Revelation 1:4-20 / The Colossus of Patmos

The Colossus of Patmos

Read Revelation 1:4-20

This is where we receive our first glimpse of John’s writing. He is creative and constantly shifts his images from one form to another in order to communicate one simple message to them as he begins his letter: Do not be afraid (Revelation 1:17).

There are three things they ought not to fear:

The Empire

Ancient rulers were notoriously vain and fragile; building a hundred-foot statue was a great way to command respect and fear. Jesus is presented in verses 12-18 as a mighty colossus, an intimidating figure with hair of white, signifying victory, and made of bronze and gold. He is large enough to hold the stars in his hands, he is terrifying enough to strike terror in the heart of John when he turned to see it. But he is not intended to be a source of fear or intimidation, but rather peace and calm, with a hand reaching down, using overwhelming might to comfort, not to coerce.

Jesus as Judge

First, John describes the voice of Jesus, which appears at first as a trumpet, then a raging waterfall, and finally takes the form of a sword coming from the mouth of Jesus. John borrows language from Hebrews 4:12, which describes the word of God as sharper than any double-edged sword… whereby …everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Jesus has inspected them and has words of judgment. But judgement in the hands of Jesus is not terrifying, but hopeful and centered on the restoration and reconciliation – of all things and people – to both God and others.

Their Future

Jesus holds the seven stars. This book of Revelation is a story of everything. It is about how evil will be conquered and about the most menacing beast humans can become — will be taken down by the least menacing thing humans can become, like a lamb defeating a dragon.

Discussion Questions:

1.     How is fear a threat to faithfulness?

2.     How has fear in your own life tempted you to take part in things antithetical to the way of Christ?

3.     Have you ever been afraid of Jesus? What ideas or teachings led to that fear?

4.     If God is exactly like Jesus, what might it be like to stand before him in judgement?

5.     What fear do you have right now?

a.     What attribute of Christ speaks to that fear?

6.     What fears have you conquered?

a.     Is there an attribute of Christ that was important for your healing?

 Optional Creative Writing Practice:

·      Write your own creative “revelation-esque” description of Jesus that calms your own fears, or the fears that others might have?