John’s Vision of Christ
Lesson 3
Introduction:
Review the background of the letter.
Text:
Revelation 1:9-20
Body:
I. John’s Commission
(Verses
9-11)
Verse 9
John strongly identifies with his readers as a brother and companion
in the tribulation. (James
1:2)
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,”
They were in the kingdom by being brothers. The kingdom will
stand forever. (Daniel
2:44)
John was on the island of Patmos, situated off the southwest coast
of Turkey. It was small, rocky, treeless and about ten miles
long and six miles at the widest point. John was exiled on
Patmos in an effort to silence the word of God and the testimony of
Jesus Christ. The Greek word translated testimony literally
means “witness.” (Revelation
6:9)
Verse 10
John wrote under inspiration. This was similar to Ezekiel.
(II
Samuel 23:2,
I Corinthians 2)
-
The Lord’s Day, Sunday, belongs to God. Jesus was raised;
the church began; the church worshiped; the gospel was preached.
-
The voice was as a trumpet. This was clear and loud in
order to call attention to it.
Verse 11
The seven churches in the province of Asia were roughly in a circle
geographically. They represented the entire body of Christ.
John received the revelation from Jesus, the First and the Last.
II. Christ’s Glory and Majesty
(Verses
12-20)
Verses 12-14
John had also seen other visions of Jesus glorified. The white
appearance is parallel to the description of Christ on the Mount of
Transfiguration. Jesus was received into heaven at the
Ascension.
-
Christ
– He has closeness to the churches in that He knows their
struggles, problems, and weak and strong points. (Daniel
7:13)
-
Clothing
– This is the clothing of a high priest or royalty.
-
It denotes purity. (Isaiah
1:18)
-
His eyes are all-seeing. When the book is opened,
all must give an account to the all-knowing God. (Hebrews
4:13)
The fire would indicate His righteousness and His judgment of
everything impure.
-
Seven golden lamp stands are the seven Churches.
Verses 15-16
-
His feet were like fine brass and able to trod underfoot
all who opposed Him. (Revelation
19:11-12)
-
“Many waters” – Power (Ezekiel
43:2,
Daniel 10:6)
-
“Stars” – Angels of the seven churches
-
“Sword” – His word, the judging power of the Word of God
(Hebrews
4:12)
-
“Face” – Transfiguration (Matthew
17)
Verse 17
Now imagine standing before Christ!
Verse 18
The “keys” of Hades and of death describe Christ’s authority
over those who have died and over their present resting place. Hades
is the place where the spirit goes upon death. Hades will be
vacated at the end of time. (Revelation 20:14)
Verses 19-20
Angels are messengers.
Invitation:
Jesus is in our midst.
Bobby Stafford
