The Hero of Revelation

When many Christians think about the book of Revelation, they think about confusion, controversy, or fear. But Revelation was not written to satisfy curiosity about the end of the world. It was written as a pastoral letter to suffering churches, meant to produce endurance, worship, and hope.

The original audience lived under the reign of Emperor Domitian—a ruler who demanded worship, crushed dissent, and punished Christians for refusing to call him “Lord and God.” Believers lost homes, families, freedom, and sometimes their lives. Faith came at a cost.

So where could hope be found in a world like that?

John’s answer is simple and powerful: hope is found when suffering Christians look to Jesus.
Revelation 1:4–20 shows us how.

Remember What Jesus Has Done (vv. 4–6)

Rather than beginning with promises of future rescue, John starts by reminding the churches of their past rescue. He greets them with grace and peace—gospel words that point to what God has already accomplished through Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace flow from the Triune God: the Father who is eternal, the Spirit who is complete and present, and Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus is described as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. These titles remind suffering believers that Jesus spoke the truth, died for it, and rose victorious over death.

Most importantly, Jesus loves His people. He freed them from their sins by His blood and made them a kingdom of priests. When circumstances make God’s love feel distant or doubtful, believers are called to measure Christ’s love not by present suffering, but by the cross. When God’s power feels hidden, they are reminded to look to the empty tomb.

Hope grows when Christians remember what Jesus has already done.

Rejoice in What Jesus Will Do (vv. 7–8)

Christianity is rooted in real historical events, but it is also anchored in a sure future. Jesus did not only rise from the dead—He ascended into heaven and promised to return.

John reminds the churches that Jesus is coming again, visibly and unmistakably. Every eye will see Him. For those who reject Him, that day will bring mourning. But for believers, Christ’s return is not frightening—it is glorious.

The return of Jesus means faith will become sight. Obedience will finally make sense. Injustice will end. Fear will vanish. Tears will be wiped away. Sin will be gone forever. And believers will see their King face to face.

Rejoicing in what Jesus will do gives suffering Christians the strength to endure what they face now.

Recognize Where Jesus Has Us (v. 9)

John then places both himself and the churches within their present reality. He calls himself a “partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus.”

Tribulation is not something reserved only for the final moments of history. Every Christian in every age lives in a time marked by suffering. Life between Christ’s first and second coming includes hardship, disappointment, loss, and opposition.

But tribulation is not the only reality. Christians are also citizens of Christ’s kingdom, which is already advancing through the local church and the mission of the gospel. While the fullness of the kingdom is still future, its presence is real and visible now.

Recognizing where Jesus has us guards us from both despair and false expectations. This is not our best life now—but it is meaningful, purposeful, and filled with patient endurance in Christ.

Respond to What Jesus Is Doing (vv. 10–20)

John’s vision culminates in a powerful picture of Jesus at work in the present. Jesus is revealed as the glorious Son of Man, standing in the midst of seven golden lampstands—symbolizing the churches.

This means Jesus is not distant from His people. He is present among His churches, fully aware of their faithfulness and struggles. The local church is not a human invention; it is where Jesus chooses to dwell and work.

The vision of Jesus is overwhelming—holy, powerful, all-seeing, and glorious. John falls at His feet in worship. Yet this same Jesus places His hand on John and says, “Fear not.” The One who holds the keys of death and Hades is gentle with His people.

The proper response to this Jesus is worship, trust, and faithful involvement in His church. Christ is alive, reigning, and actively working among His people until the end.

Why This Matters

Revelation begins by fixing our eyes on the Hero of the story. Before it calls us to endure, it shows us Christ. Before it warns of judgment, it reminds us of grace. Before it speaks of suffering, it anchors us in hope.

Empires rise and fall. Tyrants demand worship and are forgotten. But Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega—the One who is, who was, and who is to come.

Hope is found when suffering Christians look to Jesus.

And Revelation begins by showing us exactly where to look.