Post-Incarnate Image of Christ

Introduction

Have you ever had a moment where you saw someone you thought you knew—then suddenly realized they were far more than you imagined? That’s what happens to John in Revelation 1. Exiled on Patmos, isolated and suffering, he turns to the voice behind him—and sees not just his friend and teacher Jesus, but the glorified, majestic Son of Man. Eyes like fire. A voice like rushing waters. A face shining like the sun. This is not the humble carpenter from Nazareth—this is the risen King, robed in divine authority, walking among His churches. And in this vision, we get a glimpse of Jesus as He is now—powerful, present, and in control. Let’s take a closer look at the awe-inspiring vision that reshaped John’s understanding of who Jesus truly is.

Revelation

Revelation Understanding Apocalyptic Literature

Revelation is a book of symbols. Every symbol in this book was understandable by people in the first century. This was a first-century book, written to the believers of the first-century church; yet it also has significance for Christians two thousand years later. The questions to ask when reading the book are, What was God saying to John’s original readers? What would they have understood from John’s words? Why did God use a particular symbol to get across his message?

Seven Golden Lampstands Revelation 1:12

The seven golden lampstands are the seven churches in Asia that John has been instructed to write this letter to. (Revelation 1:10-11)

The Son of Man Revelation 1:13

Revelation The Vision of Christ / 1:9–20

No matter what the churches face, Jesus is in control and protects them with his all-encompassing love and reassuring power. Through his Spirit, Jesus is still among the churches today. When a church faces persecution, it should remember Christ’s deep love and compassion. When a church is wracked by internal strife and conflict, it should remember Christ’s concern for purity and his intolerance of sin. Jesus is sovereign over the church. The title “Son of Man” occurs many times in the New Testament in reference to Jesus as the Messiah. John recognized Jesus because he had lived with him for three years and had seen him both as the Galilean preacher and as the glorified Son of God at the Transfiguration (

The Long Robe and Golden Sash Revelation 1:13

Revelation The Vision of Christ / 1:9–20

The long robe pictures Jesus as a leader. The gold sash across his chest reveals him as the high priest who goes into God’s presence to obtain forgiveness of sin for those who have believed in him. In the first century, wearing a sash, especially across the chest, indicated leadership and authority.

White Hair and Fiery Eyes Revelation 1:14

Revelation The Vision of Christ / 1:9–20

His glowing white hair indicates his wisdom and divine nature (see also

Feet Like Bronze in a Furnace and Voice like Rushing Waters Revelation 1:15

Revelation The Vision of Christ / 1:9–20

His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. The feet like bronze picture an exalted person with great power (also from Daniel). Bronze usually symbolized the might of Rome—bronze shields and breastplates were used by the Roman army. In addition, the altar of burnt offering was covered with bronze (

Seven Stars, Sharp Two-Edged Sword, and a Face Shining Like the Sun Revelation 1:16

Revelation The Vision of Christ / 1:9–20

He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was as bright as the sun in all its brilliance. In his right hand, Christ holds seven stars, explained in 1:20 as “the angels of the seven churches,” referring to the seven churches, listed in 1:11, to whom this letter is addressed. That Christ is holding the stars implies his protection of these churches as he walks among them.

There are two swords in Revelation. Chapter 19 has the “great sword.” The sword here is the sharp two-edged sword. This type of sword, invented by the Romans, represents invincible might. Only two to two and a half feet long, these swords were quite possibly the greatest military invention of the ancient world. Previously, swords were about three feet long and made of an inferior metal. They could not be sharp on both edges because the metal wasn’t strong enough. The double-edged sword was lighter and sharp on both edges. With the older swords, fighting was done by drawing back and hacking, but when the Romans used their double-edged swords, they could slice and cut both ways. These swords gave such a great advantage in hand-to-hand combat that the Roman army was called “the short swords.” It made them virtually invincible. This sharp two-edged sword is coming from Jesus’ mouth, symbolizing the power and force of his message. Jesus’ words of judgment are as sharp as swords; he is completely invincible (2:16; 19:15, 21;

Application

Let this vision reshape your understanding of Christ—approach Him with reverence, awe, and deep worship.

Invite the Word of Christ to challenge your assumptions, convict your heart, and transform your actions.

Take courage—no matter what the church faces, Jesus is with us, guiding and holding us in His right hand.