Why Keep Jesus Waiting?

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Why Keep Jesus Waiting?
A Sermon based on the hymn by William H. Crafton

Introduction
“Why Keep Jesus Waiting?” is a powerful and gentle invitation hymn that appeals to the heart of every soul delaying their surrender to Christ. Written by William H. Crafton, the lyrics echo the long-suffering love of the Savior who stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20). This hymn expresses the urgency and tenderness of Jesus’ call—He is not far off, but near, knocking, calling, and pleading for entrance into our lives.

Rooted in scriptures such as 2 Peter 3:9 and Matthew 11:28–30, this hymn reminds us that Jesus desires none to perish but longs for all to come to repentance. Each stanza presses upon the hearer a question of conscience: Why delay? Why hold back when salvation is offered so freely and lovingly? This message is especially potent for those who have heard the gospel many times but remain undecided. The voice of Jesus is persistent—not out of impatience, but out of love. Let us explore each stanza as a fresh call to answer Him today, not tomorrow.

Stanza 1 – Why keep Jesus waiting, waiting in the cold?
"Why keep Jesus waiting, waiting in the cold?
He will bear you gently, gently to His fold;
See Him soul and open, open I implore:
Why keep Jesus waiting, waiting at the door?"

This opening verse paints the image of Jesus standing patiently outside our hearts. Like the Good Shepherd (John 10:14), He seeks to bring us into His fold. But the question is one of response—He will not force the door open. Revelation 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” The cold is not His natural place—He belongs inside our lives. Will we let Him in?

Stanza 2 – Why keep Jesus pleading, pleading at the door?
"Why keep Jesus pleading, pleading at the door?
Oft He knocked and softly, softly o’er and o’er;
Hear Him soul and open, open I implore:
Why keep Jesus pleading, pleading at the door?"

Here we see not only Jesus waiting, but pleading. This reflects God’s longsuffering nature (2 Peter 3:9). The repetition—“softly, softly o’er and o’er”—underscores how many times we’ve heard His gospel. With every sermon, every invitation song, every Bible verse remembered from childhood, Jesus calls again. Will we open before time runs out?

Stanza 3 – Why keep Jesus waiting, knocking at the door?
"Why keep Jesus waiting, knocking at the door?
Soon He’ll cease His pleading, yes, forevermore;
Come, poor soul, obey Him, open I implore:
Why keep Jesus waiting, knocking at the door?"

There is urgency now. Jesus’ invitation is not infinite—there is a time when pleading ends and judgment begins (Hebrews 9:27). This verse compels action. “Come, poor soul, obey Him” connects directly to Hebrews 5:9, where Jesus is the author of eternal salvation “to all who obey Him.” Do not wait until He stops knocking.

Chorus – Open I implore
Though this hymn does not have a separate chorus, the refrain “Open I implore” echoes as the cry of the Savior. It is not only a question; it is an appeal from the One who died, rose again, and lives to intercede for us (Romans 8:34). The heart of Christ is calling: open, and live.

Why Keep Jesus Waiting? Sermon Outline:

• Stanza 1: Jesus Waits in the Cold
  • Revelation 3:20 – He knocks at the door
  • John 10:14 – The Shepherd calling to His fold
• Stanza 2: Jesus Pleads Repeatedly
  • 2 Peter 3:9 – He is patient, not willing any should perish
  • Luke 13:34 – “How often would I have gathered…”
• Stanza 3: Jesus Will Not Knock Forever
  • Hebrews 9:27 – Judgment is coming
  • Hebrews 5:9 – Salvation for those who obey
• Chorus: Open I Implore
  • Romans 8:34 – He pleads as our intercessor
  • Acts 22:16 – “Why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized…”

Call to Action:
Friend, if you’ve heard His voice today, do not harden your heart. Jesus stands at your door—not with anger, but with mercy. He waits, He pleads, He knocks. But the door must be opened from your side. Repent, believe, and obey the gospel. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Open to Him today.

Scripture Reference List:

• Revelation 3:20 – Jesus stands at the door and knocks.
• John 10:14 – The Good Shepherd knows His sheep.
• 2 Peter 3:9 – God is longsuffering toward us.
• Luke 13:34 – Jesus grieves over souls who reject Him.
• Hebrews 9:27 – After death comes judgment.
• Hebrews 5:9 – Salvation is for those who obey.
• Romans 8:34 – Christ intercedes for us.
• Acts 22:16 – The urgency of baptism and obedience.

Song History and Author Credit:
“Why Keep Jesus Waiting?” was written by William H. Crafton, a member of the churches of Christ and a gifted lyricist known for his invitation hymns. It has become a familiar and moving call for repentance and surrender at the close of many gospel sermons, reminding all that Jesus is still calling.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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