Revelation Series Study Sheet
Revelation Series Study Sheet Week 3—May 6 Message Title: Seeing Jesus Text: Revelation 1:9-20
Read Revelation 1:9-20 What are your initial impressions of this vision of Jesus? What stands out to you? What is reassuring or frightening? The vision brings out three main ideas about Jesus... 1. Jesus is the world’s true king “Son of Man” (v13) – read Daniel 7:13-14. What are the parallels between the Son of Man in this passage and Jesus in Revelation 1? What does the phrase “Son of Man” tell us about Jesus? Holding seven stars (v16)—The Roman Emperor Domitian minted coins with a picture of his son on them, sitting atop a globe, holding seven stars. Jesus also likens the seven stars to the seven churches of Revelation (v20). What does the image of Jesus holding seven stars tell us about him? What hope can we take from the image of Jesus as the world’s rightful king? How can that practically encourage you in your present circumstances? 2. Jesus is our priest Robe and sash (v13)—these are the garments of the high priest: see Exodus 28:4-5. Jesus’ sash is gold because his priesthood is indestructible. Jesus is our high priest who has sacrificed himself for our sins. What assurance does this give you? When priests went into the temple, they would light the lamp stand with oil so that it would give light. Jesus is pictured as walking among the lamp stands, which represent the churches. What encouragement and comfort does this image of Jesus walking among the lamp stands give you? 3. Jesus is the world’s judge Eyes of blazing fire (v14—see also Rev 19:12). This symbolises Jesus’ ability to see into the hearts of people and empires.
How do you feel knowing that Jesus can see straight into your heart, and see every thought, attitude and hidden action? Why is it so important to keep the images of Jesus as our judge and priest together? Sword coming out of his mouth (v16—see also Rev 19:15). Why is the sword coming out of Jesus’ mouth and not in his hand? Jesus conquers not through violence and brute force but by his faithful witness. His witness is both his word and deed, exemplified by his faithful death on the cross in obedience to God. Through his death he conquered sin, death and Satan. His death is also the basis of his future judgement—those who have not accepted his death on their behalf will be separated from God for eternity. What is your response to the image of Jesus with the sword coming out of his mouth? How should it motivate us? Which aspect of this vision do you most need to focus on in your life?
Additional notes on other aspects of the vision:
Bronze feet—symbolise Jesus’ strength (Dan 10:6). Voice like rushing waters—identifies him with God himself (Ezek 43:1). Hair white like wool—identifies him as God (Dan 7:9). Face shining like the sun—May indicate Jesus’ glory, reminiscent of his transfiguration (Matt 17:2)
Read Revelation 1:9-20 What are your initial impressions of this vision of Jesus? What stands out to you? What is reassuring or frightening? The vision brings out three main ideas about Jesus... 1. Jesus is the world’s true king “Son of Man” (v13) – read Daniel 7:13-14. What are the parallels between the Son of Man in this passage and Jesus in Revelation 1? What does the phrase “Son of Man” tell us about Jesus? Holding seven stars (v16)—The Roman Emperor Domitian minted coins with a picture of his son on them, sitting atop a globe, holding seven stars. Jesus also likens the seven stars to the seven churches of Revelation (v20). What does the image of Jesus holding seven stars tell us about him? What hope can we take from the image of Jesus as the world’s rightful king? How can that practically encourage you in your present circumstances? 2. Jesus is our priest Robe and sash (v13)—these are the garments of the high priest: see Exodus 28:4-5. Jesus’ sash is gold because his priesthood is indestructible. Jesus is our high priest who has sacrificed himself for our sins. What assurance does this give you? When priests went into the temple, they would light the lamp stand with oil so that it would give light. Jesus is pictured as walking among the lamp stands, which represent the churches. What encouragement and comfort does this image of Jesus walking among the lamp stands give you? 3. Jesus is the world’s judge Eyes of blazing fire (v14—see also Rev 19:12). This symbolises Jesus’ ability to see into the hearts of people and empires.
How do you feel knowing that Jesus can see straight into your heart, and see every thought, attitude and hidden action? Why is it so important to keep the images of Jesus as our judge and priest together? Sword coming out of his mouth (v16—see also Rev 19:15). Why is the sword coming out of Jesus’ mouth and not in his hand? Jesus conquers not through violence and brute force but by his faithful witness. His witness is both his word and deed, exemplified by his faithful death on the cross in obedience to God. Through his death he conquered sin, death and Satan. His death is also the basis of his future judgement—those who have not accepted his death on their behalf will be separated from God for eternity. What is your response to the image of Jesus with the sword coming out of his mouth? How should it motivate us? Which aspect of this vision do you most need to focus on in your life?
Additional notes on other aspects of the vision:
Bronze feet—symbolise Jesus’ strength (Dan 10:6). Voice like rushing waters—identifies him with God himself (Ezek 43:1). Hair white like wool—identifies him as God (Dan 7:9). Face shining like the sun—May indicate Jesus’ glory, reminiscent of his transfiguration (Matt 17:2)
