In Matthew 25 Jesus tells a parable about his return. 

Some people are ready for him, others aren’t. The people who are ready to meet him get let into a wedding banquet—which, based on my own study, represents the new heavens and the new earth. Others aren’t ready for him and get left outside.

After arriving late to the party, they cry out: “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he answers, “Truly, I say to you, I do not know you” (Matthew 25:11-12).

At first, this can seem harsh. But the biblical teaching is clear. God’s arms are open, but time will eventually run out. As Jesus says in this parable in verse 10, the door will eventually be shut.

There’s a detail in this parable that is easy to miss—but it’s critically important. The bridegroom (who represents Jesus) says: “I do not know you.” This is relational language. Brothers and sisters, let me tell you this: It’s one thing to know about Jesus, it’s another thing to know Jesus. 

Think of any other relationship. For any relationship to grow and to be meaningful, you need to learn about the other person, spend time with them, and invite them into your life and experiences. It’s the same thing with our relationship with Christ. Jon Thompson writes: “The problem is never God’s availability, but ours.”* Are we willing to invest the time? Are we willing to learn about him, make a commitment, and invite him into our experiences?

It’s one thing to know about Jesus, it’s another thing to know Jesus. 

So let’s be authentic about our faith. Let’s be available to God. His door is open. And his presence is a joy-soaked, peace-filled existence that never ever ends.

Notes:

-“Being Ready for Jesus’ Return: The Parable of the 10 Virgins.” Click here. Sermon.

–Replay: A Serious Historical Deep Dive into the Nativity. Click here, or find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)

-*Jon Thompson, Convergence (Sanctus Church, 2018), 60.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.