Lesson 2

Journey through Revelation Remember the Trinity (1:4b–8)

John writes to his readers, Grace to you and peace (1:4b). Only after experiencing God’s saving grace can we know His peace. In John 14:27a–c, what does Jesus tell His disciples the night before He is crucified?

2-1

Jesus tells the disciples that He is giving them His peace, which is the peace of not having to be troubled or fearful.

Journey through Revelation Remember the Trinity (1:4b–8)

Next, John writes, Jesus is the ruler of kings on earth (1:5c). What will happen one day at the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:10–11a)?

2-3

Everyone in Heaven, on earth and under the earth will fall to their knees and confess that Jesus is Lord and profess the Glory of God.

Journey through Revelation Remember the Trinity (1:4b–8)

Jesus is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him (1:7a–b). Even the dead will see Him. The high priest Caiaphas, who had Jesus condemned to death, is now dead and in Hades. However, what does Jesus tell him in Matthew 26:64c–d?

2-4

Jesus tells Caiaphas that the next time they meet Jesus will be at the right hand of the Father and will be returning on the clouds of Heaven.

Journey through Revelation Reflect on Christ’s Power (1:9–16)

When John turns to see the One speaking to him, he sees seven golden lampstands, or “candlesticks” (1:12), which represent the seven churches (1:20). Standing in the middle of them is one like a son of man (1:13a). We know Jesus is present in His churches because of what promise in Matthew 18:20?

2-5

Jesus said when two or three are gathered in His name, He is there with them.

Journey through Revelation Reflect on Christ’s Power (1:9–16)

John sees Jesus clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest (1:13b). This identifies Him as the High Priest (Ex 28:4; 39:2–4, 41). Today, He is our merciful and faithful high priest (Heb. 2:17). The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow (1:14a–b). This represents wisdom and purity. His eyes were like a flame of fire (1:14c), which reveals the all-penetrating, all-knowing intelligence of Jesus. His eyes can penetrate the very depths of a person’s thoughts and heart. Therefore, what does Jesus declare in Matthew 10:26b–c?

2-6

Jesus says that all that has been covered up will be revealed and all that has been hidden will be revealed. In other words He is all seeing and all knowing.

Journey through Revelation Repel Fear (1:17–20)

Seeing the glorified Christ causes John to fall at Jesus’ feet as if he is dead. Jesus lays His right hand on John and says, “Fear not” (1:17). For those who know Christ, there is no need to be afraid because He says, “I am the first and the last” (1:17). In other words, “I started everything and I will end it all.” Christ explains He is “the living one” who “died” and is “alive forevermore” (1:18a–b). Then, what does our Lord say (1:18c)?

2-7

Jesus says that He has the keys to Hades and to death.

Journey through Revelation Repel Fear (1:17–20)

Jesus tells John to write what he sees now and what he sees that will happen later (1:19). Jesus explains: “the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches” (1:20c). The word translated angels (ANGELOS, ang’-el-os) means messengers and probably refers to pastors. The “seven lampstands,” or “candlesticks,” are “the seven churches” (1:20d). Both the churches and their leaders are symbolized as light bearers. That’s because what statement of Jesus should be true of all churches and every believer (Matthew 5:14a)?

2-8

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.