Carpenter or Stone Mason?

     According to Wikipedia, Tekton is an ancient Greek term for an artisan/craftsman, in particular a carpenter or wood worker or builder.  The term is frequently contrasted with an iron-worker, or smith and the stone-worker or mason.   
     Why did I look this up?  When I visited Israel, our tour guide stated that Jesus' earthly father, which referred to in the Bible as a carpenter, could very well have been a stone-mason.  After seeing the ruins in and around Israel, I found this to be an interesting concept. 
     Most of the houses during that time were constructed with stones chiseled or carved or stacked in building blocks.  Also, in and around the area where they lived, there was very little access to trees and wood. 
     I decided to go further and look up information on typical homes which were built during that time.  I found that most smaller homes were little more than a square, stone structure covered with a whitewashed sort of stucco.  Some houses in hilly regions were partial cave dwellings.  Still another source stated homes were made with a rough stone foundation and mud-bricks on site with a minimum of wood used in the roof structure.
     I looked for information on furniture but found little.  We know there were tables from scripture readings.  Seating was probably some chairs or maybe cushions.  I have no idea.
     Whether Jesus learned His father's trade with hammer and nail or by hammer and chisel is, I suppose, really irrelevant.  We are not told much about that simply because it is not what is important.  What I do know is that Jesus was a Master Craftsman of the heart and the Cornerstone of my life.  He knew His Father and He was willing to sacrifice His life for me.  He knew the pain of rejection , as well. 

Matthew 13:55 "Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? ..."

 

Mark 12:10-11 "And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:  This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes." 

Acts 4:11 "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the corner."

Ephesians 2:20  "...Christ himself being the chief corner stone."