John's Vision of Jesus

THE VISION OF JESUS

THE VISION OF THE SON OF MAN

Introduction:

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Introduction:

I. John’s circumstance leading up to the Vision (9-10a)

In the last message we saw that God the Father gives the vision to Jesus; Jesus gives it to His Angels; The Angel of the Lord reveals it to John; John is writing to the 7 Churches to give them vision of whats in store. We also learned that Jesus is coming again in the Clouds; Every eye will see Him. Even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the world will enter into a state of mourning. This detail clued us into the fact that this is speaking of His Second Coming, not the rapture of the church. Which are two separate events.

This week we are looking at the first vision that Christ gives John. It is a vision of Christ Himself, of Christ in His glory and exaltation. It is in this vision that the glorified Christ proclaims His message to the seven churches. But before He speaks to the churches, Christ gives John a glimpse of Himself. Christ wants believers down through the centuries to know who it is that has given these messages to the churches. Christ wants all believers to know that the message to the churches is coming from the One who possesses all power and knowledge, from One who can provide and protect, assure and secure, judge and destroy. This is the vision of the Son of Man, the glorified Christ Himself. We are going to look at what John is seeing, what John is hearing, and what it mean for us today.

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

*****Let us look at.....

This is the first vision that Christ gives John. It is a vision of Christ Himself, of Christ in His glory and exaltation. It is in this vision that the glorified Christ proclaims His message to the seven churches. But before He speaks to the churches, Christ gives John a glimpse of Himself. Christ wants believers down through the centuries to know who it is that has given these messages to the churches. Christ wants all believers to know that the message to the churches is coming from the One who possesses all power and knowledge, from One who can provide and protect, assure and secure, judge and destroy. This is the vision of the Son of Man, the glorified Christ Himself. We are going to look at what He is seeing, what He is hearing, and what it mean for us today.

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

We are going to look at where John receiving the Vision of Jesus. We are going to look at what He is seeing, what He is hearing, and what it mean for us today.

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

*****Let us look at.....

I. John’s circumstance leading up to the Vision (9-10a)

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos,

A. John Introduces himself as their Brother and Companion. v9a

1. Here John proclaims himself as a brother and companion in 3 things

1. In tribulation

The tribulation of Jesus Christ

The Kingdom of Jesus Christ

The Patience of Jesus Christ

2. During John’s experience following Jesus. These are the three things that He had experienced for himself.

a. In tribulation

These are the three things that He had experienced for himself.

He had experienced trials and tribulations for the name of Christ

He had experienced his identity in Christ

He had experienced the Patience or Steadfastness of Jesus Christ1. In tribulation

B. He is on the island called Patmos (9b-10a)

B. He is on the island called Patmos (9b)

9b-10a for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10a I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day,

1. For the word of God; John preached the Word, even if it offended.

2. For the testimony of Jesus Christ. He testified of Christ being the Savior of the world. The deliverance from the bondage of sin.

3. He is in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day v10a; The Holy Spirit is speaking to him.

John was in a deep spiritual experience that lifted his mind and spirit above this world and put him in the very presence of Almighty God Himself.

“in the spirit” being so connected and close to God that you feel His love and compassion. You feel His presence. So great a feeling knowing Jesus is your Savior.

II. What he heard behind him, the voice of the Lord (10b-11)

*****Let us look at.....

II. What John heard behind him while in the spirit, the voice of the Lord (10b-11)

A. A loud voice, as of a trumpet (10b) Saying to him... v10b-11

Revelation 10b-11 10b and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

2. Saying to him... (11)

A. A loud voice, as of a trumpet (10b) Saying to him... v10b-11

1. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last”

2. “What you see, write in a book”

3. “Send it to the seven churches which are in Asia...”

Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea.

B. Jesus is giving John instructions.

1. The Angel gave the instructions first and Jesus has came to John in a vision and Jesus is giving those instructions in person.

*****Next we look at.....

III. What John saw. v12-17a

-17a 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.

III. What John saw. v12-17a

A. In these verses Jesus is described as.....

A. What does Jesus look like?

THE SON OF MAN SURROUNDED BY 7 LAMP STANDS

THE SON OF MAN SURROUNDED BY 7 LAMPSTANDS

The awesomeness of Jesus (12-17a)

CLOTHED IN A GARMENT DOWN TO HIS FEET

A GOLDEN BAND ABOUT HIS CHEST

HIS HAIR WHITE LIKE WOOL, AS WHITE AS SNOW

HIS EYES LIKE A FLAME OF FIRE

A. Turning to see the voice, he saw Jesus in the middle of His people v12-16

HIS FEET LIKE FINE BRASS AS IF REFINED IN A FURNACE

HIS VOICE AS THE SOUND OF MANY WATERS

IN HIS RIGHT HAND SEVEN STARS

THESE REPRESENTED THE ANGELS OF THE CHURCHES angels here means messenger.

OUT OF HIS MOUTH A SHARP TWO EDGED SWORD

HIS COUNTENANCE WAS LIKE THE SUN SHINING IN ITS STRENGTH.

B. Turning to see the voice, John saw Jesus in the middle of His people v12-13a

B. Turning to see the voice, he saw Jesus in the middle of His people v12-16

1. Seven golden lampstands v20b and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13a And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man,

1. Seven golden lampstands v20b and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Churches are very important to Jesus. He is aware of everything we do. He is always in our midst.

and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

He is always with us.

2. In the midst of the seven lampstands, One like the Son of Man[Jesus]

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

We, as a church have a job to do.

2. In the midst of the seven lampstands, One like the Son of Man[Jesus]

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

In addressing each of these congregations, God said that He knew their works. Knowing the challenges they were facing and how they were responding, He admonished them to repent of their mistakes and to remain faithful. Although their circumstances varied, this message was similar for each church. This message also pertains to us as a church today. Jesus knows us, the church at Bairoil, also. When we get into each letter, I want each of us to think;

20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.2. In the midst of the seven lampstands, One like the Son of Man[Jesus]

What would “The Letter to the church at Bairoil” say?

2. In the midst of the seven lampstands, One like the Son of Man[Jesus]

To the angel of the church in a given city, write:Jesus (depicted in glory, often in terms from 1:13–18) says:I know (in most instances offers some praise)But I have this against you (offers some reproof, where applicable)The one who has ears must pay attention to what the Spirit saysEschatological promise

2. In the midst of the seven lampstands, One like the Son of Man[Jesus]

Clothed with a garment down to the feet, girded about the chest with a golden band

The clothing of those of high rank and office; the golden girdle is also used of the seven angels (cf. 15:6) indicating their high ranking position. It is also priestly attire cf. ; . His head and hair white as wool, white as snow

golden band

His head and hair white as wool, white as snow

His eyes like a flame of fire

His feet like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace

His voice as the sound of many waters

3. When we look at this description, we see the glory of the resurrected Lord. v13b-16

clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

"Clothed with a garment down to the foot and girt about the paps with a golden girdle" v. 13b.

3. In His right hand, seven stars [angels of the seven churches]

) "One like unto the Son of Man" vrs. 13a.

This is Christ's Human form. cf. ; . Often used of Jesus in the New Testament indicating His relationship to man and signifying that He was a man ; also a messianic term cf.

"Clothed with a garment down to the foot and girt about the paps with a golden girdle" vrs. 13b.

The clothing of those of high rank and office; the golden girdle is also used of the seven angels (cf. 15:6) indicating their high ranking position. It is also priestly attire.

The clothing of those of high rank and office; the golden girdle is also used of the seven angels (cf. 15:6) indicating their high ranking position. It is also priestly attire cf. ; .

"His head and His hairs were white like wool as white as snow" v. 14a.

(3) "His head and His hairs were white like wool as white as snow" vrs. 14a.

White represents purity, holiness; descriptive of God.

White represents purity, holiness (cf. ) ; descriptive of God ().

"His eyes were as a flame of fire" v. 14b

(4) "His eyes were as a flame of fire" vrs. 14b

Bright, penetrating vision; omniscient[all knowing], infinite awareness, insight.

Bright, penetrating vision; omniscient, infinite awareness, insight.

"His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace" v. 15a.

(5) "His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace" vrs. 15a.

Symbolic of strength as pure, hard, metal; he will crush His enemies under His feet cf. ;

The seven stars; angels here means messenger.

Symbolic of strength as pure, hard, metal; he will crush His enemies under His feet cf. ;

"His voice as the sound of many waters" v. 15b.

(6) "His voice as the sound of many waters" vrs. 15b.

Great moving force; omnipotent, all powerful, almighty.

"He had in His right hand seven stars" vrs. 16a.

(7) "He had in His right hand seven stars" vrs. 16a.

These are the angels of the seven churches cf. . Signifies that Christ has all authority over the churches cf. .

"Clothed with a garment down to the foot and girt about the paps with a golden girdle" vrs. 13b.The clothing of those of high rank and office; the golden girdle is also used of the seven angels (cf. 15:6) indicating their high ranking position. It is also priestly attire cf. ; .

"Out of His mouth went a sharp two edge sword" v. 16b.

(8) "Out of His mouth went a sharp two edge sword" vrs. 16b.

The sword of Judgment as in 2:16 ; 19:15

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The sword of Judgment as in 2:16 ; 19:15 ; ; also used of the word, ; ; .

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

And the Word was made flesh,

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

"His countenance was as the sun shineth in His strength." v 16c.

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

"His countenance was as the sun shineth in His strength." v 16c.

(9) "His countenance was as the sun shineth in His strength." vrs 16c.

As the sun of a clear day at noon is too intense for the human eyes to stare at. This is descriptive of His majesty and His glory.

As the sun of a clear day at noon is too intense for the human eyes to stare at. This is descriptive of His majesty and His glory.cf. .

4. Each characteristic of Jesus listed here doesn’t need to be analyzed or dissected, but we need to take it as a whole. John’s vision is to remind us of Jesus’ power. We need to look at the whole, not the individual parts.

(3) "His head and His hairs were white like wool as white as snow" vrs. 14a.White represents purity, holiness (cf. ) ; descriptive of God ().(4) "His eyes were as a flame of fire" vrs. 14bBright, penetrating vision; omniscient, infinite awareness, insight.(5) "His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace" vrs. 15a.Symbolic of strength as pure, hard, metal; he will crush His enemies under His feet cf. ; (6) "His voice as the sound of many waters" vrs. 15b.Great moving force; omnipotent, all powerful, almighty.(7) "He had in His right hand seven stars" vrs. 16a.These are the angels of the seven churches cf. . Signifies that Christ has all authority over the churches cf. .(8) "Out of His mouth went a sharp two edge sword" vrs. 16b.The sword of Judgment as in 2:16 ; 19:15 ; ; also used of the word, ; ; .(9) "His countenance was as the sun shineth in His strength." vrs 16c.As the sun of a clear day at noon is too intense for the human eyes to stare at. This is descriptive of His majesty and His glory.cf. . The seven stars; angels here means messenger.

This is descriptive of His majesty and His glory.cf. . The seven stars; angels here means messenger.

5. This is descriptive of His majesty and His glory.cf. .

C. How did Jesus’ Presence Effect John?

C. How did Jesus’ Presence Effect John? v17-18

John fell at His like a dead man.

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

JOHN FELL AT HIS FEET LIKE A DEAD MAN

John fell at His like a dead man.

Fear had overcome him.

LOOK AT THAT DESCRIPTION OF WHO CHRIST IS:

D. Christ’s Reassurance to John: v17b-18

1. Jesus placed His right hand on John’s shoulder and tells hin not to be afraid. Basically saying, I am Almighty God, and I am with you.

THE FIRST AND THE LAST

(KJV) 5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

2. Jesus giving John evidence of who He is;

I am the first and the last:

THE FIRST AND THE LAST

I am he that liveth, and was dead;

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.THE FIRST AND THE LAST

HE WHO LIVES

I am alive for evermore

WAS DEAD

and have the keys of hell and of death

BUT IS ALIVE FOREVERMORE

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.BUT IS ALIVE FOREVERMORE

AND I HAVE THE KEYS OF HADES AND DEATH

B. The awesomeness of Jesus “v17a And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead”

*****When we look at what Jesus is telling John about Himself to reassure him, What do we get out of this? What is Jesus telling us today?

It means you have ownership

You have authority over that thing

Jesus is telling John not to be afraid, why?

Because He has the last word when it comes to death

He has authority over death

He had the power to lay his life down and to raise it back up again

Death is no longer in authority over us who are in Christ Jesus B. The awesomeness of Jesus “v17a And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead”

IV. What Jesus said-don’t fear life or death

IV. What Jesus said-don’t fear life or death v17b-18

Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, And his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; And beside me there is no God.

A. What John heard-the voice of the Lord

And his redeemer the Lord of hosts;

B. What John saw-Jesus in the middle of His people

C. What John felt-the desire to worship and comfort from Jesus

I am the first, and I am the last;

And beside me there is no God.

IV. What Jesus said-don’t fear life or death

If you have the keys to something

It means you have ownership

You have authority over that thing

A. Jesus is telling John and us, not to be afraid.

1. Because Jesus has the last word when it comes to death. He has authority over death.

He has authority over death

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

He had the power to lay his life down and to raise it back up again

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Death is no longer in authority over us who are in Christ Jesus.

Death is no longer in authority over us who are in Christ Jesus

(KJV) 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

(KJV) 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

(KJV) 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Conclusion: Eugene Peterson, in his book, Reversed Thunder, says that Revelation doesn’t say anything that hasn’t already been said in the other 65 books of the Bible. We can know the gospel of Jesus Christ without having to read Revelation.

We serve a God that cannot be fully known. Revelation encourages us to see, to dream, ultimately to encourage us in faith. We can’t fully imagine the glory and power of God. John’s descriptions help.

The church is meant to be a light for the world () just as the nation of Israel was meant to be a holy and unique nation (). Osborne writes, “the churches are depicted as shining lights for God in the midst of a hostile world” (Osborne, Revelation��, 87).

A lampstand gives light, yet it does not create it. Jesus is there to help and the Holy Spirit gives us guidance. This vision is for us, Bairoil Community Baptist Church.