A vision of the Son of Man

INTRO

Do you know anyone who has ever seen a vision of Jesus in His glory? The answer to that question should be no. Only those whom we read of in scripture has ever recieved a vision of Jesus in His glory. This evening, we will examine the apostle John’s account of his vision of the Son of Man and what it means.

Setting the scene

In verses 9-11, the scene is set when John will receive a vision of the glorious and all powerful Jesus Christ.

The one receiving the vision

John the apostle, son of Zebedee, is the one who receives the vision of the Son of Man.

brother. A term of endearment. Common among first century believers, highlighting the common equity among believers. Things like titles, age, gender, were all done away with, and sense of family dominated the landscape.

Three things John is a partner in.

partner. (Gk. synkoinonos); “particpant.”

Tribulation

Persecution is a common theme in the book of Revelation. John wanted his audience to know that he too was a “participant” in the tribulations, trials and sufferings. This is common for all believers. We are going to suffer.

Kingdom

kingdom. John is not only a partner in tribulation but is also a partner in the kingdom. Believers are in the kingdom now: “kingdom and priest unto our God” (Rev. 1:6); and will one day reign with Christ on earth forever.

Revelation 5:10 “and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.””

Revelation 11:15 “Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.””

Patient Endurance

patient endurance. John is also a partner in “the patient endurance.” John’s audience is no doubt suffering immense persecution. John is reminding them to persevere. For they will one day enjoy Christ kingdom in its fullness.

Acts 14:22 “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

Revelation 3:10 “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.”

Revelation 13:10 “If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.”

Revelation 14:12 “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”

In Christ

John and his audience are partners in tribulation, the kingdom and the patient endurance as a result of them being in Christ.

John is exiled

John was on the Island of Patmos. A small island in the Aegean Sea off the southwest coast of Asia Minor (Rev 1:9). According to a tradition preserved by Irenaeus, Eusebius, Jerome and others, John, the author of Revelation, was exiled there in the 14th year of the reign of Domitian and subsequently released to Ephesus under Nerva (96 ad).

The reason for being exiled

on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. John was exiled to the island of Patmos as a result of his preaching the gospel and refusal to compromise. His circumstance foreshadows those we will see later on in this book who will suffer on account of the word of God.

the Philadelphia church (Rev. 3:8, 10).

the martyrs under the altar were put to death on account of God’s word (Rev. 6:9).

there were those who were beheaded and deprived of their lives “for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God” (Rev. 20:4).

4. Believers also overcame satan by the word of their testimony.

Revelation 12:11 “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”

Both John and his readers suffered because of their unflinching allegiance to the word of God and we will too.

In the Spirit

I was in the Spirit. The phrase “in the Spirit” is used at key points in the book to designate the spirit of prophecy.

Revelation 4:2 “At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.”

Revelation 17:3 “And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns.”

Revelation 21:10 “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,”

The same Spirit that animated OT prophets is the same Spirit that moved upon John. This speaks to the authority of this book because John was inspired by the Holy Spirit when he wrote.

The when

on the Lord’s day. It was ‘the first day of the week’.

Breaking bread on the first day. Acts 20:7 “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.”

Believers were to lay something aside on the first day of the week. 1 Corinthians 16:2 “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”

Note, this day is referred to as ‘the Lord’s day.’ Signifying, that believers are to show reverence to the Lord by wholly consecrating this day to the Lord. Giving our full attention to Him and His business.

A voice like a trumpet

I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying. The voice was loud like a trumpet as was in the case in another vision.

Revelation 4:1 “After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.””

Trumpets were used for signals and commands. In eschatological passages it is used to signal judgment and resurrection. It will signal Christ second advent at God’s command 1 Thessalonians 4:16 “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.”; it will sound at the last day 1 Corinthians 15:52 “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”

A real audience

write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches. The cities are listed in the order in which they are addressed in chapters 2–3: Ephesus (Rev. 2:1–7); Smyrna (Rev 2:8–11); Pergamum (Rev 2:12–17); Thyatira (Rev 2:18–29); Sardis (Rev 3:1–6); Philadelphia (Rev 3:7–13); Laodicea (Rev 3:14–22). The order reflects the route a courier would take in delivering the contents of the book: Ephesus was on the coast, and the cities are in a circle, beginning with Ephesus and ending with Laodicea. We are reminded afresh that the book was written to specific churches in the first century.

John’s vision of the Son of Man

In verses 12-20, John sees a vision of the glorious and all powerful Jesus Christ.

The first thing John saw

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands. LAMPSTAND (מְנוֹרָה, menorah, λυχνία, lychnia). A device for holding oil-filled lamps. The Hebrew noun for “lampstand” occurs 42 times in scripture and derives from the verb meaning “to shine or be radiant” in joy. “Lampstand” (the noun) is used more frequently than the verb, typically in relation to physical light and instruments of light.

In the OT references to lampstand appear in text relating to:

the tabernacle. It was one of the sacred objects inside the tabernacle along with the ark of the covenant and the table of showbread (Ex. 25:31-35). The lampstand consisted of a base and shaft of hammered pure gold with six branches going out from the sides, each carrying seven lamps. The lampstand function was to give light in the tabernacle. The priest were instructed to keep it burning regularly (Ex. 27:20-21; Lev. 24:1-4). The lampstand with its branches was modeled on a flowering almond tree; a symbolic tree, recalling the tree of life in the garden of Eden. The lampstand and the light it produced, symbolizes the life-giving and light-giving power of God.

Solomon’s Temple. There we see a description of 10 lampstands—five on the left and five on the right, in front of the inner sanctuary (1 Ki 7:49).

Zechariah’s vision. Zechariah saw a vision of a lampstand made of gold, with a bowl on the top, with seven lamps on it, with seven lips on each of the lamps. By it stood two olive trees, one on each side, that poured oil continually, causing the candles to burn. The description is different than the lampstand in the tabernacle. It represents the Lord’s favor shining on His people. More specifically, to the rebuilding of the temple. The lampstand signifies God’s power through His Spirit. It will be by God’s Spirit alone that will yield the success of the rebuilding of the temple. The olive trees speaks to the power of Yahweh’s word and its ability to sustain His people.

In the NT there are primary two references to lampstands:

the parables in Matt. 5:13-20 and Mark 4:21-25 (see also Luke 8:16-21).

Revelation 1:12-13, 20; 2:1, 5; 11:4.

The Son of Man

in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man. It should be borne in mind that the following description of Christ is stocked with imagery characteristic of apocalyptic literature. The constant use of the word “like” lets us know that we should not take the following words literally. This is evident when we look at verse 16. A literal two-edged sword is not coming out of the mouth of Christ, for no one would dare do that unless they want their mouth to be cut up badly!

John is referring to Dan 7:1-14 where Daniel saw one “like a son of man” who appears before the Ancient of Days and receives a kingdom as the saints representative.

The phrase “son of man” in Hebrew refers to humans (Num. 23:19; Ps 8:4; Ezek 2:1, 3). But in both Daniels and John’s account, the Son of Man has divine characteristics. The title, “first and last” is a prime example of divine characteristics; and therefore, we can safely say that the title “Son of Man” here belongs to Jesus Christ. In both accounts, both the human and divine side of Christ is referenced. Also, the title, “Son of Man” is a title that is used by Christ in John’s gospel (Jn 3:14; 8:28; 12:23, 34; 13:31).

Christ garment

clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. These are both emblems of Christ priestly and kingly office. The long robe symbolizes either Christ perfect righteousness; which covers all of Christ mystical body; each person covered with Christ perfect righteousness from head to toe. Or it (and most likely) refers to Christ priestly office.

Christ is our high priest, who offered His body as sacrifice for sins; and after entering the Holy place (in heaven) with His own blood and securing our eternal redemption, now lives to intercede for us.

Hair white like wool, white like snow

The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. A symbol of God’s wisdom and omniscience.

Fiery eyes

His eyes were like a flame of fire. May signify Christ penetrating knowledge of His church. He knows everything about everyone. Nothing is hidden from Him.

It may also symbolizes Christ perfect insight into men’s souls and His indignation against sin, especially at his coming

Revelation 19:11–12 “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.”

Bronze feet

his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace. A symbol of Christ crushing his enemies.

Revelation 2:18 ““And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.”

A mighty voice

and his voice was like the roar of many waters. indicates the power and universal relevance of the messages and events. God’s voice is powerful and irresistible against his foes. His voice thunders and is over the waters Ps 29:3.

Stars in his right hand

and in his right he held seven stars. The meaning of this will be revealed later on.

A two-edged sword

from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword. Which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:17 “and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,”

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

it is a two-edged sword; and by it is meant law and gospel. The law reveals men’s sins, wounds and kills them; the gospel saves. It teaches men not to rely on their own righteousness, but Christ.

It is also a savour of life to some and a savour of death to others. The gospel saves some and hardens others.

It comes from the mouth of Christ. It is the word of God not the word of man. It is fitting for reproof, correction and salvation.

Shinning in full strength

and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. as was his countenance when He was transfigured before his disciples.

Matthew 17:2 “And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.”

it is a manifestation of his rich and glorious presence.

One day the sun and moon will give way to the glory of Christ.

Revelation 21:22–25 “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.”

which is a fulfillment of

Isaiah 60:19–20 “The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.”

Unlike the sun and moon which changes, God’s presence in eternity will never change nor never end!

Words of comfort

when I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. John was afraid and aware of his own sinfulness and unworthiness to stand before the Son of Man. The glory of Christ is a terrible image for mortal man.

Daniel 8:17–18 “So he came near where I stood. And when he came, I was frightened and fell on my face. But he said to me, “Understand, O son of man, that the vision is for the time of the end.” And when he had spoken to me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground. But he touched me and made me stand up.”

But he laid his right hand on me, saying. Christ lifted John up and comforted him. Christ comes to his church with comfort and support.

Fear no, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Christ describes Himself with “the first and the last”, using the same words God attributes to Himself

Isaiah 41:4 “Who has performed and done this, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord, the first, and with the last; I am he.”

This phrase denotes the full sovereignty of God over human history. He has always reigned from beginning until the end. Therefore, Christians should not fear the future.

Christ is the living one. Christ resurrection gives believers hope. Because Christ died to redeem us and rose from the grave, believers should not fear death.

Keys represent authority.

Isaiah 22:22 “And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.”

Christ not only rules history but he also rules over death and the underworld.

A command to write

Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. John is to write what he has seen in verses 12-16 and the contents of this entire book.

There is a threefold reference here in verse 19 that many have derived an outline of Revelation.

The things “seen” refers to chapter 1, the things that “are” refers to chp 2-3, the things that will take place “after this” to chp. 4-22.

Some have suggested the threefold references here is a reference of the kind of literature that is being used in Revelation: is source is from heaven (“the things that you have seen”); it is symbolic (“those that are”); and it is about the latter days (“those that are to take place after this”).

Personally, I do not think John is suggesting some outline of the book revelation here. His vision relates to both past, present and future: His vision comprehends all of history.

Mystery revealed

As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. John now reveals the symbolism of his vision in verses 12-16. The word “mystery” in scripture refers to truths that was once hidden but is now been revealed.

Like Hebrew מַלְאָךְ (malʾāk), Greek angelos literally means “messenger”

Some believe John is referencing angelic beings here that represent each of the seven churches. They point to the fact that John uses the word for “angle” 75 times in the book, and every time it refers to heavenly angles. The problem here is it is hard to see why John would write a letter to angles.

Others suggest that by “angels” are meant “pastors.” If that’s the case, the stars in Jesus hands represents his support and care for the church leaders.

Luke 7:24 “When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?”

James 2:25 “And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?”

the lampstands represent the seven churches. several key things needs to be noted here:

like the lampstand in the tabernacle, the church is to give light. They are to give light to the world through their good works and preaching of the gospel Matthew 5:14–15““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.”

Christ who is our high priest, is the one who gives the church its light. As is seen in Zechariah’s vision.

Christ was seen “in the midst” of the seven golden candlesticks.This indicates for us that Christ dwells with the churches. He is vitally present with the churches and knows their state, and does not abandon them in their trials.

CONCLUSION

John seen a vision of the Son of Man in all His glory. John trembled in fear and was aware of his own sinfulness and unworthiness of being in Christ presence. What will our response be when we catch a glimpse of Christ in His glory? Will we fall down in reverent worship? Do we acknowledge our own sinfulness and unworthiness of Christ presence?

We seen once more that Christ is divine and sovereign. He rules history and will one day bring history to its conclusion. Do we live in fear as we see what is happening in the world today or do we trust that Christ purposes are being fulfilled and He is continually preserving His church?

John saw Christ upholding and supporting His messengers in the church. As His messengers of the good news, do we continually go to Him for support? Or have we become self-sufficient?

John witnesses Christ presence in the church. And as we seen, Christ gives light to His church. Are we allowing our lights to shine in this dark and perverse world, or has our light become dim?