Week of September 22, 2024
The book of Revelation begins by calling itself “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” Likely this means that it is from Jesus and also very much about Jesus. On a repeated basis, there are names and symbols connected with Jesus that speak to both his almighty rule (King of Kings and Lord of Lords) and also his humble sacrifice (the Lamb who was slain). Allow this week’s Scripture to reveal to you freshly the grandeur and goodness of Jesus Christ, your Savior and Lord.
Monday | Revelation 1
If you don’t mind highlighting in your Bible, highlight every instance in chapter 1 in which Jesus is named or given a designation (like “firstborn from the dead”). How many did you find? (Pastor Mark counts 12, including 3 in v.8 which speaks of the Lord God) Which of the names or designations do you find most meaningful and why? What do you think the emphasis on Jesus being “first and last” seeks to communicate? Why might there be two statements pointing to the resurrected Jesus?
Tuesday | Revelation 5
Continue your highlighting of Jesus’ names and designations in chapter 5. What does it mean that Jesus is the Lion of Judah? Why is he called the Lamb? Who first called Jesus the Lamb (see John 1:29)? That the Lamb was slain references back to the Passover lamb of Exodus and, of course, the cross where Jesus died for us. Why does John in Revelation, even as he speaks often of the powerful, conquering Jesus (the Lion), never let us forget that he was the Lamb slain for us? How does that motivate our worship?
Wednesday | Revelation 19
Once again highlight as you read chapter 19, including all the times God is mentioned and also Jesus specifically. Which of Jesus-specific designations catch your attention and how does this speak to his relationship with his people? (see especially vs.11-16) Who is the Lamb’s bride and what is their wedding feast? What does it mean to you that Jesus is “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”? What is to be our response to his authority and reign?
Thursday | Revelation 21
Continue your Revelation highlighting in chapter 21, including several references to God and the Lamb. What is the significance of Jesus being called “husband” in v.2? What does this suggest regarding the nature of his relationship with us, his bride? What will the wedding celebration be like? (see vs. 3-6, 9-11, 23-27) Which of these descriptions gives you the greatest longing for Jesus’ return and the glories of heaven? How right now is the Lamb your lamp? (v.23)
Friday | Revelation 22
Conclude your highlighting effort in Revelation’s final chapter with every time God (sometimes seemingly speaking of just God the Father, sometimes referencing the entire Trinity) and Jesus are named. What does the symbol of the throne emphasize? The river? Divine light? Again, we see an extra emphasis on Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega. What is the meaning of Jesus having the first word? (see John 1:1-3) What is the importance of Jesus having the final word? (check back to 21:5) How is Jesus and his resurrection like the Morning Star? (you may need to Google this) Conclude this week with a prayer asking for Jesus to return soon!
