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John’s Vision of Christ
Revelation 1:9–20 shows the risen
Lord among His churches. John, exiled on Patmos for the gospel,
hears a trumpet-like voice and sees Christ in glory—the First and
the Last—holding the churches and speaking by His living word. This
vision strengthens endurance, holiness, and hope.
John’s Setting and
Commission (Revelation 1:9–11)
John identifies himself as a brother and companion in tribulation,
in the kingdom, and in steadfast endurance in Jesus. Exiled on the
barren island of Patmos “for the word of God and for the testimony
of Jesus,” he assures persecuted believers that he suffers with
them. On the Lord’s Day, the first day of the week when Christ rose
and the church assembled (Revelation 1:10; Luke 24:1; Acts 20:7), he
hears a voice “as of a trumpet”—clear, authoritative, and summoning
attention. The Lord commands him to write what he sees and send it
to seven churches of Asia, a representative circle of congregations,
because Christ’s message is for all His people (Revelation 1:11).
Christ’s Presence Among
His Churches (Revelation 1:12–13, 20)
Turning, John sees seven golden lampstands—“the seven churches”—and
“One like the Son of Man” in their midst. The Lord is not distant
from His people; He walks among them, knows their works, and shares
their trials. His long robe and golden sash mark Him as our royal
High Priest and reigning King who ministers to His church and
exercises holy authority (Daniel 7:13).
Christ’s Purity,
Knowledge, and Authority (Revelation 1:14–16)
His head and hair are white like wool—purity and eternality—and His
eyes are like a flame of fire: He sees all, searching every heart
and work (Hebrews 4:13). His feet are like burnished bronze, firm
and unstoppable against every enemy (cf. Revelation 19:11–13). His
voice is like many waters—majestic, irresistible, and worth heeding
above every earthly demand (Ezekiel 43:2). In His right hand He
holds seven stars—the angels/messengers of the churches—signifying
protective possession. From His mouth proceeds a sharp two-edged
sword; His word judges, discerns, and conquers (Hebrews 4:12). His
face shines like the sun in strength, recalling the glory revealed
at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–2).
Christ’s Consolation and
Sovereignty over Death (Revelation 1:17–18)
Overwhelmed, John falls at His feet as dead. The Lord lays His right
hand upon him and says, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the
Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive
forevermore.” The risen Christ personally calms His servants and
grounds their courage in His victory. He holds “the keys of Hades
and of Death.” He alone governs the unseen state and the grave; at
the last day He will summon all from the tomb (John 5:28–29;
Revelation 20:13–14). No emperor, court, or sword has the final
word—Jesus does.
Christ’s Charge to Write
(Revelation 1:19–20)
John is commissioned to record “the things which you have seen, the
things which are, and the things which will take place after this.”
The Lord Himself interprets the vision’s symbols: the stars are the
angels of the churches, and the lampstands are the churches.
Christ’s voice, not speculation, must shape our understanding and
our obedience.
Call to Action
Take heart, beloved. The Son of Man stands among His lampstands.
Submit to His searching eyes; receive His strong hand on your
shoulder. Honor the Lord’s Day, assemble with His people, and bow to
His word that cuts and heals. Live unafraid under His kingship, for
the keys of death and Hades are in His hand.
Key Takeaways
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Christ is present with His
churches, walking among them and knowing their works (Revelation
1:12–13, 20).
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His word searches and
judges; therefore we must listen and obey (Hebrews 4:12–13;
Revelation 1:16).
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The risen Lord reigns now
and forever; He is the First and the Last (Revelation 1:17–18).
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Jesus holds the keys of
death and Hades; our hope is secure in His victory (John
5:28–29; Revelation 20:13–14).
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Suffering with Christ
produces endurance; remain steadfast in the kingdom (Revelation
1:9; James 1:2–4).
John’s Vision of Christ
Sermon Outline:
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I. John’s Setting and
Commission (Revelation 1:9–11; Luke 24:1; Acts 20:7)
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II. Christ Among the
Lampstands (Revelation 1:12–13, 20)
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III. The Lord’s Purity
and Omniscience (Revelation 1:14; Hebrews 4:13; Matthew
17:1–2)
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IV. The Lord’s Power
and Word (Revelation 1:15–16; Ezekiel 43:2; Hebrews
4:12; Revelation 19:11–13)
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V. The Lord’s Comfort
and Sovereignty (Revelation 1:17–18; John 5:28–29;
Revelation 20:13–14)
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VI. The Lord’s Charge
to Write (Revelation 1:19–20)
Scripture Reference List
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Revelation 1:9–20
— John’s commission; Christ among the churches; His glory, word,
comfort, and sovereignty.
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Luke 24:1 —
The first day of the week: resurrection day.
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Acts 20:7 —
The church assembled on the first day to break bread and hear
the word.
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Daniel 7:13 —
“Son of Man” imagery informing Christ’s royal, priestly
presence.
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Ezekiel 43:2
— Voice “like many waters,” signaling divine majesty.
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Matthew 17:1–2
— Transfiguration; the Lord’s face shines like the sun.
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Hebrews 4:12–13
— The living word pierces and lays bare every heart.
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Revelation 19:11–13
— Faithful and True; eyes like fire; the Word of God conquers.
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John 5:28–29
— The dead will hear the Son’s voice and come forth.
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Revelation 20:13–14
— Death and Hades give up the dead; cast into the lake of fire.
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James 1:2–4 —
Trials produce steadfastness for the mature life of faith.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
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