Conclusion: Make Much of Jesus, Reflections on Revelation 1:4-8
For the past six months, almost every blog entry has been following our Foundations Bible study called Encountering Christ in Scripture. This series has been a study of the titles, teachings, actions, character, person, and work of Jesus. Most of these themes have been explored from the Gospels, but occasionally we have looked to other New Testament writings to get a full-orbed picture of Jesus.
So, what is a fitting conclusion to it all? As we engage the storyline of Scripture, we eventually reach the Book of Revelation where Jesus is both the object and giver of the revelation. My friend and mentor, Scotty Smith, who wrote the second book of our curriculum, has a commentary on Revelation called Unveiled Hope. That hope is the theme of this book. It’s not about predicting the times and events of Jesus’ return, rather it gives believers hope that God will sovereignly bring about His purposes in the world. Sin and evil will be defeated and God will redeem and restore all of creation and His people. We who live in God’s unfolding drama know how the story ends. Therefore, we live with hope.
We conclude this series with reflections on how the Book of Revelation begins: making much of Jesus. Read Revelation 1:4-8, making note of every title and description of Jesus.
JESUS IS OUR PROPHET, PRIEST, AND KING
Prophet: Jesus is described as the “faithful witness” (v. 4). This means that he has rightly given testimony and proclaimed all that God the Father desired and all that we needed. God “has spoken to us by His Son” who is the “exact expression of His nature” (see Hebrews 1:2-3). Jesus is the Word who was from the beginning, but who took on flesh and dwelt among us (see John 1:1, 14). A prophet comes to speak truth and reveal God to His people. Jesus is the ultimate prophet.
Priest: Jesus is the “firstborn from the dead” (v. 4) who “is always able to save those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them” (Heb. 7:25). Jesus is the greater High Priest who offered the most precious sacrifice: he “set us free from our sins by his blood” (Rev. 1:5). This passage goes on to say that Jesus has made us “priests to his God and Father” (Rev. 1:6). Jesus is THE mediator (priest) between God and people. We, however, have the opportunity to pray for and share the love of God with others and serve in this priestly role as his ambassadors in this world.
King: Jesus is “the ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev. 1:5). He is the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16). Do not be fooled by appearances. It may look at times as if evil is in control and ruthless men will win the day, but this is not the ultimate outcome. Jesus is sovereign over all and will judge evil in due time. “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty’ ” (Rev. 1:7-8).
Remember singing the song “Jesus loves me, this I know”? Revelation is the part of the Bible that tells us so (Rev. 1:5). Jesus is worthy of worship. Why not kneel before and worship Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King, who has loved us in such a sacrificial and unconditional way!