Yeshua's Work

Work = The use of bodily or mental powers in order to do or make something, especially as contrasted with play or recreation. Something to be undertaken, creative action.

1. The Saviour's Name

The Saviour's Hebrew name is Yeshua (Yahshua), Emmanuel. It is a name which sums up his life work - to save mankind from sin and eventual annihilation. It is a name which tells of the constant presence of Yahweh with His people. It is a name above all other names. It is the only name given to mankind through which salvation can be obtained. The name JESUS (Hebrew ... Yeshua or Yahshuah) means Yahweh in His role as the Saviour of mankind.

Matthew 1:21	And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
v 23	Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

2. Father's Business

At the very early age of 12 years the Saviour recognised the important fact that he had been sent to earth not to please himself, but to work in his Father's business. That was an over-riding thought of his mind all his life.

Luke 2:49	And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
John 9:4	I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5: As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
Hebrews 10:7	Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

3. Salvation

One may go further and ask: What is the work or will of God? The answer is plain to see. Yahweh's work - the focus of His will - is the salvation of souls. Nothing in the universe compares with this great objective. How shall we describe the Almighty's work? Here are some answers:

John 6:29	... This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
1 Thessalonians 4:3	For this is the will of God, even your sanctification,* that ye should abstain from fornication:*
Romans 12:2	And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

In other words, the Father is in the business of Salvation. And the method He uses to bring about salvation is that people must believe in His Son Jesus. His ultimate objective being to transform the human mind and life to be perfect, like He is perfect. The route, the way, to salvation is Yeshua the Messiah. According to the Scriptures 'no other route to salvation exists.' Yahsua (Jesus) came to proclaim and live out this fact. He knew from a very early age that he was a Partner in the family business of salvation. Therefore all his time, all his energies and all his talents were set to do His Father's will. It was Yeshua's mental attitude to His Father's work that staggered the whole universe; for within 33 years he accomplished more for mankind than the combined efforts of all the philosophers who have lived before or since.

4. Finished the Task

It is comparatively easy to get started on a noble project. Almost every one can start something big or worthwhile. But few finish. Also it is in the 'finished article' that the quality of the workman can be seen. Have you ever noticed how people comment on work done. Here are a few comments:

Bad materials and bad finish .......... rubbish!
Good materials, but bad finish ........ a waste of good materials!
Bad materials, but good finish ........ surprising!
Good materials and good finish ........ wonderful!

Notice how it is the job well done that determines the comment. Yeshua not only started the task set by his Father; but he 'finished it to perfection.' It was a first class job. It was perfectly finished, with all that the word 'finish' implies.

John 4:34	Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
John 17:4	: I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

5. Finisher of our Faith

In his role as Creator of the physical universe Yeshua accomplished that work in a week. (Genesis 1, John 1:1-3, Hebrews 1:2) In his work of living a perfect life and paying the penalty for our sins Jesus accomplished his work in 33 years. But in his work of perfecting the faith of believers, of finishing the products of salvation (us believers) to his Father's satisfaction, Yeshua works untiringly through the ages. He who began a work in us will finish it; but each article (believer) takes time - some more than others.

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;

6. His Reward

And for what reward did the Saviour work so hard ?

Not power - though he is second in power only to his Father.
Not wealth - though he is richer by far than anyone alive.
Not position - though he is higher than the highest angel.
But joy! - Yes, it was for the joy that salvation brings, not only to the one who is saved, but also to the Saviour.

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith,
who for the JOY that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

7. Questions

Did you know that the Almighty has a family business?
Do you know what is the main product of the family business?
Did you know that every believer has a job to do in that business?
Have you begun work? Or are you doing nothing to win others?
If you have started working for God, are you finishing each task?
Do you get any joy out of it? Or is it a tiresome exercise?

We can learn a great deal about how to work by seeing Jesus at his work. Two key texts to remember are:

... wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? and
... I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

Consider his words as standards to aim for. Make them your own. And remember that you will be rewarded according to the job you have done and finished. In the final judgement, and we mustn't dismiss this fact from our minds, every one will be judged according to his/her Works! Oh what a sobering thought is here before us!

Mark 13:33

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
34: For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35: Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
36: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

Proverbs 24:12

... and shall not he render to every man according to his Works?

May Yahweh grant us His Spirit so that we may live lives which do justice to the message of salvation.

SBS Sermon Notes More sermons about Yeshua

Elder: David B Loughran
Stewarton Bible School, Stewarton, Scotland
Placed on Internet Dec.1995 ... Updated with KJV references July 1999