Why does Jesus stand at the door and mock?

A common metaphor for God's call is that of Jesus standing by a door, knocking, asking to come in. This comes most literally from Revelation 3:20. Not everyone is interested in that invitation, of course. Sometimes, when Jesus knocks, the response is an insult or lame excuse. In those cases, Jesus' response might echo Scriptures like Psalm 2:4, 37:13, or 59:8, instead. In short, if you're going to pretend you're smarter than God (Psalm 14:1), He's likely to stand at that spiritual door and mock.

Depending on the circumstances, Jesus might also outsource the mockery. Wisdom, for instance, sometimes takes a break from begging people to listen to her (Proverbs 8:1–4). In those off-hours, she might take over for Jesus by standing on the spiritual porch of non-believers, pointing and laughing (Proverbs 1:26).

If you've spotted a bearded, blue-eyed, long-haired, white-robed white man in sandals giggling while knocking on your door, it's important that you immediately get right with God. Then call the police, because whoever that is, it ain't Jesus.

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