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Red Script = Main Point / Blue Script= Directive / Yellow Script= Do not miss this point / Double underline= Important to remember / Boxed= Biblical Text & SDA Commentary Reference / GREEN SCRIPT: A Possible AnswerLesson #3Jesus and the Book of RevelationApril 14-20/21
Memory Text: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Revelation 3:21, NIV).
Even the quickest reading of the New Testament reveals an important truth: the New Testament is directly tied to the Old. Time and time again the Gospels and the Epistles either refer to events in the Old Testament or quote directly or indirectly from it. And when referring to Himself and His ministry, how often did Jesus talk about how the “Scriptures” need to be “fulfilled” (see Matt. 26:54, 56; Mark 14:49; John 13:18; 17:12) ?
The same thing can be said for the book of Revelation. Indeed, it’s all but impossible to make sense of the book of Revelation apart from the Old Testament, especially the book of Daniel. This is one reason why we often study both books together.
A crucial aspect of those Old Testament references in Revelation is that, taken together with the rest of the book, they reveal Jesus.Revelation is all about Jesus, about who He is, about what He has done for His people, and about what He will do for us at the end of time. Of necessity, any focus on last-day events must keep Jesus front and center, exactly what the book of Revelation does.This week’s lesson looks at Jesus in the book of Revelation.
SundayThe Structure of RevelationApril 15
Among the many things that Daniel and Revelation have in common is their two basic divisions: historical and eschatological (end-time events). Both these concepts are intricately linked in each book. We may view the historical events as precursors, or examples, even if on a smaller scale, of grand and global events in the last days. That is, by studying what happened in Old Testament history, we can have insights for what will happen in our days and beyond. This principle, however, is not limited only to Daniel and Revelation.
Read1 Corinthians 10:1-11. In these verses how do we see the principle talked about above?
1 Corinthians 10:1-11(Old Testament Examples)1Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea,Fathers. The church at Corinth was composed of both converted idolaters and Christian Jews. Therefore this reference to the “fathers,” which obviously points to the Israelites under Moses, shows that the Christian church is the continuation of the people of God and has the right to claim spiritual descent from the line of true worshipers back through the centuries of Israel’s history (see Rom. 2:28, 29; Gal. 3:28, 29).[1]2all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,3all ate the same spiritual food,4and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.5But with most of them God was not well pleased, fortheir bodieswere scattered in the wilderness.6Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.7And do not become idolaters asweresome of them. As it is written,“The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”8Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;9nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;10nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.11Now allthese things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
A POSSIBLE ANSWER: The members of the church at Corinth were doubtless at least partially acquainted with the story of the experiences of the ancient Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, but Paul wanted them to remember these things and allow the example of the Israelites to influence their conduct. So here we see the principle in Paul’s referring his readers to the Children of Israel’s lusting after evil things during their wilderness experience as an example of what they should not do.
As we found last week, some of the stories in Daniel (Dan. 3:6, 15, 27; and 6:6-9, 21, 22) were localized historical incidents that reflect, somewhat, the end-time events depicted in Revelation. By studying these stories, we can get glimpses and insights into some of the things that God’s people will face on a broader scale in the end. Perhaps, though, the most important point is that, regardless of our immediate situation here, we are assured of ultimate deliverance. Whatever else Revelation teaches, it assures the faithful of victory.
Though there are some exceptions, the historical portion of Revelation is chapters 1-11, followed by the end-time chapters 13-22.
ReadRevelation 12:1-17. Where should we place this chapter, historical or end events, and why?
12:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. 3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and [to] his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days. 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. 13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man [child]. 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
A POSSIBLE ANSWER: Probably, bridging the two because the chapter refers to historical activities but goes on to the last day events that wereto take place after the writing of the New Testament.
As we can see, this chapter belongs to both segments. Why? Because it talks about historical conflicts — the expulsion of Satan from heaven (Rev. 12:7-9), Satan’s attack on baby Jesus (Rev. 12:4), and the persecution of the church in subsequent church history (Rev. 12:14-16) — followed by a depiction of the devil’s attack on the end-time remnant (Rev. 12:17) .
It has been said that one of the lessons we learn from history is that we never learn from history. The idea is that regardless of when they live, people keep making the same mistakes. With so much history behind us to learn from, how can we avoid making the same mistakes?A POSSIBLE ANSWER: 1) Study the life-experiences of others who were a part of history. 2) Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help us to have an ongoing conversion experience where our hearts are softened and teachable. 3) Be intentional about living out the life of Christ and putting into practicethat which we learn.
MondayThe Images of JesusApril 16
Read the following texts, which have various names for Jesus in them and in some cases descriptions of Him and what He has done, is doing, or will do. What do the texts teach us about Jesus?
Revelation 1:5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washedus from our sins in His own blood,First begotten. Gr. prōtotokos, “firstborn” (see on Matt. 1:25; Rom. 8:29; cf. on John 1:14). Though Jesus was not the first to rise from the dead in point of time, He may be regarded as first in the sense that all others resurrected before and after Him gained their freedom from the bonds of death only by virtue of His triumph over the grave. His power to lay down His life and to take it again (John 10:18) sets Him apart from all other men ever to come forth from the grave, and characterizes Him as the source of all life (see Rom. 14:9; 1 Cor. 15:12–23; see on John 1:4, 7–9). This title, with the one that follows, reflects the thought of Ps. 89:27. Prince. Or, “ruler.” This world is Christ’s legitimate domain. Christ triumphed over sin and won back the lost heritage of Adam, and is the rightful ruler of mankind (Col. 2:15; cf. Col. 1:20; see Rev. 11:15). At the last day all men will recognize Him as such (see Rev. 5:13). But, recognized or not, Christ has overruled the affairs of earth for the completion of His eternal purpose (see on Dan. 4:17). The plan of redemption, made a historical fact by His life, death, and resurrection, has unfolded step by step toward that great day of triumph. See Rev. 19:15, 16. That loved us. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “that loves us.” True, the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ is now a historical fact, but He “love us” now fully as much as when He made the supreme gift of His Son. Washed. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “loosed.” This difference doubtless arose from the similarity between the Greek words louō, “to wash,” and luō, “to loose.” To be “loosed” from sins is to be set free from the penalty and power of sin (see on John 3:16; Rom. 6:16–18, 21, 22). In his own blood. Or, “by His blood,” that is, by Christ’s death on the cross. It was a vicarious sacrifice (see on Isa. 53:4–6; cf. DA 25).
A POSSIBLE ANSWER: It teaches us that JesusChrist is the “faithful witness” in that He is the perfect representative of God’s character, mind, and will to mankind (see on John 1:1, 14). His sinless life and His sacrificial death testify of the Father’s holiness and love (see John 14:10; see on ch. 3:16).
Revelation 1:18IamHe who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.18. He that liveth. Gr. ho zōn, “the living [One],” apparently from the familiar OT term ’El chai, “living God” (Joshua 3:10; etc.). The form of the verb here used implies continuous, living, abiding life. This declaration is particularly meaningful in view of the fact that He “was dead.” “In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived” (DA 530; see 785). “In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (see on John 1:4).Was dead. Literally, “became dead,” a reference to the crucifixion. Here is a clear indication that the One who appeared to John in vision was Christ.I am alive. Gr. zōn eimi, “I am living,” that is, I have continuing life, life that does not end, life that is self-perpetuating (see Vol. V, pp. 917–919; see on John 5:26). In spite of the death He suffered for the human race, Christ continues to be “the living [One],” for He is God. “The divinity of Christ is the believer’s assurance of eternal life” (DA 530). See on Rev. 1:5. The word eimi, “I am,” implies continuous existence and stands in striking contrast with egenomēn, “I was [literally, “became”]” dead.For evermore. See on v. 6.Keys. Keys are a symbol of power and jurisdiction. Compare on Matt. 16:19; cf. Luke 11:52.
Hell. Gr. hadēs, “the abode of the dead,” “the grave” (see on Matt. 11:23). Christ’s resurrection is the assurance that the righteous will rise “in the resurrection at the last day” (John 11:24) to life everlasting (see on John 11:25; Rev. 1:5).
A POSSIBLE ANSWER: This teaches us that Jesusis the one who is continuously living, became dead, has continuing life that does not end and is self perpetuating plus He has the power and jurisdiction over the abode of the dead.
Revelation 5:8(Worthy Is the Lamb)8Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
A POSSIBLE ANSWER: Here, Jesus isthe one who took the scroll and is worshiped by those representing the church.
Revelation 19:11-15 (Christ on a White Horse)11Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on himwascalled Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.Doth judge and make war. He executes judgment by waging war. This war is against the political and military forces of earth, which had assembled to destroy His faithful servants (see on chs. 13:15; 16:13, 14, 16, 17). 12His eyeswerelike a flame of fire, and on His headweremany crowns. He hada name written that no one knew except Himself.13Hewasclothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.14And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean,followed Him on white horses.15Now out of His mouth goes a sharpsword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
A POSSIBLE ANSWER: Christ is seen descending from heaven as King of kings (v. 16) in power and majesty to deliver His faithful people from those who are bent upon their destruction (cf. GC 641). The scene described in vs. 11–21 is the climax of “the battle of that great day of God Almighty,” often called the battle of Armageddon (see on ch. 16:12–19; cf. 6T 406). (Ibid)
Revelation 21:6And He said to me, “It is done!I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 1:8 Alpha and Omega. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, loosely comparable with the expression “A to Z.” The phrase indicates completeness, comprehensiveness, and is the same in meaning as “the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (ch. 22:13). In this instance the speaker is “the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come,” identified in ch. 1:4 as God the Father (see comment there). However, in vs. 11–18 the expression “Alpha and Omega” is clearly identified with Christ, who also declares Himself to be “the first and the last.” In ch. 22:13 the phrase “Alpha and Omega” refers to Christ, as is evident from v. 16. The Father and the Son share these timeless attributes (see Additional Note on John 1).
A POSSIBLE ANSWER: Jesus is the one whodeclares what God had promised through His holy prophets and to which His righteous people have looked forward with eager anticipation. They, who thirst, receive the “Water of Life” from Him.
These are only a few of the many texts in Revelation that depict Jesus in various roles and functions.He is the Lamb, which points to His first coming, in which He offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:7). He was also the One who “was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore”(Rev. 1:18), a clear reference to His death and resurrection from the dead. “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day” (Luke 24:46, ASV). And in Revelation 19:11-15, He is depicted in His role at the Second Coming, when He will return to the earth in power and glory and judgment. “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works” (Matt. 16:27, NKJV).