Go! And Understand: The Book of Revelation is About Jesus
Introduction: Opening the Curtain of Eternity
Today, we turn to a book that has intrigued, confused, and sometimes even frightened many believers—the Book of Revelation. For some, it is a puzzle of beasts, bowls, and trumpets; for others, it is a book to avoid because they think it is too mysterious or divisive.
But let me tell you this from the outset: Revelation is not primarily about beasts, numbers, or codes—it is about a Person: the Lord Jesus Christ. The very first words of the book are: “This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1, NLT).
Today, in our ‘Go! And…’ series, our theme is:
“The Book of Revelation can be confusing, but what is it actually about?”
Revelation 1:12–18 (NLT): “When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.’”
1. Revelation Reveals Jesus as the Glorified King
The Greek word translated “Revelation” is apokalypsis—it means an uncovering, a revealing. It’s as if heaven pulls back the curtain so we can see Jesus not as the suffering servant, but as the risen, reigning King.
John, the beloved disciple, sees the same Jesus who once calmed the storm—but now His eyes blaze like fire, His voice thunders like the ocean, and His face shines brighter than the sun.
Word Study: “Son of Man” (Greek: huios tou anthropou)
This title connects to Daniel 7:13–14, where the Son of Man is given authority, glory, and sovereign power. Revelation shows us Jesus fulfilling that vision—He is the King who will reign forever.
Philippians 2:9–11 (NLT): “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honour and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
R.T. Kendall once said, “Revelation is not meant to scare you; it is meant to prepare you. It shows us the majesty of the One who holds history in His hands.”
This is key: we are not called to fear the book of Revelation, but to behold the One it reveals.
The Curtain Call
Imagine attending a grand theatre performance. The lights dim, the curtain rises, and suddenly the hero steps into the spotlight. Revelation is that moment in the grand story of the Bible—the curtain rises, and the spotlight shines on the glorified Christ.
Do you see Jesus as He truly is—not just the baby in the manger, not just the teacher on the hillside, but the reigning King who holds the keys of death and the grave? How we view Jesus will shape how we live in these days.
2. Revelation Reminds Us of God’s Ultimate Victory
Revelation is not primarily a codebook for the future; it is a proclamation of certain victory. Yes, it speaks of tribulation, judgement, and the rise of evil, but it ends with a glorious promise: Jesus wins, and His people will reign with Him.
Revelation 21:3–4 (NLT): “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’”
Max Lucado wrote, “The story of the Bible ends with a wedding, not a funeral; with a celebration, not despair. Revelation is a love story with a triumphant ending.”
And he’s right—Revelation ends with the marriage supper of the Lamb, with a renewed creation where righteousness dwells.
“Victory” (Greek: nike) - This is the same root word used in 1 John 5:4–5: “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory (nike) through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”
The Spoiler Alert
Sometimes we resist “spoilers” for films—but in the Christian life, knowing the ending gives us courage in the middle of the story. Revelation is God’s spoiler: the Lamb triumphs.
Are you living as if Jesus has already won? Or are you paralysed by fear of what may come? Revelation calls us to faith, endurance, and hope because the end is secure.
3. Revelation Calls the Church to Repentance and Readiness
Before the visions of seals and trumpets, Jesus speaks to the seven churches (Revelation 2–3). Some are faithful; others are lukewarm, distracted, or spiritually asleep. The call is repeated: “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” (Revelation 2:7, NLT)
Revelation 3:19–20 (NLT): “I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Charles Stanley said, “Obedience is the key to spiritual readiness. Jesus is coming, and the question is not ‘When?’ but ‘Will you be ready?’”
“Repent” (Greek: metanoeo) - It means to change one’s mind, to turn around. Revelation calls not just the world, but the church, to turn from compromise and return to wholehearted devotion to Christ.
Are you ready if Jesus were to come today? Is there an area of compromise or indifference in your walk with Him? Revelation is a wake-up call for every believer.
4. The Gospel in Revelation: The Lamb Who Was Slain
At the centre of the throne in Revelation 5 stands the Lamb—slain, yet alive. The cross is not an afterthought; it is the centre of history and the key to the future.
Revelation 5:9 (NLT): “And they sang a new song with these words: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.’”
John Piper once said, “The deepest meaning of the book of Revelation is this: the Lamb wins. And because He wins, the church will triumph with Him—not by our power, but by His blood.”
The Gospel:
Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, came to earth, lived a perfect life, died on the cross bearing our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Through His blood, we are ransomed—bought back from sin and death.
This is the heart of Revelation: the Lamb who was slain is now the Lion who reigns.
Call to Action: How Shall We Live?
Behold Jesus daily—worship Him as the glorified King.
Hold fast to hope—because the ending is secure.
Repent of compromise—do not be lukewarm when Christ is knocking.
Proclaim the Gospel—Revelation ends with an invitation: “Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17, NLT)
Invitation to Salvation:
Perhaps you have been afraid of Revelation because you do not yet know the Lamb. Friend, today is the day of salvation. Turn from your sin (metanoeo), place your trust in Jesus Christ—who died, who rose, who is coming again—and He will forgive you, cleanse you, and give you eternal life.
Benediction:
As we leave, remember these words from Revelation 22:20–21 (NLT):
“He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.”
Go and live with your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Lamb who reigns and is coming soon.
