The first vision which John is given is, appropriately, a vision of the risen and glorified Christ who now lives in heaven (Rev 1:8-20). The vision shows us that Jesus Christ is still able to be present among his people on earth, because he is seen walking among the seven golden lampstands which represent his churches.

Christ Appears to John (Part 1)

Rev 1:12-14

I Turned... It has always impressed me, though it seems a small thing, that the first vision did not occur before John's eyes where he was looking. The vision began "behind" John (verse 10), and he had to turn around to see it. You may think me silly, but to me this is an indication that the visions were not of John's own making inside his own head. They were an external phenomena from the angel of the Lord. It also points out to me John's carefulness in recording exactly in every detail what happened.

Seven golden lampstands... These first objects, among all that will be shown John in the visions, represent the seven churches to whom John is writing (Rev 1:20). When the Lord gives his message to the church at Ephesus, he threatens to remove their lamstand from its place (Rev 2:5).

Son of man... The appearance of Jesus Christ to John (Rev 1:12-18), may be compared with Daniel's vision of the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9-10,13-14). In these visions there is "One like the Son of Man". Yet when he appeared to John, he looked like the Ancient of Days who appeared to Daniel. So here we have a Son of Man who has the glory of God and therefore must be God. The vision of John confirms that Jesus Christ is not only truly a man whose blood was shed, but is also truly God who lives for ever and ever and is worthy to be worshipped.

In the middle... Jesus is in the middle of the lampstands. This symbolises the same idea we get from thinking of Jesus as the Shepherd of the sheep. Jesus "walks among the seven golden lampstands" (Rev 2:1). His presence sustains and protects the churches.

Clothed... The raiment of Jesus in the vision represents mainly the power of his righteousness. The robe down to his feet represents that he is fully clothed in righteousness. Because of his perfection he was able to be the sacrifice for our sins. The golden girdle across his breast is like the "breastplate of righteousness" in Ephesians 6:14.

Head... The head and hair were white like wool or snow. This is again a symbol of the purity of God in whom "there is no darkness at all" (1Jn 1:5). In Daniel's vision, "the Ancient of Days" appeared in the same way: "His vesture was white like snow, and the hair of his head was like pure wool" (Dan 7:9).

Eyes... The eyes like a flame of fire represent the wisdom and knowledge of Christ. "There is no creature hidden from his sight, but all things are open and naked to the eyes of him with whom we have to do" (Heb 4:13). Fire represents judgment. Jesus not only sees all, but he forms a judgment of what he sees. The messages to the seven churches show that Jesus knows their deeds and circumstances and judges them.

The vision of Jesus (Rev 1:9-20) is recalled in each of his seven messages to the churches. These messages are part of this first vision (Rev 2:1 to 3:22). After the key words "...the one who..." or "...He who...", there are descriptions of Christ that show his divine power and eternal glory, his righteousness, justice, authority, supremacy, as Saviour and Head of his church in each place.

 Lesson continued Part 2