LESSON 2

FACE TO FACE WITH CHRIST

LE S S ON 2

REVELATION 1:1–20

1 Suppose you were to introduce Jesus Christ to a group. What would you say
about him? What would you include in your description of him?

2 List all the names you can think of that the Bible gives to Jesus Christ. What
does each name convey or reveal about Christ?

Read Revelation 1:1–20, the chart “The Names of Jesus” (chapter 2), and the
following notes:

❒ 1:5, 6 ❒ 1:5–7 ❒ 1:8 ❒ 1:9 ❒ 1:12, 13 ❒ 1:17, 18

3 Describe how each name for Jesus in this passage affects believers.
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4 John details eight characteristics of Christ’s appearance in verses 13–16. List

these characteristics and what each represents.

5 John is described in the Gospels as one of the three apostles who enjoyed a
special relationship with Jesus. Of all the apostles, he was probably the closest
to Jesus. How could John know Jesus so well and yet be awed by him?

Revelation describes a vision of our risen and powerful Lord. Meeting Christ
might be an anxious experience for some; others might even decline if they had
the opportunity. And yet one day we all will see him face to face, when he
returns or when we die. It would be tragic for you to be unprepared, having
neglected him during your lifetime. What do you need to do now to be ready to
meet Christ?

6 The vision of Jesus shows us how he works in our life. Jesus walks among
the lampstands (1:13) in a way similar to the way he works in the church. At the
time, John was the one responsible for the churches named in Revelation. How
would this vision of Jesus have affected John’s attitude as he cared for the
church?
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7 John was also facing a time of persecution. He was in exile on the island of
Patmos. How do times of persecution affect a person’s attitude and outlook on
life? How would the presence of Jesus, as he is seen here, affect the depres-
sion and disappointment felt by an exile?

8 How does Jesus make his presence felt in your life?

9 How is he moving through your life with awesome majesty?

10 This vision came as a surprise to John. How has Jesus surprised you lately?
Why does he move in your life when you least expect it?

11 Which of Jesus’ titles mentioned in this chapter is most meaningful to you?

Which do you most need to keep in mind? What can you do to keep these char-
acteristics of Jesus in mind as you go through your week?
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A What is the blessing referred to in 1:3? How does it apply to our churches MORE
today? for studying
other themes
B Why was this originally addressed to the seven churches in the province of in this section
Asia rather than all Christians everywhere?

C What does the appearance of Jesus tell us about his character and nature?

D How is this vision similar to and different from those received by prophets in
the Old Testament?

E What attribute of Christ are you most grateful for? Select one, and express
your gratitude for that attribute each day for one week.