The Handle's On The Inside

When I was little, I remember this painting they had of Jesus hung in one of the Sunday School classrooms - now I know it’s one of the most famous ones painted in modern times. You may have seen it. Jesus is in a garden, and He’s knocking on what looks to be a big oak door. The man who painted it was named Holman Hunt. And when he was ready to unveil it for the first time, he called his friends and family together to be the first to see it. Well, it was pretty quiet as each person stood there and drank in the deep feeling that painting conveys. Then people began to comment on what impressed them about it. But one friend said hesitantly, “Uh, Holman - it’s a beautiful painting. But - well, didn’t you forget something?” “What did I forget?” The friend said, “The handle. There’s no handle on the door.” To which the artist simply replied, “Oh! No, I didn’t forget the handle. When Jesus knocks on the door of your heart - the handle’s on the INSIDE.”

This painting was based on Jesus’ own words, recorded in our word for today from the Word of God, Revelation 3:20. It was a statement made originally to believers who had left Jesus out. But it also provides a wonderful word picture of the process by which any person begins a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in.” It’s real important that we understand what Jesus is saying here - it helps us determine whether He is inside your heart - or outside. It’s literally the difference between eternity in heaven . . . or eternity in hell. I hope you can use this invitation of Jesus to determine exactly where you stand with Him. Jesus says Step 1 is the knocking. I believe that happens in your heart when you start experiencing a spiritual tug inside . . . a restlessness that life must be more than this . . . a strange stirring inside that starts you looking in God’s direction. Then comes Step 2 - you realize what you’re looking for - actually Who you’re looking for. In Jesus’ words, you “hear My voice.” You realize what you are looking for is Jesus . . . that the only way to be forgiven by God is to give yourself to the One who paid for your sins with His life. A lot of people have come that far. But Jesus is still outside. Jesus said, “If anyone opens the door, I will come in.” And notice who opens the door. Jesus doesn’t push His way in. He waits for you to open the door. The handle’s on the inside. And it may be that you have never opened that door.

You agree with all the beliefs about Jesus . . . you like Jesus . . . you know about Jesus . . . you’ve been around Jesus a lot - but somehow there has never yet been that life-changing moment when you actually tell Jesus you are opening up your life to Him. And that’s the only step that brings Jesus from outside your heart to inside your heart.

So if Jesus were to come and take away all those who really belong to Him, you’d be left sitting where you are, maybe. But that could change today - right now. Again, Jesus is knocking, isn’t He? You can hear His voice in you, calling your name. Isn’t it time to put your hand on that handle and say, “Jesus, come on in! Beginning today, I’m Yours.”

This could be your Jesus-day. He’s ready to enter your life forever - but the handle’s on the inside.

Painting by Warner Sallman, 1942

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man may here my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.