Does Jesus Stand At the Door and Knock?

Revelation 3:20 in Context

In Revelation 3 20 Jesus says. Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and eat with him and he with me. Jesus is such a polite guest isn't he. He stands at the door of our hearts if we just open up and let him in at least that's the picture we paint with that verse.

But that's not the context. Jesus is addressing the church at Laodicea to whom he gives another famous verse. I know your works. You're neither cold nor hot. So because you're lukewarm I will spit you out of my mouth.

And he rebukes them for their complacent faith. Those whom I love I reprove and discipline. So be zealous and repent. That's verse 19 right before he says I stand at the door and knock. This is not the picture of a guest looking for someone to welcome him into their heart.

Christ the Master Returning to His House

Jesus Christ is the master of the house. And when the master comes back because remember this is the book of Revelation we're talking about the return of Christ here when he comes back he expects to find alert and working servants not lazy complacent freeloaders acting like they own the place.

Such persons will be thrown out into the darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. In Matthew 24 Jesus says. Be ready for the Son of Man will return in an hour. You do not expect. Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom his master is set over his household to give them their food at the proper time.

The Wedding Feast of the Lamb

Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. And when he comes it will be as a conquering king. And we will sit with him and all of the faithful at the wedding feast of the Lamb.

That's a much more glorious picture than that of a passive Jesus knocking on the door of our hearts when we understand the text.