The Master

Woodcarver
By Debra Miner (2008)

Rev. 1
 The Story
There was once a Master Woodcarver whose craft was of highest quality. This Woodcarver, who was a bit
lonely, thought that he would like some company. He decided that he would ask others to live with him and join him
in his work.
He began to meet individuals, one by one. They were invited to live with him, study under him, share meals
and conversation, and practice to learn the Woodcarver’s craft. After a piece of work was completed, The Master
Woodcarver’s name was stamped on each one. His students became so proficient that their work was known
throughout the land.
In one particular village, a certain man obtained one of these carvings. He so admired the workmanship and
the quality of the Master Woodcarver that he also wanted to learn this craft. He studied the carving, and began to
practice on his own. Soon he was also producing carvings and placed The Master Woodcarver’s name on each piece.
At the same time, more and more students joined the Master Woodcarver in his home. They enjoyed the
friendship of the Woodcarver as much as the apprenticeship. And all were happy.
At the same time, more and more, there were certain individuals around the land (like the man from the
village) who studied the carvings alone and learned the craft in their own homes. These individuals also began to
increase in number.

One day, many years later, The Master Woodcarver thought that he would like to have a huge party for all his
students, a reunion of all those who had worked with him. He began to make plans for the big day, and sent
invitations near and far. Finally, the day arrived. He waited at the door excitedly.
Students began to come, and he greeted each one by name. He laughed and visited, and truly enjoyed each
person who came. Eventually, other “students” came who had learned and practiced the Woodcarver’s craft
independently. The Master Woodcarver was shocked, “Who are you? I don’t know you.” They answered, “We have
learned your craft and stamped your name on our work. We are also your students.” The Master Woodcarver was
angry, “You have stolen my work and copied it for your own,” he said. “You are not my students, and you are not
welcome here.” The door was closed to those who thought they were welcome, because they had chosen
independence rather than cooperation with The Master Woodcarver.

The Meaning
In this story, the Master Woodcarver represents Jesus. He invites each person to live with
Him and learn from Him. There are people who do good things—even spectacular things—in the
name of Jesus, but they miss the most important thing . . . a saving relationship.
This story is based off of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord,
Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will
say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your
name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you;
depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”
There is no distant or independent learning with the Lord, because it is superficial and full of
deception. Distant learning creates an environment in which a person feels comfortable with vague
understanding and stagnant growth. A mere appreciation for God becomes a hindrance to accepting
the full life of Jesus. This independent learning results in actually stealing from the Lord the gift of
the individual’s presence. Above all, He wants to enjoy spending time with you.
Everyone has the opportunity to choose Jesus rather than independence. Eventually, our time
will run out, and we will have no more chances. One day, the Lord Jesus will call us all to Heaven.
He will know each one by name that belongs to Him. This knowing goes beyond intellect and includes
our experience with the Lord, Himself.
Those that have only copied the things of God will not be welcomed in, because they have not
chosen to have a relationship with the Lord. God loves us so much that He has given us access to Him.
Yet if we choose to reject Him, we close the door to eternal life with Him. Doing good things or even
doing “God things” are not what He desires. God wants our complete devotion and commitment to
follow Jesus. “‘And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all
your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30
 There is a song by a Christian music group, called Point of Grace, that says, “There is a bridge
to cross the Great Divide. A way was made to reach the other side. The mercy of the Father cost His
Son His life. His love is deep. His love is wide. There’s a Cross to bridge the Great Divide.”
The “Great Divide” describes the impassable distance that sin has caused between humanity
and God. In order to cross from Death to Life, we must go through the Door—that is, Jesus. He says,
“I am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The
thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have
life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:9-10
So what about you? Where is your heart? Do you have yet to discover this exciting
relationship with the Lord? Do you only copy the good things of God? Or do you live with Him in
relationship? “For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but
the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b
Can you be sure of your spiritual condition? Yes, you can. If you truly believe that Jesus is the
Son of God and has died for your sins, then you must choose whether or not you want to commit your
life to Him. If you have chosen to follow Him, then the Divine Spirit of God lives in you and affirms
that you are in God’s family. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of
God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with
Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:16

The Hope
If you are like the true students of the Master Woodcarver, then spread the news. Think about
the question, “What difference has Jesus made in my life?” Tell someone! And, grow to love Him
more.

Are you like the independent woodcarvers copying the things of God with no living
relationship?
Or are you away from the things of God in general?
Do you want to be a part of His family?

It only requires that you:

• Admit that you are a sinner needing a Savior,
• Confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior,
• Commit to follow His teachings,
• Receive Him into your life.

After making this big decision, tell someone about it. Find a place where you can learn to grow
in Jesus by reading the Bible, praying, and sharing your faith. Consider being baptized in water as
shown in the Bible. “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins,
calling on the name of the Lord” Acts 22:16.

Best of all, you can begin living a life full of joy and peace in Jesus. “I have come that they may
have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” John 10:10b.

Scripture References:
Quoted from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.