Christ Knocks at the Busy Office

Jesus Christ, crowned with thorns and holding a lantern, stands outside an office door and knocks while a sign answers, “I AM BUSY.” Inside, an elderly businessman bends over a ledger marked “profit” and “loss” as a devilish figure leans close to influence his accounting. Notices about railroads and the stock market place the scene in the world of commerce, ambition, and anxious gain. The artwork presents a direct Christian allegory: Christ comes to the door with patient mercy, yet the soul absorbed in business shuts Him out. The contrast between the Savior at the threshold and the tempter at the desk echoes the warning that no one can serve both God and money. It is a vivid ministry image for sermons, stewardship teaching, evangelism, repentance, and reflections on worldly distraction. by S. M. Davis