Sunday School Lesson Outlines
Knocking
Revelation 3:20 "Behold, ,I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me." NASB
It's amazing to me that Jesus has done all the hard work, and died a horrible death to make it so easy for us to be with him in Heaven. Yet He still knocks and pleads to his believers to let Him in.
Revelation 3:20 is a beautiful, yet simple and sincere verse. This verse is used as an evangelistic verse for unbelievers. That may be well and useful, but let's not take this verse out of context.
In the Book of Revelation, Jesus is speaking to the seven churches. This verse happens to be directed at the church of Laodicea. These folks were already saved. If you look at the previous verse we see how it would only be believers that He would discipline.
Revelation 3:19 "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent." NASB
The church had a problem with piety due to their wealth. They (as noted in previous verses) were lukewarm. They were saved (over-comers), but not doing anything for the Lord. It's just like they were sitting back and relaxing in the fact that they were going to Heaven. This verse is not necessarily for the church as a whole, but for the individuals that make up the church. He makes reference to him, he, anyone, etc. This means each person makes a difference in the church and in the growing of God's Kingdom.
There is also a reference to the door in the gospel of Luke:
Luke 12:36-37 "And be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master shall find on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the table, and will come up and wait on them." NASB
You can also look at the reference to the door in James' letter to the twelve tribes:
James 5:8-9 "You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door." NASB
These verses are also directed at believers living in luxury and self-indulgence. How incredible it is that Christ would have to stand outside the door of the church and ask to enter. This is a description of a gracious God. What a blessing we take for granted!
Yes, Revelation 3:20 can be used for evangelism. However the Lord was primarily concerned here with moving Christians (overcomers) from halfhearted commitments to total, honest repentance. Basically, from lukewarm to hot; so as to not make Him sick.
Do you remember the famous painting by Hunt that pictures Jesus with a crown of thorns standing at the door patiently knocking for admittance. Notice the door had no handle on it. The painter reminds us that the handle is on the inside. We have to open the door to let Jesus in.
Have you opened the door for salvation and repentance to be on fire for God?
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