In the early part of July, I did a live painting for a number of children (and a few adults) at Short Mountain Bible Camp, which is just above Woodbury, Tennessee.

The theme of the week was “The Master Key,” which left me a bit of room for interpretation. I didn’t know of a key verse for the theme. I came to the passage in John 11 where Jesus tells Mary and Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” I kept going, to John 14:6, where Jesus tells his disciples, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

If that doesn’t sound like a key, I don’t know what does. A key is something that opens doors, gets us places. And Jesus is that key to the Father.

I had been stumped about this for some time, how to present this visually. I have to thank my wife for suggesting what I wound up doing: a hand holding a key.

Everyone sang as I built up this painting, which took 20-30 minutes to complete. It was amazing, and it’s always such an honor and a blessing to share this God-given talent in such a way that builds other people up.

Lettering

I started out by painting “I am the way and the truth and the life” in gray and blue-gray letters.

Blocking in Shapes

Then I began adding what would become the hand…

Adding Definition

I slowly gave it more definition…

Shaping the Hand

By this point the hand really begins to take shape.

Adding Details

Then I began adding details on the hand, such as the fingernails and more defined shadows.

Revealing the Master Key

Now the key begins to emerge.

Scripture Reference

With the key-bearing hand finished, I added a reference to the verse which had been painted over, bringing the viewer back to that scripture.

This was a really fulfilling project to do, and I have Jon Reynolds to thank for getting me involved. Also, thanks to the youth groups at Una Church of Christ and Bellevue Church of Christ for their terrific participation while I painted and brought them God’s word in this way. Finally, I want to thank my wife, Hope, for her support, and most importantly, I thank God for this talent and the ability to share it in such a way that brings Him glory.

The happy couple, of course!