2:5) and who look for the city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10). Knowing that Christ is still at work on this construction gives hope in dark times and in the time of the end. The believer's eternal house from God is assured (II Corinthians 5:1), and Jesus the carpenter will finish the job to perfection.