Encountering the Real Jesus in Revelation
Summary
Today marks the beginning of our journey through the book of Revelation, a book often misunderstood, misused, or simply avoided. Many of us have grown up with a soft, pastel-colored image of Jesus—gentle, kind, and always surrounded by sheep. While Jesus is indeed gentle and kind, this is only a partial picture. Revelation confronts us with the real Jesus: fierce, radiant, and reigning. He is the one before whom darkness trembles, the one who holds all of history in his hands, and the one who is both terrifying in his holiness and tender in his love.
Revelation is not a code to crack about the end times, nor is it a roadmap for future predictions. It is a revelation of Jesus Christ himself—who he is, what he is doing, and what is to come. The book was written to real people under real pressure, facing cultural chaos and persecution. Its purpose is not to scare us, but to anchor us in hope and courage, to help us live faithfully now, not just someday. The real Jesus is eternal—Alpha and Omega, present at the beginning and the end, holding every moment together. He is not just waiting for us at the finish line; he is reigning now, in the midst of our suffering, confusion, and fear.
This Jesus is also fierce. He exposes evil, not just in the world “out there,” but in our own hearts. He is not a manageable, domesticated Messiah, but the Son of Man whose eyes are like fire and whose voice thunders with truth. To stand against him is to be fearful; to stand with him is to be fearless. He calls us to allegiance, not just admiration. Revelation is not about escape, but about allegiance—about declaring that Jesus, not any lesser power, defines our reality.
The real Jesus is present with his church, walking among us, seeing our faith, our fatigue, our compromise, and our courage. He speaks to us, calls us back when we wander, and encourages us to remain faithful. And finally, the real Jesus is returning—not to coddle us into a false peace, but to commission us to go in peace, to bring his presence and power into a broken world. Our hope is not in a distant future, but in the reigning, returning Christ who is with us now and forever.
Key Takeaways
- Seeing Jesus as he truly is transforms how we live today. If our vision of Jesus is limited to a gentle, distant figure, we will live weak, anxious, and defeated lives. But when we see the reigning, radiant, and present Christ, we are empowered to live with confidence, boldness, and faithfulness, no matter the chaos around us. [09:17]
- Revelation is not primarily about predicting the future, but about living faithfully in the present. The book was written to real people facing real pressure, not to satisfy our curiosity about the end times. Its message is that Jesus reigns now, and our allegiance to him shapes how we respond to suffering, temptation, and cultural pressure. [34:38]
- The fierceness of Jesus is good news for a world filled with evil and injustice. He is not indifferent to suffering or sin; his anger at evil is rooted in his love for what is good and his desire to protect and restore. To stand with him is to find both safety and purpose, but to stand against him is to face the reality of his coming judgment. [11:11]
- Jesus is present with his church, not distant or detached. He walks among us, sees our struggles and faithfulness, and speaks words of both challenge and encouragement. His presence is not just for individuals, but for the whole community, calling us to return to our first love and to persevere together. [36:24]
- The return of Jesus is not a call to retreat or hide, but to be commissioned as agents of his peace. He sends us into the world, not to escape its brokenness, but to bring his hope, truth, and love. Our peace comes not from avoiding hardship, but from knowing and trusting the one who reigns now and forever. [38:50]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:59] - Introduction to Revelation: Revealing Jesus
[04:03] - The Blessing of Seeing and Keeping
[08:11] - Our Incomplete Pictures of Jesus
[09:17] - The Real Jesus: Fierce and Glorious
[11:11] - The Fierceness and Goodness of Christ
[33:30] - Allegiance and Obedience: Who Do We Fear?
[34:38] - Jesus is King, Not Caesar
[35:11] - Jesus Present Among His Churches
[36:24] - Jesus Speaks to Our Reality
[37:27] - Returning to Our First Love
[38:09] - Encouragement for the Faithful
[38:50] - Commissioned to Go in Peace
[40:58] - Peace in the Midst of Suffering
[50:07] - Baptisms: Declaring Allegiance to King Jesus
[54:06] - Invitation and Closing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Seeing the Real Jesus in Revelation
---
### Bible Reading
- Revelation 1:1-8, 12-18
(The opening vision of Jesus: Alpha and Omega, present among the churches, eyes like fire, voice like rushing waters)
- Acts 5:27-29
(“We must obey God rather than men”—allegiance to Jesus over all other powers)
- John 20:21
(“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you”—Jesus commissions his followers to go in peace)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Revelation 1:12-18, what are some of the ways John describes Jesus? What stands out about this vision compared to the “gentle” or “soft” images of Jesus we might be used to?
[[09:17]]
2. According to Revelation 1:8, what does Jesus call himself, and what does that say about his authority and presence?
[[04:03]]
3. In Acts 5:29, what choice do the apostles make when pressured by authorities? What does this reveal about their priorities?
4. In John 20:21, what does Jesus say to his disciples after his resurrection? What is the significance of the word “peace” in this context?
[[38:50]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon said, “If we don’t see Jesus as he really is, we won’t live like he really reigns.” Why do you think having a limited or incomplete view of Jesus affects how we live?
[[09:17]]
2. Revelation was written to real people under real pressure, not just for future predictions. How does knowing this change the way we read and apply the book today?
[[04:03]]
3. The sermon described Jesus as both “fierce” and “tender.” How can Jesus’ fierceness be good news for a world filled with evil and injustice?
[[11:11]]
4. The early church was called to declare allegiance to Jesus, not Caesar or any lesser power. What are some “lesser powers” that compete for our allegiance today?
[[34:38]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to move beyond a “soft, pastel-colored” image of Jesus. What is one way your own picture of Jesus has been too small or incomplete? How might seeing Jesus as fierce and reigning change your daily life?
[[09:17]]
2. Revelation is not about escaping the world, but about living faithfully in it. Where in your life do you tend to “hang in there,” “hang out,” or “hang it up” instead of living with confidence that Jesus reigns now?
[[04:03]]
3. The real Jesus exposes evil, not just in the world but in our own hearts. Is there an area in your life where you sense Jesus is calling you to repentance or deeper honesty? What would it look like to respond to his fierce love?
[[11:11]]
4. Jesus is present with his church, seeing both our faithfulness and our fatigue. Where do you feel tired or tempted to compromise? How can you invite Jesus’ presence and encouragement into that area?
[[36:24]]
5. The sermon said, “To stand with him is to be fearless.” What is one situation where you need courage to stand with Jesus this week? What would it look like to choose allegiance to him over comfort or approval?
[[33:30]]
6. Jesus commissions us to go in peace, not to hide from the world’s brokenness. Who is someone in your life or community who needs to experience the hope, truth, or love of Jesus through you? How can you take a step toward them this week?
[[38:50]]
7. Baptism was described as a declaration of allegiance to King Jesus. If you have been baptized, how does that commitment shape your choices today? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have about making that public declaration?
[[50:07]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for a clearer vision of Jesus—fierce, radiant, reigning, and present—and for courage to live faithfully in response to who he truly is.
Devotional
Day 1: Encountering the Radiant and Reigning Christ
Many people grow up with a limited image of Jesus as gentle and distant, but the reality revealed in Revelation is far more powerful and transformative. Jesus is not only kind and tender but also fierce, radiant, and reigning over all creation. This fuller vision of Christ changes how we live today, empowering us to face life’s challenges with boldness and confidence rather than fear and defeat. When we see Jesus as the Alpha and Omega, present in every moment, we find strength to endure chaos and uncertainty with faithfulness and hope.
This vision invites you to move beyond a soft, manageable Jesus and embrace the one who holds history in His hands and before whom darkness trembles. Such a revelation anchors your life in courage and purpose, not just for the future but for the present moment. [09:17]
Isaiah 66:15-16 (ESV)
“For behold, the Lord will come in fire, and his chariots like the whirlwind, to render his anger in fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire will the Lord enter into judgment, and by his sword, with all flesh; and those slain by the Lord shall be many.”
Reflection:
In what specific ways does your current image of Jesus limit your confidence and boldness? How can you intentionally seek to see and embrace the fierceness and glory of Christ in your daily life today?
Day 2: Living Faithfully in the Present Amid Pressure
Revelation was written not as a secret code for predicting the future but as a message to real people facing real cultural chaos and persecution. Its primary call is to live faithfully now, grounded in the truth that Jesus reigns today, not just someday. This means your allegiance to Christ shapes how you respond to suffering, temptation, and societal pressures. Instead of being consumed by fear of what might come, you are invited to stand firm in the present, knowing that the King of kings is actively present and sovereign.
This perspective shifts your focus from curiosity about the end times to practical faithfulness in your current context. It encourages perseverance and obedience, reminding you that Jesus is not a distant figure but the reigning Lord who walks with His church through every trial. [34:38]
Zechariah 3:1-5 (ESV)
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.”
Reflection:
What pressures or cultural challenges are you currently facing that test your allegiance to Jesus? How can you practically choose faithfulness to Christ in one specific situation today?
Day 3: The Fierceness of Jesus as a Source of Justice and Hope
Jesus’ fierceness is not a cause for fear alone but good news for a world filled with evil and injustice. His anger toward sin and suffering is rooted in His love for what is good and His desire to protect and restore creation. This fierceness means that evil will not go unchecked, and those who stand with Jesus find both safety and purpose. To stand against Him is to face the reality of His coming judgment, but to stand with Him is to be empowered to live courageously and righteously.
This truth invites you to embrace the full character of Christ, who is both tender and terrifying, and to find hope in His active opposition to evil. His fierceness is a shield for those who trust Him and a call to live with integrity and boldness in a broken world. [11:11]
Nahum 1:2-3 (ESV)
The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
Reflection:
Where in your life or community do you need to invite the fierceness of Jesus against injustice or sin? How can you align yourself with His righteous anger and protection today?
Day 4: Jesus’ Present and Personal Presence with His Church
Jesus is not distant or detached from His people; He walks among His churches, fully aware of their faith, fatigue, compromises, and courage. His presence is both personal and communal, calling the church back to its first love and encouraging perseverance together. This means that your struggles and faithfulness are seen and known by the King Himself, who speaks words of challenge and encouragement to keep you faithful.
This reality invites you to experience Jesus as a living presence in your community, not just as an abstract figure. It calls you to listen for His voice, respond to His call, and support one another in the journey of faith, knowing that He is with you in every step. [36:24]
Haggai 2:4-5 (ESV)
“Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not.”
Reflection:
How have you experienced Jesus’ presence in your church community recently? What is one way you can be more attentive to His voice and encouragement this week?
Day 5: Commissioned to Bring Peace into a Broken World
The return of Jesus is not a call to retreat or hide from the world’s brokenness but to be sent out as agents of His peace. He commissions His followers to bring His presence, power, hope, truth, and love into the midst of suffering and confusion. This peace is not the absence of hardship but the confident trust in the reigning Christ who is with us now and forever.
This commissioning invites you to live as a peacemaker and witness, actively engaging the world with the courage and compassion of Jesus. Your hope is grounded not in escape but in the mission to embody the kingdom of God here and now, empowered by the returning King. [38:50]
Zephaniah 3:14-17 (ESV)
Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
Reflection:
What is one practical way you can bring Jesus’ peace into a difficult situation or relationship this week? How can you rely on His reigning presence to empower you in this mission?
Quotes
What if Jesus is more fierce than fragile? What if he's more overwhelming than safe? What if the real Jesus is actually so much better than the one that we have settled for? That's what I believe. This Jesus is not real. This Jesus is not relevant to our lives. We have a Talladega Knights kind of Jesus, right? How many of you are with me? There's the, the prophet Ricky Bobby, uh, when he, you know what I'm saying? You know what's coming. Come on. Right? This is what he says. I think he speaks for a lot of us. I like the Christmas Jesus best. And I'm saying grace. When you say grace, you can say it to grown up Jesus or teenage Jesus or bearded Jesus or whoever you want. [00:07:24] (47 seconds)
What starts with one man's vision will one day be every man's vision. Everyone will see Jesus revealed for who he really is, in all his glory, and when that day comes, not everyone will welcome him. [00:03:05] (17 seconds)
He reigns over politics, over pressure, over culture, even over your personal past. And to the early church, that was treasonous. To say Jesus is Lord, Jesus is king, Jesus is authority. That's the reality that you live in. They were told to worship Caesar. And John says, actually, Jesus is king. And that got him, as well as most of his other followers that said that, killed. All right, well, let's see how king Jesus is. And they died. But they lived in something more real than that. They feared a God more powerful. [00:34:49] (34 seconds)
Because we'll get into this, oh, yeah, this is, Jesus is going to take care of all the evil out there. What about the evil in here? What about the evil in here? Is Jesus speaking into, exposing, and dealing with that now? Because it's better to be dealt with now than later. Caesar isn't king. The empire doesn't win. Jesus is on the throne right now. And revelation is not about escape. It's about allegiance. [00:34:10] (26 seconds)
Apocalyptic literature doesn't reveal a timeline. It reveals a person. Jesus is revealed not to give us answers, but to give us Himself. That vision, it wrecks your apathy, it revives your courage. We can have peace in it, though. We can stand firm in the face of suffering. We can stare down the worst evil as so many heroes and martyrs have in the past that have gone before us and gone, I've got to obey God rather than man and I'm at peace with it. [00:40:48] (34 seconds)
If you've lost your first love, Jesus is revealing this in love. To you. Come back. Return. I love you. I'm for you. You're settling for compromise. This is going to lead to destruction. He loves you too much to let you do it. Phil said it in his video from last week. Man, I heard people talk about rock bottom, but I just wish somebody would have said something to me before I got there. This is it. It's Jesus saying, hello, I love you. Do not settle for less. This is sin. It's evil. Return. [00:37:36] (39 seconds)
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