The Art of Apprenticeship
Learning from the Master
Throughout history, successful individuals have learned the family business by working alongside their parents or mentors, absorbing knowledge from the ground up. My husband, for instance, credits his father with teaching him the electrical trade, including the importance of avoiding “hot” objects. Similarly, those in the building trades often spend years honing their skills under the guidance of an expert.
Jesus, the Apprentice
It’s easy to overlook that Jesus, too, spent 30 years learning the business of being the Son of God. The story of His encounter with religious leaders in the Temple might suggest He was teaching them, but scholars agree that Jesus was more likely in a learning posture. While the rabbis were astonished by His intelligence, Jesus’ time had not yet come, and He returned to Nazareth, obedient to His parents. As He grew, He increased in wisdom and favor with God and people.
Becoming an Apprentice of Jesus
Likewise, we must invest extended time in learning what it means to be a Christ follower. God provides us with facts to follow and opportunities to apply them in the context of Kingdom living. We observe Jesus, the ultimate role model, to learn how to build relationships and fulfill His mandate. And when discouragement and despair threaten to overwhelm us, we find comfort in the knowledge that our High Priest understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way yet remaining sinless.
Embracing the Journey
As we embark on this journey of apprenticeship, we would do well to remember that it’s a lifelong process. We don’t have to have all the answers; we simply need to be willing to learn and grow. And when the road ahead seems uncertain, we can take heart in the fact that we’re not alone – Jesus, our Master, has walked this path before us.
Reflection and Application
Take a moment to reflect on your own journey of apprenticeship. What areas do you need to focus on? How can you apply the facts of God’s Word to your daily life? Remember, you’re not alone in this process – Jesus is always with you, guiding and empowering you to become more like Him.
Leave a Reply