The Resurrected King

The Resurrected King

Revelation 1:12-18

Main Idea: The resurrection of Christ shows his glory and authority and gives us hope in place of fear.

I. The Revelation of Christ (1:12-16)

The Apostle John is given a vision of the resurrected and glorified Lord Jesus, ruling and reigning from heaven as the “Son of Man” (cf. Dan. 7:13-14). He is presented as the one fulfilling the role of:

  • Prophet (“the voice speaking to me”)

  • Priest (“clothed with a long robe”)

  • King (“golden sash around his chest”) 

“Jesus was not standing off at a distance while his followers suffered for him. He was right there with them, walking in the midst of them, keeping their fire for the gospel burning, correcting them, watching over them, strengthening them. Some people in this world today are so suspect of the church. They’ve seen too much of what they’ve labeled as hypocrisy, and even though they might be interested in Jesus, the last place they want to be found is in the church. But Jesus is not ashamed to be found in the midst of his imperfect church. It is his preferred place to be. He chooses to be in and among his imperfect people who follow him and serve him in imperfect ways.”

~ Nancy Guthrie, Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation

John describes (in figurative language) seven things he sees about Jesus’ glorified appearance:

  1. White hair: eternal divine wisdom (cf. Dan. 7:9)

  2. Eyes like a flame of fire: penetrating discernment (cf. Dan. 10:6)

  3. Feet like burnished bronze: strength and stability (cf. Dan. 10:6)

  4. Voice like the roar of many waters: power and majesty (cf. Psalm 29:3; 93:4)

  5. Right hand holding seven stars: sovereign care for his people (cf. Dan. 12:3)

  6. Mouth: a sharp two-edged sword: cutting words of judgment or salvation (cf. Isa. 49:2, Heb. 4:12)

  7. Face radiant and shining like the sun: divine glory (cf. Ex. 34:29ff, Num. 6:25, Mt. 17:2)

II. The Resurrection of Christ (1:17-18)

Though John responds appropriately to this majestic, glorious, and overwhelming revelation of Christ (cf. Isa. 6:5; Jn. 17:6), Jesus touches him and meets him with his grace.

John is told to “fear not” because:

  • “I am the first and the last” (cf. Isa. 41:4; 44:6; 48:12)

  • “I am the living one… I died and behold I am alive forevermore”

Acts 2:23–24: … this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

  • “I have the keys of Death and Hades” 

The revelation and the resurrection of Christ means…

  1. He is worthy of our worship

  2. We have hope beyond the grave

  3. We can fear not

“There is no possible cause for fear to any soul that believes in Christ. You shall ransack the corruptions of your heart within; you shall count your trials without; you shall imagine all the tribulations that shall come tomorrow; you shall reflect on all the sins that were with you yesterday and in the past; you shall peer into the shades of death and horrors of hell, but I declare solemnly to you that there is nothing in any of these which you, believing in Christ, have any cause to fear… Carry this fearlessness in your life. Be of good courage. Jesus is King of Hades. Fear not.”

~ Charles Spurgeon, “Christ with the Keys of Death and Hell”

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