A Glimpse of Jesus
Revelation 1:12-20

I once read the story about a coal-mine disaster in West Virginia and a reporter covering the story. He sent a wire to his editor that read, “God looked at the grief today in this little West Virginia mining town, and He wept.” The editor wired the reporter back, “Forget the mine cave-in. Interview God. Get pictures.”

Have you ever wondered what Jesus looked like? Of course, we have several paintings of Jesus, but they are nothing more than the artist’s renderings of what they imagined He looked like. I once came across a story that told of a stone tablet that was excavated that contained a description of Jesus by Publius Lentulus, the Governor of Judea that was addressed to Tiberius Caesar, Emperor of Rome. It read:

“There lives, at this time, in Judea, a man of singular virtue, whose name is Jesus Christ, whom the barbarians esteem as a prophet, but his follower love and adore him as the offspring of the immortal God. He calls back the dead from the graves, and heals all sorts of diseases with a word or a touch.

He is a tall men, and well shaped, of an amiable and reverend aspect; his hair of a colour that can hardly be matched, the colour of chestnut full ripe falling in waves about his shoulders. His forehead high, large and imposing; his cheeks without spot or wrinkle, beautiful symmetry; his beard thick and of a colour suitable to his hair, reaching below his chin. His eyes bright blue, clear and serene, look innocent, dignified, manly and mature.

In proportion of body, most perfect and captivating, his hands and arms most delectable to behold.

He rebukes with majesty, counsels with mildness, his whole address, whether in word or deed, being eloquent and grave. No man has seen him laugh, yet his manner is exceedingly pleasant; but he has wept in the presence of men. He is temperate, modest and wise; a man, for his extraordinary beauty and divine perfections, surpassing the children of men in every sense.”

I cannot vouch for the authenticity of the description, but as we continue our study of the Book of Revelation we are given a reliable picture of the Lord Jesus. It had been more than 60 years since John had last seen the Lord Jesus, but just prior to his trip into the future, the Lord Jesus in all His glory appears unto him. When John picks up his pen to describe all he saw, he recorded that special moment and gave us the only accurate and reliable portrait of the Lord Jesus we have.

John gives us a glimpse of the Lord Jesus. I personally believe that as John saw and described the Lord Jesus is how He will look when we look upon for the first time. Yes, one of these days we will see Him. Again, it is my personal opinion that as John saw Him, that is how we will see Him.

Let’s consider John’s portrait of the Lord Jesus by first thinking about:

1. WHEN JESUS SPOKE

In our last study we saw John heard the voice of the Lord. We saw in verse 10: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.” The Lord spoke with an authoritative voice for it was with a “great voice” that He spoke. He also spoke with an arresting voice for it was as a “trumpet.” Trumpets were used to make announcements and gain the attention of the people.

The Lord Jesus certainly got John’s attention for we read in verse 12 that when Jesus spoke John “turned to see the voice that spake with” him. When John turned, who and what did he see?

First, notice John’s:

A) Description of Jesus

Verse 12 says that John saw “one like unto the Son of Man.” Daniel had a similar experience and vision of the Lord Jesus. We read in Daniel 7:13, “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.”

Jesus is called both the “Son of God” and the “Son of Man.” The title “Son of God” declares His deity. One example is found in Hebrews 4:14 where we read, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.” John was a firm believer in the deity of Christ. He wrote in 1 John 4:15, “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.” Jesus Christ is the eternal Son.

The title “Son of Man” declares His humanity.  The title “Son of Man” was one of the most frequent titles that Jesus used to speak of Himself. An example is found in Luke 19:10 when Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” As the Son of God, Jesus identified Himself with God. As the Son of Man, He identified Himself with man. As Son of man Jesus was identifying Himself as the Saviour. The title “Son of God” declares His exaltation. The title “Son of Man” declares his humiliation. Jesus said in Luke 9:58, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head.”

Philippians 2:6-8 speaks of this act of humiliation: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

It was as the “Son of Man” that John saw Jesus. Furthermore, we see not only John’s description of the Lord Jesus, but also his:

B) Depiction of Jesus

After identifying whom he saw, John then gave us a depiction of the Lord Jesus in verses 13-15. In John’s depiction his apparel and appearance, His clothing and characteristics are emphasized.

In His apparel John saw Him in His three-fold office as Prophet, Priest and King. In verse 13 we read, “And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.” The word “garment” is a word that describes a robe that reaches down to the ankles. John said His garment reached down to the foot. It is the word that the Old Testament uses to describe the garment worn by the High Priest. We read in Exodus 28:4, “And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.”

Around the breast they wore a girdle that was loosely wound round and round the body. The girdle was embroidered with colors and flowers, with a mixture of gold interwoven. John saw the Lord Jesus wearing such a girdle for He was “girt about the paps (breast) with a golden girdle.” Jesus is the Great High Priest. The Bible says in Hebrews 8:1, “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.”

This long robe was not only worn by the High Priest, but also worn by princes and kings. It was the robe of royalty. John not only saw Him in the role of a priest, but also in the role of a King. We read in Revelation 15:3, “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” In that glorious scene in Revelation 19 when He returns with His saints, the Bible says in Revelation 19:16, “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Furthermore, in Daniels vision we read of a divine figure that was dressed in such garments. The Bible says in Daniel 10:5, “Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz.” Here we see the Lord Jesus dressed in such garments as the messenger of God or as Prophet.

When John saw the Lord Jesus He was dressed in garments that reflected His offices as Prophet, Priest and King. In his appearance he saw Him in such a way that reflected his operation as Prophet, Priest and King.

In verse 14, “His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow…” It was the same in Daniel’s vision. We read in Daniel 7:9, “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit…and the hair of his head like the pure wool…” The title “Ancient of Days” and the “white hair” stand for great age and speak of the eternal existence of the Lord Jesus. The color “white” as well speaks of His purity and sinlessness. Jesus is the Eternal Sinless One! He was purely perfect and perfectly pure.

Also in verse 14 we read, “his eyes were as a flame of fire.” In Daniel 10:6 we read that His eyes were as lamps of fire. This speaks of His x-ray vision. You could say that His eyes burn a hole right through us. He sees everything. Nothing is hidden from His sight. The Bible says in Luke 8:17, “For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.” Why? His eyes are as a flame of fire!

In verse 15 John we read, “His feet like unto fine brass as if they burned in a furnace.” His feet were like beaten brass, as if they had been refined by fire in a furnace. In Daniel 10:6 it is said that of the divine messenger, “his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass.” Brass was a symbol of judgment. He sees and knows everything and judges that which is sinful and displeasing in His sight. It may not be popular, but the Lord Jesus is not only the Saviour from sin, but He is also the judge of sin.

Also in verse 15 we read “and His voice as the sound of many waters.” Daniel 10:6 says that “the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.” God can speak in a still small voice or in He can thunder a rebuke. His voice can sooth or startle. The Bible says in John 5:28, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice.” Like the thunderous sound of many and mighty waters, all will hear His voice.

When Jesus spoke John turned and He saw the Lord Jesus as Prophet, Priest and King. He saw Him in all His glory and majesty. One day we will see Him, and as well, we will see Him in all His glory and majesty.

Secondly, not only think with me of when Jesus spoke, but also:

2. WHERE JESUS STOOD

In find it very interesting where John saw Jesus standing. In verse 13 we see that He was standing “in the midst of the seven candlesticks.” The word “candlesticks” describes a lamp-stand. It is not a stand with a candle in it as we would think of, but a bowl of oil with a wick in it.

In the Tabernacle there was a lamp-stand that had six branches, three on each side and a lamp in the middle. In Solomon’s Temple there were five candlesticks of pure gold on the right hand and five on the left. In Zechariah’s vision he saw a candlestick of gold with a bowl on trip and seven lamps on it. Now John sees a similar vision.

In verse 20 we are told what these seven candlesticks represent. We read, “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”

The seven candlesticks represented the seven Churches. In this we see:

A) His Presence in the Churches

Jesus was standing in the “midst of the seven candlesticks.” Jesus is present in His Church and Churches. When we see Him standing in the midst we see His abiding presence in the Church. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” We may not always see or sense His presence, but He is always with us. I think we sometimes forget that when we come to Church He is with us. He observes our gathering. He watches how we worship. He takes note how we respond. As well, He is here is bless us, speak to us, touch us, help us and even deal with us.

As well, when we see Him standing in the midst we are reminded of not only His abiding presence, but also of His authoritative presence. He is the midst. He is taking His place as the one who is in charge. We must never forget that this is not our Church, but His. He calls the shots. He is in control. It does not belong to me or the deacons or the members. The Church belongs to him.

Also notice in verse 16 that “He had in his right hand seven stars.” Not only do we see His presence in the Church, but also:

B) His Pastors in the Churches

Verse 20 tells us that these seven stars are the “angels of the seven churches.” The word “angel” means, “messenger.” John was describing the pastors or bishops of these seven Churches. Pastors are God-called and God-sent messengers to God’s Church.

In verse 16 we read that “out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” This depiction of the Lord Jesus is associated with the stars that He holds in His hands. I believe that in these words we see that pastors have a two-fold office.

From the mouth of the Lord we see there went out “a sharp twoedged sword.” The particular sword that is described is not the long sword that a soldier would carry. It describes a short, tongue-shaped sword for close fighting. We would call it a dagger. It is the kind of sword to be used in hand-to-hand combat. The two-edged sword speaks of His word. The Bible says in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Jesus was declaring that He has put pastors in His churches to preach and proclaim His Word. They are to take His Word and make it personal to every person who hears. It is to be used like a sword to penetrate hearts and expose hearts before the Lord. Like a soldier in a life or death situation, the pastor is to stand with a heavenly urgency and proclaim, “Thus saith the Lord.”

In our day and time preaching is becoming a part of the services and not the purpose. We are replacing preaching with drama and other activities. In John’s vision you don’t see Jesus dancing or participating in some play. Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. It was His word that was to be a priority to His pastors.

Furthermore, in association with these seven stars we read in verse 16 that “His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” Pastors are not on their own little ego trips. It is not about them. It is about Him! They are to lift Jesus up in all His glory and proclaim Him! People are to see Jesus! Pastors are to lift up Jesus so He shines like the sun in all His strength. I hear pastors talk about how hard it is to please their people. I understand what they are saying, but the truth is, that is not their purpose as a pastor. Their objective is to please Him and honor Him.

Last of all; think with me not only of when Jesus spoke and where Jesus stood, but also of:

3. WHAT JESUS SAID

We read in verses 17-20, “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; [20] The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”

When John saw Him, he fell down at his feet in deathly silence. He never moved a muscle. It was an overwhelming moment. I believe that our response will be much the same. When we see Him that we will fall at His feet in adoration and humiliation. 

John fell at His feet and then Jesus put his hand upon Him and then spoke. When we look at what He said we see that it was:

A) Words of Exaltation

He said, “John, do not be afraid. It is the me, the first and the last. I am was dead, but now I am alive forevermore and I have the keys of hell and death.”

He declared Himself to be the reigning one—“I am the first and the last.”

He declared Himself to be the resurrected one—“I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold I am alive forevermore, Amen.”

He declared Himself to be the ruling one—I have “the keys of hell and death.”

The words of Jesus magnified who and what He is. They were also:

B) Words of Expectation

Once again John is reminded of His call and task, “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter” (Vs. 19). John had the privilege of seeing the future and then telling others about it. The words of Jesus turned his attention of the future and all that he could expect to happen.

They were also:

C) Words of Explanation

Verse 20, “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Having seen the seven golden-sticks (churches) and the seven stars (pastors), Jesus now explains to John what these seven things represent. They represent the seven Church to which he is to deliver what he writes.

For John, it must have been a glorious moment to once again see the Lord Jesus. For us, there will come a day when like John, we will hear His voice and see His face. What a day that will be.