The Horse and Rider

Sermon Outline

Text: Revelation 19:11-21 Theme: Christ’s Ultimate Victory Key Wesleyan Accent: The Hope of Final Redemption

Introduction

Illustration: A victorious parade after a great battle—symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Context: Revelation 19 presents a vision of Jesus returning as the conquering King. This is a stark contrast to The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on the donkey. Jesus arrived in Jerusalem declaring peace in his procession in the end Jesus rides in on a white war horse as the victorious conqueror.

Main Idea: Jesus, the Faithful and True, will return to judge and reign. His victory is assured, and His kingdom will come in fullness.

Jesus fulfills numerous promises to His followers, especially those related to His return, His reign, and the final redemption of all things. Some key promises include:

Eternal Life – "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life." (John 3:36)

Victory Over Sin and Death – "I am the resurrection and the life." (John 11:25)

His Presence with Us – "I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)

Final Justice and Judgment – "The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers." (Matthew 13:41)

A New Heaven and a New Earth – "Behold, I am making all things new." (Revelation 21:5)

Rest and Peace – "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

A Place in His Kingdom – "I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2-3)

These promises give believers hope, knowing that Christ will ultimately make all things right.

"Every promise finds its ‘Yes’ in Christ."

I. The Identity of the Rider (Rev. 19:11-13)

Jesus' two entrances—on a donkey in Jerusalem and on a white war horse at the end of time—show the full picture of His mission. He first came to save; He returns to reign.The contrast between Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey and His return on a white horse highlights the difference between His first and second comings:

Humble Servant vs. Conquering King

In Matthew 21:1-11, Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9, which prophesied a humble King bringing peace.

The donkey symbolized peace; kings rode donkeys when coming in peace rather than war.

Jesus' first coming was about humility, sacrifice, and bringing salvation.

Suffering Savior vs. Triumphant Judge

In Revelation 19:11, Jesus rides a white horse, a symbol of victory and conquest.

White war horses were ridden by Roman generals who had won great battles.

Jesus' second coming will be in power and glory, bringing justice and establishing His kingdom.

Christ’s purpose are revelation, fulfillment, and fellowship, thus leaving that what we do not understand we are still able to experience. (Carol Rotz)

The name of Jesus is the Logos (The very Word of God)

"Faithful and True" – Jesus is the fulfillment of all God’s promises.

"Eyes like a flame of fire" – He sees and judges righteously.

"Robe dipped in blood" – Symbolizing His atoning sacrifice and victory over sin.

Wesleyan Connection: Our faith is in a Christ who is both our Savior and our coming King.

Transition: But Christ does not return alone. His power and authority are unmatched.

"First, He came to save—soon, He comes to reign."

II. The Power and Authority of Christ (Rev. 19:14-16)

Earthly kings claim authority, but Jesus is the King of kings. His reign is final and unquestionable.

Key Points:

“With tears he fights and wins the field, His naked breast stands for a shield; His battering shot are babish cries, His arrows made of weeping eyes, His martial ensigns cold and need, And feeble flesh his warrior's steed.”—Excerpt from New Heaven, New War by Robert Southwell

He leads the armies of heaven – His victory is not in doubt.

He rules with a rod of iron – Jesus will establish justice.

"King of kings and Lord of lords" – All earthly powers will submit to Him.

Application: Live with confidence, knowing that no earthly power can thwart Christ’s kingdom.

In a world where earthly rulers come and go, we place our trust in the unshakable rule of Christ.

"He leads the armies of heaven—His victory is not in doubt."

Transition: But for Christ’s kingdom to be fully realized, evil must be defeated

III. The Defeat of Evil (Rev. 19:17-21)

Transition: The Bible presents two great feasts: the Marriage Supper of the Lamb for the faithful and the Great Supper of God for those who oppose Him. One is a celebration, the other a scene of judgment.

“To whatever end. Where is the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? They have passed like rain on the mountains. Like wind in the meadow. The days have gone down in the west. Behind the hills, into shadow. How did it come to this?” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

"Many throughout history have asked, ‘How did it come to this?’ as they watched their power slip away. Every kingdom, every ruler, every corrupt system will fade. But Revelation 19 reminds us that there is One whose reign is eternal. When Christ returns, there will be no more fading into shadow—only the dawn of His glorious kingdom."

The great supper of God – A dramatic image of God's final judgment.

The beast and false prophet cast into the lake of fire – Evil is utterly defeated. The beast brought judgement to the corrupt Babylon but in the end the destroyers are destroyed.

Wesleyan Connection: The hope of final redemption means that sin and death will not have the last word.

"Evil’s reign is temporary; Christ’s reign is eternal."

Transition: So how should we live in light of Christ’s ultimate victory?

IV. Living in Light of Christ’s Ultimate Victory

Transition: If we know the outcome, it changes how we live today. A soldier who knows victory is assured fights with confidence.

Hope in Troubled Times: No matter how dark the world seems, Christ’s victory is assured.

Confidence in Christ’s Reign: We serve a living King who will establish His perfect kingdom.

Faithful Witness: Until He returns, we live as ambassadors of His coming kingdom.

“What we have at the moment isn't as the old liturgies used to say, 'the sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the dead,' but a vague and fuzzy optimism that somehow things may work out in the end. ” ― N.T. Wright, Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church

What Does It Look Like to Live with Hope?

Living with hope means trusting in Christ’s promises and allowing that confidence to shape our daily lives.

Living with Assurance – Believing that Christ is in control, even when the world seems chaotic. (Romans 8:28)

Persevering in Faith – Continuing to trust and obey Christ, even when facing trials. (James 1:2-4)

Encouraging Others – Sharing the good news of Christ’s victory with those who need hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

Resisting Fear – Not living in fear of the future but standing firm in God’s promises. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Living Righteously – Seeking to live holy lives, knowing Christ will return. (2 Peter 3:11-12)

Anticipating Christ’s Return – Watching and preparing for the day Jesus comes again. (Matthew 24:44)

Living with hope means having confidence in Christ’s victory, even when we don’t yet see it fully. It’s about walking in faith, knowing that Jesus wins in the end!

"We fight from victory, not for victory."

"Fear fades when faith stands firm in Christ."

Transition: This victory is not just a future event—it calls us to action today.

Conclusion: Will You Be Ready?

Illustration: A soldier fighting with certainty because victory is guaranteed. That is the confidence we have in Christ.

Call to Action: Live with hope and confidence, knowing Christ will ultimately defeat evil and establish His eternal reign.

"Hope is not just for tomorrow; it transforms how we live today."

Final Thought: The Rider on the White Horse is coming—will you be ready?

Totally without hope one cannot live. To live without hope is to cease to live.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Russian Novelist)