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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: What did Jesus teach about working? -- L.D.

A: Jesus had a great deal to say about labor (work). He was interested in common people. The Bible says, "And the common people heard Him gladly" (Mark 12:37). In fact, Jesus Himself was a laboring man. He was a carpenter. Wouldn't you like to have been able to spend a day in Joseph's little shop and to watch Jesus use the hammer and saw?

Sometimes we forget that Jesus was human as well as divine. He had calluses on His hands. If the chisel slipped and cut His fingers, His blood would be red and warm like yours. He knew what it meant to work long hours, to come in at night tired and weary. That is one of the reasons why Jesus could say, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Jesus knew that a laboring man needs rest and recreation. Americans celebrate Labor Day -- a day in which the wheels of industry stop and the entire nation is reminded of the tremendous contribution that labor contributes to the American way of life.

But the greatest work that Jesus did was not in the carpenter's shop, but the work that was accomplished in three dark hours on the cross at Calvary. There He entered a labor that no other person in the universe has ever known. His primary purpose in coming to earth was to die in our place. There is no other way to salvation. Before your conscience can be quieted, before you can be rid of your guilt complex, before you can start life afresh, by faith you must receive this great work done for you by the One who loves you most. Do it today.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.