Jesus Knocking

 

[Jesus said] “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:20-22 ESV).

 

The Light of the World (1851–1854) is an allegorical painting by the English Pre-Raphaelite artist William Holman Hunt (1827–1910) representing the figure of Jesus preparing to knock on an overgrown and long-unopened door. I’ve attached a picture of this painting with today’s devotional. There are some interesting allegories within Hunt’s masterpiece. First, notice that Jesus is still wearing His crown of thorns. Many have interpreted this to indicate the price Jesus paid to be able to call to the sinner. Second, He is wearing a regal robe of white. He is both King and pure. Third, notice He carries a lantern. This is not so that He may see, but to give to those who have had their understanding dimmed by the world. Fourth, the entrance is overgrown with weeds and brambles. This house has become entangled with the cares of the world. And, last notice He is knocking at a door without an exterior handle. Though He has the power to come in, He will not without an invitation from those within the house.

 

While an unexpected knock at your door from a dear friend or family member is a welcome surprise. Few occasions are as precious as seeing a long-­absent loved one who comes to visit. “Here I am!” they say as you open your door, and their presence fills us with joy. Jesus stands at our door, knocking. We may think sometimes that he is far removed from us and our church bodies. But he is, by his own revelation, as close as the door to our homes and our church communities. He wants us to hear his knocking and open the door.

 

Perhaps you have developed a fear of opening the door of your life to Jesus. After all, how does one welcome the Son of God, the Almighty, into their whole life? Or maybe just having Jesus inside your church building is as close as you want him to be. But Jesus keeps knocking, eager for us to open our lives to him. He wants to be as close as a beloved friend in our lives.

 

Do not worry about how to welcome Jesus in. Just open the door. He promises to take care of the rest. He will come in and celebrate with whoever opens the door, bringing joy and abundance so that your life will be filled—with even more than the greatest feasting, fun, and goodness of life you could imagine.