A Glimpse of Jesus Like Never Before (Revelation 1:1–20)
The book of Revelation is one of the most fascinating and powerful parts of the Bible. It’s full of visions, symbols, and messages about the end of time and the return of Jesus. But before it talks about future events, it starts with a stunning picture of who Jesus is right now—glorious, powerful, and alive.
Let’s explore Revelation chapter 1 together and see what it tells us about Jesus, His message to the church, and how we should respond.
The Message Comes from Jesus
Revelation begins by explaining that this message was given by God to Jesus, who then passed it on to an angel, who gave it to John—the same John who followed Jesus as a disciple.
John is told to write down what he sees and send it to seven churches in Asia (modern-day Turkey). These churches were going through tough times, and God wanted to encourage and warn them.
Right from the start, there’s a blessing:
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy… because the time is near.” (v. 3)
This means Revelation isn’t meant to confuse us. It’s a message of hope, and we are blessed when we read it and pay attention.
Grace, Peace, and a Reminder of Who Jesus Is
John greets the churches and gives them grace and peace from God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ.
He describes Jesus beautifully:
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The faithful witness (He told the truth, no matter what).
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The first to rise from the dead (He defeated death).
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The ruler of the kings of the earth (He’s in charge now and forever).
Then John praises Jesus:
“To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood…” (v. 5)
Jesus didn’t just save us—He made us part of His kingdom and gave us a purpose.
And John reminds us of what’s coming:
“Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him…” (v. 7)
Jesus is coming back, and no one will miss it. It’s a promise we can hold onto.
John Sees Jesus in His Glory
John was exiled on the island of Patmos for teaching about Jesus. While he was there, he had a powerful vision—he heard a loud voice like a trumpet and turned to see Jesus in a way he had never seen before.
Jesus looked glorious and powerful:
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He wore a long robe with a gold sash (like a King or High Priest).
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His hair was white like snow (symbolizing wisdom and purity).
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His eyes were like fire (seeing everything clearly).
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His feet were like glowing bronze (strong and firm).
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His voice sounded like rushing waters (powerful and overwhelming).
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He held seven stars in His right hand.
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A sharp sword came from His mouth (representing truth and judgment).
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His face shone like the sun.
John was so overwhelmed, he fell at Jesus’ feet as if he were dead. But Jesus touched him and said:
“Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!” (v. 17–18)
Jesus reminds John (and us) that He has defeated death and holds the keys to life and eternity.
The Mystery of the Stars and Lampstands
Jesus explains part of the vision to John:
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The seven stars are angels (or messengers) of the seven churches.
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The seven lampstands are the churches themselves.
This means Jesus stands among the churches, watching over them, guiding them, and holding their leaders in His hand. Even when things seem dark, He is with us.
Final Thoughts
Revelation 1 isn’t just the beginning of a mysterious book—it’s a reminder of who Jesus really is today:
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He is alive, not just a figure from history.
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He is powerful, ruling over everything.
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He is with His people, even in hard times.
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He is coming again, and we need to be ready.
If you’re feeling discouraged, scared, or unsure about the future, look again at Jesus the way John saw Him. He is more than enough to give you peace, courage, and hope.
Note: The messages to the seven churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea are told in chapters 2 and 3.
Revelation 1:1-20 (WEB)
1:1 This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel to his servant, John, 2 who testified to God’s word and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, about everything that he saw.3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for the time is near.4 John, to the seven assemblies that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from God, who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before his throne; 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us, and washed us from our sins by his blood— 6 and he made us to be a Kingdom, priests to his God and Father—to him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. Even so, Amen.8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”9 I John, your brother and partner with you in the oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the isle that is called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet 11 saying, “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”12 I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands. 13 And among the lamp stands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 His head and his hair were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. 15 His feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters. 16 He had seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man.He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last, 18 and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades. 19 Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will happen hereafter. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven assemblies. The seven lamp stands are seven assemblies.