From the last book in the Bible, Revelation 3:20 we read, “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.”

Warner Sallman’s classic art piece “Christ at Heart’s Door” depicts a robed, glowing Jesus rapping at the heavy wooden door … of a sinner’s heart. His fist casts a shadow, his gaze is fixed and stern and his head is tilted, listening for movement or activity inside. You’ve likely seen this painting at grandma’s house or in a dank church library somewhere in the Midwest. Jesus’ body is blocking the handle to the door — if there is one. Many took inspiration from the contrast of thorns and roses, with a heart-shaped glow framing the entrance.

I once debated with someone as to who can open that door of the heart. Since we have free will, humans propose that the door can only be opened from the inside, letting Jesus “in.” “He won’t force himself on anyone,” I argued. I even went so far as to suggest that the sinner is either seated comfortably inside, wanting Jesus to just go away or … standing petrified against the door, blocking it with his body (the flesh).

The problem with my analogy was the knob. Sallman was no theologian, per se, and I was an amateur at best. I would opine, “Jesus can get in any way he wished, including busting the door down! The sinner’s reaction was to eventually tire of throwing him back out on the street, locking the door behind him — only to find him back inside your heart.” Rubbish!

For the ones born anew (born again, John 3:3), Jesus is not only “inside your heart” he’s “munching away” at your table all the time — as you are to “nibble” at his table. Not only is Jesus “there” already — once you’ve surrendered (changed your mind, repented of your way of doing things) — he’s made you a new creature. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 1 Corinthians 5:17

Reading the Bible eventually solved my dilemma in countless ways; not the least of which was what Jesus said of himself, with all due respect to those attempting to depict him. Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9. Dig in!

— The Rev. Kelly Wasberg