---

“So a few years back I was having a conversation with an older gentleman. He mentioned to me that he is “just a carpenter” and has been one for over 40 years. I responded, “Well, sir, that is an amazing talent and a true gift to have.” I went on to say, “This reminds me of what they said about Jesus in the Bible, that He was ‘just a carpenter’ and ‘just Mary and Joseph’s son’ (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3).” The man agreed, saying, “Oh yes, ma’am, you’re correct.”

He then told me the story of the “Miraculous Staircase,” a staircase built in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the Loretto Chapel. He explained that the nuns needed a staircase to reach the choir loft but couldn’t find anyone who could build it for them. Many carpenters came and looked at the job, but none were able to help or figure out how to build the staircase.

The man continued, saying that the nuns began to pray fervently for nine days straight. “And how many of you know that prayer changes things? Amen!” he said.

After those nine days of prayer, a man appeared, offering to build the staircase. He never gave his name, and no record of him was ever found. He worked in seclusion, at night, using only a few simple hand tools. I was amazed as the gentleman recounted this story to me.

The staircase, he said, rises 20 feet with two full turns, yet it has no central pole for support. It’s held together by wooden pegs and glue, without any nails or other hardware. Many carpenters have since examined it and are astounded by the craftsmanship. “Some believe that it was the Lord Himself who came to honor the prayers of those precious nuns, while others think it was an angel. But who really knows?” the man said. “The story got me thinking, as it always does, about my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

“I started this story with, ‘He is just a carpenter,’” the man continued, “but I tell you all, just as this staircase was built, Jesus built a bridge to heaven for you and me.”

He began to sing one of his favorite songs, written and sung by The Spencers from Ohio:

“Just a carpenter, you say, let me tell you what He built,
In plain view for all to see, at a place called Calvary’s hill.
On a Cross made from a tree, with just three rusty nails,
Jesus built a bridge to heaven to save my dying soul from hell.
Not a tool in His hands, just love in His heart,
He knew He would die there, right from the very start.
Thank God for ‘not my will’ in the garden where I fell,
If you think He’s just a carpenter, take a look at what He’s built.”

“Our Lord built for us the most incredible structure ever, even more than that miraculous staircase,” he said. “He built for us the most beautiful cross, for our salvation, for our freedom, for our deliverance—’for whosoever will’ (Romans 10:13; Luke 23:26-43; Matthew 27:32-56). Amen.

“So I pray we never consider the Lord ‘just a carpenter,’ for He is life and life everlasting for you and me (John 17:3). He is our everything. Take time today to thank the Lord for Calvary and for the Cross, for your freedom and your salvation. Without the shedding of blood, there would be no remission for our sins (Hebrews 9:22). Amen. In His name, Jesus’ name, I ask and pray. Amen and Amen.

“Be blessed today, my dear friends, and remember, wherever you go and whatever you do, be a light for our Father. Much love to you all.” Mandi

---