Recently, I wrote and published my first Christian children’s book, “Finished: A Fictional Story With Heavenly Truth”. The events portrayed in the book may never have actually happened. The story, however, is meant to get the reader and listener thinking about the real-life heavenly truths found in the book and in Scripture.

The beautiful images of “Finished” were created by artist Terri Melia Hamlin. Terri’s artwork masterfully tells the story’s narrative in a way that is appropriate for children, while, at the same time, shares deeper heavenly truths with the adult reader. “Finished” is meant to encourage dialogue between the two concerning the significance of Jesus’ life and death. In today’s devotion, I explain some of the symbolism found in the artwork of “Finished”.

The Symbolism in Finished

The illustration provided with this devotion shows Joseph assisting Jesus with a project. It depicts vividly the relationship between father and son. In the picture, Jesus has fashioned two boards in the form of a cross. Because he is so little, and the hammer is heavy, Joseph must pound the nails into place. As we view the illustration, we are reminded of Jesus’ complete innocence and how each of us, like Joseph, plays a part in the crucifixion of Jesus. It was Joseph’s sin, after all, that led Jesus to the cross.

It was each of our sins as well.

I chose a hammer and nails as the instruments used for Jesus’ task in this story. These symbols remind us of the hammer and nails used in the Bible’s crucifixion narrative. Notice the storm clouds seen through Joseph’s workshop window. The clouds are meant to symbolize the darkness of the events of the crucifixion. What a dark day it was as Jesus suffered and died for the sins of all people!

The Good New of Finished

The good news is that Jesus lived and died for us. And, although it was our sin that placed Jesus upon the cross, he died there to remove it from us. Moreover, Jesus’ Resurrection three short days later gives us newness of life. We are forgiven, and we are free!

The story of “Finished” is quite innocent. It is light and even joyful. By contrast, the heavenly truths conveyed in the story are anything but innocent. Ultimately, Jesus gave his life for us, even though it was our sin that led and held him to the cross.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.“ Romans 3:23-24 NIV