View source for Christ at the Door

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<p>Perhaps no other great picture ever painted, is richer in its spiritual teachings than Holman Hunt's <em>"Light of the World." </em>It is a gospel in itself. The Savior of men stands before us in imposing <em>beauty</em>, masterful and kingly in His strength. He is clad in a priestly robe, indicating His office as <em>Redeemer</em>. On His head is a crown, suggesting <em>royalty</em>—but it is a crown of thorns, reminding us of His suffering and sacrifice. His form is <em>luminous</em>—He is the Light of the world, not only in His teaching—but also in His person, His character. He carries in His hand a lantern, symbol of His teachings, which have gone into all the world, a lamp to men's feet, showing them how to live—and giving joy and comfort everywhere!<br><br>
    The <em>character </em>of the Saviour in the picture, is also in accordance with the representation of the Scriptures. He is standing at the door of a cottage, interpreting His own word in the Revelation: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." His face shows eager love and yearning. He <em>longs </em>to be admitted. He does not wait to be sought—but <em>seeks </em>to save and to bless, coming Himself from heaven to men's very doors to be their guest. In this representation we have the whole meaning of the Incarnation, with its love and condescension, its revealing of tenderness and compassion, its sacrifice.<br><br>
    He is knocking, and there is no indication that His knocking is heeded within. The door is still shut; there is no sign that it is being opened. Yet the <em>heavenly Friend </em>has not grown impatient, does not turn away. He stands in a listening attitude, and continues to knock. All divine love, grace, and yearning—are expressed in His face as He stands there.<br><br>
    As we look closely at the picture, we find another teaching in it. There is <em>no </em>knob or latch <em>outside </em>the door. It can be opened only from within. We have also in the word in Revelation: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hears My voice and <em>opens</em>the door—I will come in to Him." Why does He not <em>force </em>the door and enter with the blessing He longs to bestow? That is not the way of love. It only knocks and waits. We can shut it out if we will. We can shut out the mighty, patient, loving Christ, if we will. Have we opened to Him? Will we?
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