The Pilgrim's Progress: Christiana Arrives at the Wicket Gate

The Pilgrim's Progress: Christiana Arrives at the Wicket Gate

Christiana arrives at the Wicket Gate

 "Knock, and it shall be opened unto you."— Matthew 7:7

Last week we left Christiana, her four sons, and her friend Mercy as they departed the City of Destruction and set out upon the King's Highway.

Now their journey brings them to the Wicket Gate.

As they approached, they heard the barking of a great dog. Bunyan tells us they "were greatly afraid."

The Gate stood before them, yet for a moment fear held them back.

At length Christiana stepped forward and knocked.

No answer came.

She knocked again.

Still no answer.

Then she knocked a third time.

At last a voice called from within:

"Who is there?"

Christiana answered:

"Here is a poor burdened sinner. I am come from the City of Destruction, but am going to Mount Zion, that I may be delivered from the wrath to come."

The Keeper of the Gate asked who had directed her there.

"Christian, my husband's, relative told me of this way," she replied, speaking of Evangelist and of the King's invitation that had reached her heart.

Then she added:

"And I have come with my children."

The Keeper listened and opened the Gate.

But Bunyan reveals a danger that Christiana had not seen. Near the Gate stood a castle from which archers watched the road and shot arrows at pilgrims as they approached. Therefore the Keeper quickly drew Christiana inside lest she be harmed.

One by one her sons followed.

Yet Mercy remained outside.

Bunyan pauses over her hesitation:

"Now was Mercy ashamed that she had not knocked; for she was afraid lest she should be denied."

Christiana turned and saw her friend standing alone.

The Keeper called out:

"And what is your business there?"

Mercy answered that she had come with Christiana and desired to travel the same road.

Yet her fears remained.

She could not see how one such as herself could be welcomed.

Then the Keeper spoke kindly to her.

Mercy drew near.

She knocked.

The Gate was opened.

But the strain of fear and hope had overcome her. Bunyan tells us that Mercy fell down in a swoon.

Seeing this, the Keeper showed compassion toward her. He lifted her up and comforted her until her strength returned.

Then Mercy also passed through the Gate.

So Christiana entered.

Mercy entered.

The children entered.

And the Gate was shut behind them.

The City of Destruction lay behind.

The King's way stretched before them.

Bunyan does not hurry the scene. He allows us to linger at the Gate and watch as pilgrim after pilgrim is received.

Christiana came.

The children came.

Mercy came.

The Gate opened.

And the journey continued.

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Thank You, Lord Jesus, for preparing the way to You so examplied by Christiana's journey. Be with us and our families as we leave the old world and travel on the upward way. I love You today as I bow and ask in Your Name. Amen.

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1 Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,

weak and wounded, sick and sore;

Jesus ready stands to save you,

full of pity, love, and power.

[Refrain:]

I will arise and go to Jesus;

he will embrace me with his arms;

in the arms of my dear Savior,

O there are ten thousand charms.

2 Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,

God’s free bounty glorify;

true belief and true repentance,

every grace that brings you nigh. (Refrain)

3 Come, ye weary, heavy laden,

lost and ruined by the fall;

if you tarry till you’re better,

you will never come at all. (Refrain)

4 Let not conscience make you linger,

nor of fitness fondly dream;

all the fitness he requireth

is to feel your need of him. (Refrain)

Joseph Hart (1759)

Come unto ME, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take MY yoke upon you, and learn of ME; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For MY yoke is easy, and MY burden is light. Matthew 28:28-30

Next Week: The House of the Interpreter — Christiana and her companions are welcomed into the Interpreter's House, where they are shown many things profitable for pilgrims to know before continuing their journey toward the Celest