Definition: Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this incredibly famous verse from Revelation 3:20. It's a really rich and symbolic message about God’s presence and invitation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms:
The Core Idea:
This verse describes Jesus Christ as the “door” and invites people to
come
to him. It’s essentially saying, "I am coming, and I want to share my life with you."
Let's unpack it piece by piece:
“Behold, I stand at the door…”
: This is a dramatic introduction – Jesus is setting himself up as the way to God. He’s deliberately making himself visible and accessible.
“…and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door…”
: This is the key part. “Knock” means
to come
. "If any man hears my voice" refers to anyone who listens to the message of God's love and truth.
"...I will come in to him, and will sup with him..."
: This is a very comforting image. “Sup” means to share a meal – it’s about fellowship, connection, and enjoying life together. Jesus is inviting people to join him for a conversation and a shared experience of God's love.
What does this mean in a broader sense?
Jesus as the Way:
The verse emphasizes that Jesus isn’t just
present
, he’s offering a way to connect with God.
Invitation to Faith:
It’s an invitation to believe in and follow Jesus. It's not just about hearing him; it's about opening your heart and being receptive to his message.
The Promise of Redemption:
The verse speaks to the promise of salvation – a way out of sin and into God’s loving presence.
Important Note:
This is often interpreted as a
future
event, but it also has implications for how we live our lives now. It's a reminder that God desires a relationship with us, and He wants to share His life with those who are willing to receive it.
In short, the verse describes Jesus inviting us to come to him – to join him in fellowship and experience the joy of his love.
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Do you want me to:
Explain any part of this verse further?
Give you a comparison to another passage about Jesus?