Ask [and keep on asking] and it will be given to you, seek [and keep on seeking] and you will find, knock [and keep on knocking] and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
Jesus has issued a challenge. I don’t think many people think of it that way when they see this verse, but that’s really what it is, and that’s the spirit in which it was given. Jesus has issued a general challenge to all to come and get to know Him. It’s at least an invitation, but I think it’s more than that. Come on, if you want to know me better: take me on. You won’t be disappointed. This, of course, is the reason for the challenge. Jesus wants a relationship with us, and He wants the give-and-take of a two-way relationship. He wants a relationship with someone who wants one with Him.
We need to introduce Jesus to people this way, because most people respond to a challenge. This challenge assumes that they are looking for something. They realize their life is incomplete. If someone doesn’t respond to a challenge like this, they are, more than likely, not interested
Jesus wants a living, thriving relationship with us, and if we are not interested, well … neither is He. In fact, the verse immediately prior to this one implies a person uninterested in a challenge. “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matthew 7:6). In other words, don’t waste the truth on someone who is not interested in finding it. That would be like trying to teach your dog the meaning of John 3:16, or trying to interest a pig in eternal salvation. Don’t bother. The truth is too important
The search gives the whole process dignity. Dogs and pigs are undignified in relationship to sacred things. They insult the sacred process. Truth bounces off them like water off a duck’s back. But find me someone with tons of questions, Jesus would say, and I’ll show you someone who will make a great disciple of mine.
Too often we try to sell the gospel. We try to make it interesting to someone who isn’t interested. Don’t bother. If they’re not interested, no problem; find someone who is. Issue the same challenge Jesus issued and then welcome all comers.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” To each one of these we could add “and keep on asking … keep on seeking … keep on knocking,” because that is the meaning of the verbs used in the original language. They are verbs which imply continuous action. In other words, this is not a one-time-thing; it’s a process of life — a continual dynamic expression of our relationship with God. We are continually to be in the process of questioning, seeking for God in everything, and knocking on the doors of heaven until we get a response. God is looking for people like this.
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