Jesus The Living One
Revelation 1:1-20
Key Verse: 1:18
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! An I hold the key of death and Hades.”
From this week, we are going to study Revelation. Some of us might be very excited to discover what happens in the future by interpreting its prophecies. Some others might be afraid to study this book, imagining a dragon, beasts, wars, earthquakes, disasters, and cosmic catastrophes. This book is full of symbols, animals, numbers; and things we might not fully understand. However, as we study, we need to keep in mind the main point of this book. Just like Luke’s gospel, it is Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, who was raised from the dead, and who is coming again to judge the evil and to save His Holy people.
The atmosphere we are living in is so chaotic and confused. What is evil is called good, and what is good is called evil. Recently, “Gender-related issues” called genderism” or “genderidology” has sparked debates, disagreements and even divisions within church congregations and denominations, including the United Methodist church. It is a sign that America is drifting in the direction of Sodom and Gomorrah. As the truth is distorted, sexual immorality, injustice and pragmatism increasingly pervade society under the guise of “Culture.” Eventually it becomes a Mainstream.
In such environment, we Christians are indeed engaging in intense spiritual warfare against the prevailing “culture” and its mainstream influences. Every day in every area of our lives, we will face challenges to compromise our faith. This is why we need to study Revelation. The word of God will open our spiritual eyes to know and see this spiritual warfare. The Word of God will empower us to be victorious and receive Victor’s crown, the crown of eternal life.
Chapter 1 tells what this book is about and how the vision of the glorified Jesus came to John. This vision may come to us. This glorified Jesus is the Living God and this Jesus is coming. When we see the glorified Jesus, everything changes. Let’s see and hear the glorified Jesus!
First, the revelation of Jesus Christ (1-3).
Look at verse 1. “The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.” The word “revelation” comes from the Greek word “apocalypsis,” which means “disclosure and unveiling.” Hidden things –mystery-should be revealed someone. Then, where does this prophecy come from? This revelation comes from Jesus Christ. We call this book Revelation of John, but to be precise, it could be called Revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the authors of this prophesy. God gave it Jesus. He made it known to his servant, John by sending his angel. John simply wrote what he saw and heard. This divine origin assures us that this prophesy is reliable and authentic. This is not words of John, but the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
Then, what is it “that must soon take place”? It is completing God’s salvation plan through His righteous judgment. It is God’s divine judgment over the evil to fulfill God’s righteousness and to bring the kingdom of God. God’s final judgment must come to put sin to the end and the New Heaven and the new earth will come.
We love to tell the wonderful story of Jesus who came to save us by offering himself as the Lamb of God. His sacrificial love moves our heart to repent of our sins with tears. Through his resurrection from the dead, Jesus gives us the living hope in the kingdom of God. His death and resurrection is the gospel of Jesus. Those who respond to the gospel of Jesus by faith receive the grace of forgiveness sins. Not only that, but also Jesus’ coming is the gospel of Jesus which people should respond by faith.
These prophesy is not about knowing events or symbols. It is about knowing God and Jesus. In this book, God does not give us a list of signs to look for and debate about. God reveals himself in this prophecy so that we can know him deeply and personally. We may study this book to go deeper in our relationship with Jesus; to deepen our trust in God; to increase our faith in God.
Let’s read verse 3 aloud: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” The word “blessed” refers to happiness which comes from God–true spiritual blessings. These blessings are given to those who read aloud the word of God, hear it and take it to heart. The word of God will lead them to know the truth, empower them to overcome the world; make them wise to have knowledge of salvation. Reading aloud means public reading among a congregation. It means to share God’s word with our friends or our family members or classmates in small groups. When we do so, we will be blessed, experiencing the power of God’s word.
UBF stands for University Bible Reading Fellowship. We do not just read it, but also studied the word of God by making Bible Study materials. We take pride no in getting A’s, but in filling all our bookshelves with hand-written Bible Study Materials. We memorize it; recite it; sing it; dramatize it, dance to it; write a poem about it. In this way, we struggle to take one word of God to our hearts. When we do so, God has blessed us to know the gospel of Jesus. God has blessed UBF ministry to raise hepherds, and missionaries and send them out over 98 countries. Thank God for blessing our Bible Reading Fellowship for the last 3 weeks. We may all read Revelation aloud 100 times. Also, we may make Bible Study Materials for each lesson so that we may be ready to teach and proclaim the gospel of Jesus by faith.
Second, blessings from the Father, Spirit and Son (4-8).
Now John introduces himself as the sender of the letter, and greets his audience, the seven churches in the province of Asia. Look at verse 4b. “Grace and peace to you…” This grace is unconditional and undeserved kindness. Peace is wholeness and well-being; in Hebrew it is “Shalom.” This blessing of grace and peace was given to the 7 churches. In reality, Christians were facing hostilities and persecutions from their own families, brothers, communities, societies, and governments because of their faith. Because they served the one and only God, they refused to worship any other idols, and refused to offer sacrifices to Roman Emperors. Because of their faith, they were misunderstood as rebels against Roman and even labeled as a cult practicing annibalism. Then, Roman Emperors unleashed official persecutions against Christians. Many were beheaded, burned, or made the sport of wild beasts in the arena and burned alive as living torches.
Then, who or what can bring grace and peace to them? No human being, organization or nation can give them true grace and peace. Then, who? Such grace and peace are from God the Father, the Spirit and the Son, Jesus Christ. God is “him who is, and who was, and who is to come.” Only eternal God can have such name. He is here in the present, was there in the past and is there in the future for he is eternal. The seven spirits refer to the Holy Spirit in perfection and fullness. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of grace and produces peace in believers’ lives (Heb 10:29; Gal 5:22). Then, John focuses on Jesus: who he is, what he has done, and what he will do (5-7).
Jesus is the faithful witness. He always speaks and represents the truth, even when it is costly. As we learned in Luke’s gospel, Jesus boldly testified to the truth despite facing hatred from the religious leaders. While Jesus was on trial before Pilate, he said, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (Jn 18:37). Jesus is the firstborn from the dead. Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth. God gave him all authority in heaven and on earth. God exalted him to the highest place for Jesus had humbled himself and become obedience to death, even death on a cross.
In reality, it seemed like the Roman Emperor Domitian ruled the world and determined their destiny. He was so powerful that he claimed to be Lord and god “Dominus et Deus.” It seems like our lives are ruled or controlled by earthly powers, such as the president, the mayor, our boss, and so on. But that’s not true. Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth. Our lives are in Jesus’ hand.
Verses 5b-6 tell us what Jesus has done for us: “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God and Father–to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” Though Jesus is the sovereign Ruler, he does not use his power like worldly rulers do. Rather, he uses his great power for us. He loves us. He loves us so much that he gave his life as a ransom for our sins. In this way, Jesus has freed us from our sins by his blood. Moreover, Jesus has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father. Thank God for reminding us of who Jesus is. Jesus is the one who lay down his life for us on a cross; the one who shed his blood to wash away all our sins; the one who give us his righteousness and fully restore us God’s purpose upon us to serve Him, the living God. Especially Jesus was the good shepherd who protected them; fought for them; fed them; gave them purpose of their lives; plant them the hope of the kingdom of God. Praise Jesus!
Why might John tell us all about Jesus? It serves as a reminder that Jesus is worthy of all glory, honor and praise from us. It is also meant to encourage and convince all believers to put their faith in this Jesus even in such hopeless times.
Look at verse 7. This is what John wanted to tell. “Look, he is coming with the clouds,’ and ‘every eye will see him, even those who pierced him’; and all peoples on earth ‘will mourn because of him.’ So shall it be! Amen.” “Look, he is coming!” This is the message John wanted to deliver; this is what about the Book of Revelation. “Look, he is coming.” Jesus will appear in a cloud of glory. When he comes, “every eye will see him.” It will be very different than his first coming. It will be universal. He will not be as the humble servant, but as the King and Judge of all mankind. So, pay attention to this Revelation, so that we all may be ready for His coming. Look, he is coming. It is imminent. But still, we have opportunity to hear the word Jesus, repent and turn to God and be saved. When he is appears, there will be no more opportunity to be saved. Therefore, read and study Revelation. It is very serious matter. John affirmed this, saying, “So shall it be! Amen.” The Lord God stamped his seal of approval, declaring, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (8).
God is the Alpha and the Omega. There are the first and the 24th, last letters of the Greek letters God is the beginning for he is the creator. Everything comes to its being by His will. (Rev5:11) God is the very beginning, origin of our lives. We are from God. God is the Omega. It means that God has the authority and power to bring the end of all creation. It means that he is the sovereign Ruler of history. “He is coming” is what God will do. God will bring ultimate victory. God’s ultimate sovereignty and victory surely strengthen all believers through trials. The return of Jesus and the final judgment remind them of their glorious future. The Lord God is eternal and almighty in fulfilling his salvation plan. No one and nothing can stop Jesus’ coming again in glory.
Third, glorified Jesus among the seven churches (9-20).
When you hear the news “Look, he is coming.” What kind of image do you expect to see when he comes again? Here John told us the vision he saw, the vision of glorified Christ Jesus. Look at verse 9. John had been exiled in the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. He absolutely held on to the word of God “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” He boldly testified that Jesus is the Lord. At that time (94AD), he was the last surviving apostles, so he had become the primary target. Paul was beheaded and Peter was crucified upside down by Nero. Tradition says that Roman authorities attempted to boil him in oil, but he was miraculously persevered. Since they could not kill him, they exiled him. Even in the suffering, there is God’s purpose and plan for him. He testified that it was not Emperor Domitian, but it was because of the word of God and because of Jesus. John identified himself as a brother and companion who shared in their suffering, kingdom and patient endurance (9). He was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus. Rather he joyfully joined with brothers in suffering for the gospel (2ti1:8)
Then, what did he see on the Lord’s Day? When he was in the Spirit, he heard behind him a loud voice like a trumpet (10). John turned around to see the voice that was speaking to him. Then, he saw seven golden lampstands. These 7 golden lampstands represent the 7 churches (20). These lamps represented God’s light shining in the world. In the same way, the church is the light of the world. He saw someone like a son of man. The son of man is Jesus. Jesus was among the 7 lamp stands, 7 churches. Among the churches, Jesus protects them, empowers them, and guides them. While going through the persecutions, many might wonder where God was, struggling to survive. Jesus wanted to help them know that he was with them in their midst and courage them to stand firm to the end. In his letters to the churches, Jesus said “I know your deeds , your love and faith, your service, and perseverance; your afflictions; where you live.” Knowing each of them personally and deeply, Jesus praised them; rebuked them; and counseled them with the word of truth. Likewise, Jesus is among us; he knows our deeds; he knows our spiritual problems; he praises us; rebuke us, and councils us with the word of God.
Look at verse 13-16. John described the glorified Jesus, who is full of glory, power and authority. He was dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet with a golden sash around his chest (13); it means that Jesus is the Great High Priest for us. The hair on his head was white, like wool or snow, signifying the purity and wisdom of God (14a). His eyes, like blazing fire, represent his ability to see through all hypocrisy and lies to perceive the truth about our sin, faith and life direction (14b). No one can hide the truth from him or deceive him. His feet were like bronze, glowing in a furnace (15a). These powerful feet refer to his ultimate triumph over all the forces of evil. His voice was like the sound of rushing waters (15b). His word has power to purify, refresh and regenerate people. In his right hand he held seven stars, which represent the angels of the seven churches (16a; 20). These angels represent God’s messengers who delivered his words to his people. Coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword; his word gives life to those who accept it and judges those who reject it. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance (16b). Jesus’ face reflects God’s holiness and glory. Just as the sun dispels the dark of night, so Jesus burns away all spiritual darkness with the brilliance of his presence. This glorious image of Jesus tells us so many wonderful things about Jesus. All things lead us to one conclusion about Jesus. It is that Jesus is God; Jesus is the Lord who has all authority and power.
This vision of the glorified Jesus was so awesome and holy that when John saw him, he fell at his feet as though dead (17a). Though he had seen the glimpsed his glory at the Mount of Transfiguration, when he saw Jesus as he truly is, he was overwhelmed. When John was helpless, Jesus placed his right hand on him and said, “Do not be afraid.” How could he do so and why? Jesus said, “I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One. I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”(17b-18) Though the image shows us much, Jesus himself clearly declared who he is. This Jesus is the Creator of all life. He holds time and space his hands and controls History from beginning to end. He conquered the power of sin and death through his death and resurrection. He has the authority to determine who goes to eternal glory and to eternal condemnation. This Jesus is the Living God among us.
Jesus told John to write down what he has seen, what is now, and what will take place later and send it to the seven churches: “Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. These 7 churches represent all churches in all ages. So, this vision and even the letters we are going to study are for us. This book of Revelation is given to us, so that we may prepare ourselves for his coming; we may be victorious to receive the crowns of life, the eternal life in the kingdom of God.
Living sinful and adulterous generation, we are engaging in the spiritual warfare. To be victorious in this battle, we should hold onto Jesus, the Living One. This Jesus is the First and the Last. Jesus is God, Almighty. Seeing the glorified Jesus standing at the right hand of God, Stephen was faithful to the truth to the point of death. While he was stoned, Stephen prayed “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Christians had been executed in the arena on account of their faith. Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, arrested by the Roman proconsul. Because of his age, the Roman proconsul gave Him a final chance to live by renouncing Christ. He turned to the proconsul and boldly declared, “Eighty-six years I have served him, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my king who saved me?” He was burned to death. As long as they hold onto Jesus, they overcame the world and became victorious even through their death.
We can conclude this bible study with Hebrews 12:2-3 “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Let us fix our eyes on glorified Jesus who sits at the right hand of the throne of God. Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, we may run this race of faith to the end.