Tag Archives: bsf lesson 24

BSF Study Questions John Lesson 24, Day 5: John 18:13-27

Summary of passage: Jesus was arrested and taken to Annas, Caiaphas’ father-in-law. Peter and John followed Jesus. John went with Jesus while Peter waited outside. When asked by a little girl if he was one of the disciples, Peter denies Jesus for the first time.

Annas questions Jesus who is struck by a soldier. He’s shipped off to Caiaphas. Meanwhile, Peter denies Jesus a second and third time. A rooster crows.

Questions:

11)  Part personal Question.  My answer:  Fear.  Shame.  In what I accomplish.  I don’t say things are God things when I should and I know they are in front of others.  God does arrange everything. Nothing is coincidence but I omit saying it and am guilty of giving God the credit for it.  A strong faith helps us avoid being like Peter.  Reading the Word more.  Praying. Drawing closer to Jesus.  Like Jesus, pray for my protection more from the devil and his ways and for God’s light more in my life.

12)  Personal Question.  My answer:  I’m alone in my work as a believer.  I try to impart words of wisdom and fate to my colleagues.

13)  Part personal Question.  My answer:  Well, they are happening at the same time so it follows chronologically.  We see Jesus’ trials alongside Peter’s.  We see Jesus strong and Peter weak.  We see Jesus’ faith in God and Peter’s lack of faith in God.  We see Jesus’ love and Peter’s lack of love.  We see Jesus’ sacrifice and Peter’s self-preservation.  By contrasting both, we see how you are supposed to act and what happens when you don’t act like Jesus.

Conclusions:  Good questions.  Convicting on how we need to stand up for Christ and give him the glory and how fear holds us back from doing so.  We must pray for protection in this world for the devil is sneaky and cause us to do things we normally wouldn’t because fear grasps our hearts.

End Notes:  Annas was the power behind the throne in Jerusalem. He himself had been High Priest from AD 6 to 15. Four of his sons had also held the high priesthood and Caiaphas was his son-in-law. His name meant “Yahweh is gracious”. He is still called the high priest in Acts 4:6 when Peter and John are arrested.

One reason John reminds us of what Caiaphas said in John 11:49-52 is to show that the judgment against Jesus was already decided. It would not be a fair trial. He would die for the people.

John who had the connections is the reason they had access to the high priest’s house and the reason we know what went on there.

A mere girl scares Peter enough to deny Christ and then he tries to blend into the crowd and shrink himself by standing around a fire with others. How tragic!

Annas means merciful. Ironic.

Jesus was not going to throw his disciples under the bus. He never mentions them. He asks for evidence in asking for others to testify to his words. This should have been the first step Annas should have taken for one accused of crimes. But there would be no fairness here for Jesus. He was a threat that had to be annihilated.

The first blow is laid upon Jesus be an unnamed official. Jesus calls the man out and having no answer, Annas sends Jesus on, still bound.

Luke 22:61 indicates that Peter could see Jesus and see him being slapped. No doubt his fear increased and he lied twice more. John is also present and Peter lied in front of John. The same question is asked in the same way, using the negative. The questioners expected the answer “No”, not expecting a follower of Jesus amongst them. The questioner is identified differently in all Gospels (Matthew 26:71; Mark 14:69; Luke 22:58).

John would know Malchus’ relative and a relative would be eager to know if this was the man who cut off his relative’s ear. Matthew 26:74 tells us Peter cursed this denial. He was adamant and he was a coward.

The rooster crowing fulfilled what Jesus said in John 13:38, and would have immediately reminded Peter of the prediction Jesus made in the upper room. And I would imagine shame would have flooded Peter.

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BSF Study Questions John Lesson 24, Day 4: John 18:13-27

Summary of passage:  Jesus was arrested and taken to Annas, Caiaphas’ father-in-law. Peter and John followed Jesus. John went with Jesus while Peter waited outside. When asked by a little girl if he was one of the disciples, Peter denies Jesus for the first time.

Annas questions Jesus who is struck by a soldier. He’s shipped off to Caiaphas. Meanwhile, Peter denies Jesus a second and third time. A rooster crows.

Questions:

9)  He just starts questioning Jesus, blatantly disregarding Jewish law and trying to get Jesus to incriminate himself.  He feels he is above the law.  He allows Jesus to be struck.  He doesn’t care about human dignity or abuse. He ships him off to Caiaphas when he’s done with him with not a care in the world about what will happen to Jesus.

10)  Personal Question.  My answer:  He always maintains his composure.  He throws the law into both Caiaphas’ face and the unknown official who struck him.  He protects his disciples by refusing to mention them.  He doesn’t panic.  He submits but always letting his captors know they are in the wrong.

Conclusions:  We all know this trial won’t be fair and it starts here from the beginning.  Jewish law states witnesses must be called forth first, beginning with the defense.  The Talmud states, “Criminal processes can neither commence nor terminate, but during the course of the day. If the person be acquitted, the sentence may be pronounced during that day; but, if he be condemned, the sentence cannot be pronounced till the next day. But no kind of judgment is to be executed, either on the eve of the Sabbath, or the eve of any festival.”  It’s the dead of night here.  People corrupted by power known no bounds and care not for law and order.

End Notes:  Annas was the power behind the throne in Jerusalem. He himself had been High Priest from AD 6 to 15. Four of his sons had also held the high priesthood and Caiaphas was his son-in-law. His name meant “Yahweh is gracious”. He is still called the high priest in Acts 4:6 when Peter and John are arrested.

One reason John reminds us of what Caiaphas said in John 11:49-52 is to show that the judgment against Jesus was already decided. It would not be a fair trial. He would die for the people.

John who had the connections is the reason they had access to the high priest’s house and the reason we know what went on there.

A mere girl scares Peter enough to deny Christ and then he tries to blend into the crowd and shrink himself by standing around a fire with others. How tragic!

Annas means merciful. Ironic.

Jesus was not going to throw his disciples under the bus. He never mentions them. He asks for evidence in asking for others to testify to his words. This should have been the first step Annas should have taken for one accused of crimes. But there would be no fairness here for Jesus. He was a threat that had to be annihilated.

The first blow is laid upon Jesus be an unnamed official. Jesus calls the man out and having no answer, Annas sends Jesus on, still bound.

Luke 22:61 indicates that Peter could see Jesus and see him being slapped. No doubt his fear increased and he lied twice more. John is also present and Peter lied in front of John. The same question is asked in the same way, using the negative. The questioners expected the answer “No”, not expecting a follower of Jesus amongst them. The questioner is identified differently in all Gospels (Matthew 26:71; Mark 14:69; Luke 22:58).

John would know Malchus’ relative and a relative would be eager to know if this was the man who cut off his relative’s ear. Matthew 26:74 tells us Peter cursed this denial. He was adamant and he was a coward.

The rooster crowing fulfilled what Jesus said in John 13:38, and would have immediately reminded Peter of the prediction Jesus made in the upper room. And I would imagine shame would have flooded Peter.

BSF Study Questions John Lesson 24, Day 3: John 18:1-12

Summary of passage: Jesus and his disciples left the upper room, crossed the Kidron Valley, and stopped in an olive grove. Judas shows up with officials and soldiers armed with weapons. They ask for Jesus who declares himself. Peter drew his sword to defend Jesus and cut off the ear of a servant named Malchus. Jesus chastises Peter, telling him this is his destiny.

Jesus was arrested and bound.

Questions:

6)  He does everything he can to protect his disciples.  He calls attention to himself.  He stuns everyone with his declarative power.  He asks for his disciples to go free.  He stops Peter from defending him so he can fulfill God’s plan for us.  He reminds us this is the cup/plan the Father has given him.  He submits to the soldiers, not fighting or escaping.

7)  John leaves out the entire saga of Jesus asking God for the cup to be taken from him and the disciples falling asleep in the Garden.  He leaves out Judas’ betrayal with a kiss.  He leaves out some of Jesus’ words and how the disciples fled.  He leaves out the healing of the ear.  John keeps it very simple and focuses on Jesus protecting the disciples and fulfilling God’s plan for his life and humanity.

8 )  Personal Question.  My answer:  Jesus loves us so much to suffer and die for us and I need to love him as much–or at least as much as is humanly possible here on earth.  Seeing God’s plan being fulfilled helps me to know God will fulfill His plans for my life as well.

Conclusions:  Good to read the other accounts and see the differences.  I love how all taken together gives us the whole picture of that night.  It would have been amazing to have been there!

End Notes:  The Kidron was a small stream that was the drainage from the temple, and would be reddish from the blood of thousands of Passover lambs. This would have been a vivid reminder to Jesus of His soon sacrifice.  Info on Kidron Valley HERE  Cool maps of Jesus’ last 24 hours HERE and HERE

John did not name this as the Garden of Gethsemane, but the other Gospel writers did (Matthew 26:36 and Mark 14:32). Jesus often met there with His disciples, perhaps to sleep for the night under the shelter of the olive trees or in a nearby cave. Hence, why Judas knew Jesus would be there that night and why Jesus went–so Judas could easily find him knowing he was searching for him.

John does not go into detail in the Garden, leaving that to the other apostles to do so.

Judas came with many soldiers, expecting a struggle. How he didn’t know our Lord! Jesus could have wiped them out with a word. This harkens to the Garden of Eden. Man lost that round. He would win this round!

Jesus speaks first for 2 reasons: 1) He wanted any potential violence to be directed to Him and not to His disciples. 2) Jesus wanted Judas and the detachment of troops to announce their evil intention.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I am: Jesus answered them with two words in both English and in the Greek (ego eimi). He did not say, “I am he”–that was added by translators and not in the original text. Jesus was consciously proclaiming himself God, just like he did throughout his testimony on earth (John 8:58; 6:48, 8:12, 9:5, 10:9, 10:11-14, 10:36, 11:25, 14:6).

This explains why all fell back. When Jesus proclaims himself “I am” the power and presence of God overwhelms the soldiers and they are afraid. We’re talking probably upwards of 500 soldiers sent to arrest Jesus and all were petrified. Jesus could have escaped then, but he didn’t. For our sakes.

Jesus asks them again who he is in order to shock them back to reality. He repeats I am but with less force. He willingly gives himself up and asks for his disciples to go free. Sacrificial love. The show of power was to protect them as well. This was a command to let them go. He promised the Father he would protect them (John 17:12). There would be no harm to his disciples as long as Jesus was there! This was also the signal for the disciples to slip away, which they did all except Peter and John.

John is the only writer to identify Peter as the one with the sword. Peter was fulfilling his promise to protect Jesus (Matthew 26:35).

Cutting off the right ear is significant. Scholars say this meant Peter, holding the sword in his right hand, must have attacked the high priest’s servant from behind, because it would be near impossible to cut off his right ear if he was facing the servant Malchus. It is entirely possible that Peter deliberately chose a non-solider, and attacked him from behind. This was not a shining display of courage. And given the fact we know Peter is about to deny Jesus 3 times, this was probably an impulsive display that was safe for him.

Why is the servant mentioned by name here? Scholars speculate that Malchus may have eventually become a Christian and would have been known to the early Christian community at the time of this writing. This is a pattern we see throughout the rest of the Gospels and Acts.

Peter’s thoughtless action may have erupted into violence and the disciples getting hurt. Jesus stops Peter for his own good and for the disciples. And so he could die on the cross. John leaves out how Jesus healed the man’s ear (Luke 22:51).

The cup signifies suffering and the wrath of God. It came from the Father. God is in control.

The captain was a Roman and the others were Jews. Both were complicit in Jesus’ death. Jesus consented to be bound. He could break those easily.

BSF Study Questions John Lesson 24, Day 2: John 18:1-27

Summary of passage:  Jesus and his disciples left the upper room, crossed the Kidron Valley, and stopped in an olive grove.  Judas shows up with officials and soldiers armed with weapons.  They ask for Jesus who declares himself.  Peter drew his sword to defend Jesus and cut off the ear of a servant named Malchus.  Jesus chastises Peter, telling him this is his destiny.

Jesus was arrested and taken to Annas, Caiaphas’ father-in-law.  Peter and John followed Jesus.  John went with Jesus while Peter waited outside.  When asked by a little girl if he was one of the disciples, Peter denies Jesus for the first time.

Annas questions Jesus who is struck by a soldier.  He’s shipped off to Caiaphas.  Meanwhile, Peter denies Jesus a second and third time.  A rooster crows.

Questions:

3)  Part personal Question.  My answer:  Jesus does not hide.  He admits who he is.  He answers truthfully questions put to him.  He does not lie to save his skin.  He goes to the garden knowing he will be arrested when he could have ran and hid.  It’s inspiring to do the work God has for me like Jesus did God’s work for him.

4)  He knew he would be arrested that night and he still went anyways.  He admits who he is.  He dies so not one of us will be lost.  He tells Peter not to fight for him.  He denies nothing to Annas about who he is or what he said.  He willingly takes the hits and the punches and eventually his death for us.

5)  Part personal Question.  My answer:  He never shrinks from any of this.  He accepts his fate and goes out with dignity and self-respect.  He never denies who he is.  He willingly takes all of our sin on him and suffers.  My sufferings pale in comparison.  I remember what Jesus did for me and live for him every day.

Conclusions:  Major focus today on Jesus’ demeanor during his arrest and how that strengthens us.  We are spending all week on this passage so we’ll probably break it down further.  No fear in the face of God’s plan.  Perfect!

End Notes:  The Kidron was a small stream that was the drainage from the temple, and would be reddish from the blood of thousands of Passover lambs.  This would have been a vivid reminder to Jesus of His soon sacrifice.  Info on Valley HERE  Cool Maps of Jesus’ last 24 hours and his movements HERE and HERE

John did not name this as the Garden of Gethsemane, but the other Gospel writers did (Matthew 26:36 and Mark 14:32). Jesus often met there with His disciples, perhaps to sleep for the night under the shelter of the olive trees or in a nearby cave.  Hence, why Judas knew Jesus would be there that night and why Jesus went–so Judas could easily find him knowing he was searching for him.

John does not go into detail in the Garden, leaving that to the other apostles to do so.

Judas came with many soldiers, expecting a struggle.  How he didn’t know our Lord!  Jesus could have wiped them out with a word.  This harkens to the Garden of Eden.  Man lost that round.  He would win this round!

Jesus speaks first for 2 reasons:  1)  He wanted any potential violence to be directed to Him and not to His disciples.   2)  Jesus wanted Judas and the detachment of troops to announce their evil intention.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  I am: Jesus answered them with two words in both English and in the Greek (ego eimi). He did not say, “I am he”–that was added by translators and not in the original text.  Jesus was consciously proclaiming himself God, just like he did throughout his testimony on earth (John 8:58; 6:48, 8:12, 9:5, 10:9, 10:11-14, 10:36, 11:25, 14:6).

This explains why all fell back.  When Jesus proclaims himself “I am” the power and presence of God overwhelms the soldiers and they are afraid.  We’re talking probably upwards of 500 soldiers sent to arrest Jesus and all were petrified.  Jesus could have escaped then, but he didn’t.  For our sakes.

Jesus asks them again who he is in order to shock them back to reality.  He repeats I am but with less force.  He willingly gives himself up and asks for his disciples to go free.  Sacrificial love.  The show of power was to protect them as well.  This was a command to let them go.  He promised the Father he would protect them (John 17:12).  There would be no harm to his disciples as long as Jesus was there!  This was also the signal for the disciples to slip away, which they did all except Peter and John.

John is the only writer to identify Peter as the one with the sword.  Peter was fulfilling his promise to protect Jesus (Matthew 26:35).

Cutting off the right ear is significant.  Scholars say this meant Peter, holding the sword in his right hand, must have attacked the high priest’s servant from behind, because it would be near impossible to cut off his right ear if he was facing the servant Malchus. It is entirely possible that Peter deliberately chose a non-solider, and attacked him from behind. This was not a shining display of courage.  And given the fact we know Peter is about to deny Jesus 3 times, this was probably an impulsive display that was safe for him.

Why is the servant mentioned by name here?  Scholars speculate that Malchus may have eventually become a Christian and would have been known to the early Christian community at the time of this writing.  This is a pattern we see throughout the rest of the Gospels and Acts.

Peter’s thoughtless action may have erupted into violence and the disciples getting hurt.  Jesus stops Peter for his own good and for the disciples.  And so he could die on the cross.  John leaves out how Jesus healed the man’s ear (Luke 22:51).

The cup signifies suffering and the wrath of God.  It came from the Father.  God is in control.

The captain was a Roman and the others were Jews.  Both were complicit in Jesus’ death.  Jesus consented to be bound.  He could break those easily.

Annas was the power behind the throne in Jerusalem. He himself had been High Priest from AD 6 to 15. Four of his sons had also held the high priesthood and Caiaphas was his son-in-law.  His name meant “Yahweh is gracious”.  He is still called the high priest in Acts 4:6 when Peter and John are arrested.

One reason John reminds us of what Caiaphas said in John 11:49-52 is to show that the judgment against Jesus was already decided. It would not be a fair trial.  He would die for the people.

John who had the connections is the reason they had access to the high priest’s house and the reason we know what went on there.

A mere girl scares Peter enough to deny Christ and then he tries to blend into the crowd and shrink himself by standing around a fire with others.  How tragic!

Jesus was not going to throw his disciples under the bus.  He never mentions them.  He asks for evidence in asking for others to testify to his words.  This should have been the first step Annas should have taken for one accused of crimes.  But there would be no fairness here for Jesus.  He was a threat that had to be annihilated.

The first blow is laid upon Jesus be an unnamed official.  Jesus calls the man out and having no answer, Annas sends Jesus on, still bound.

Luke 22:61 indicates that Peter could see Jesus and see him being slapped.  No doubt his fear increased and he lied twice more.  John is also present and Peter lied in front of John. The same question is asked in the same way, using the negative.  The questioners expected the answer “No”, not expecting a follower of Jesus amongst them.  The questioner is identified differently in all  Gospels (Matthew 26:71; Mark 14:69; Luke 22:58).

John would know Malchus’ relative and a relative would be eager to know if this was the man who cut off his relative’s ear.  Matthew 26:74 tells us Peter cursed this denial.  He was adamant and he was a coward.

The rooster crowing fulfilled what Jesus said in John 13:38, and would have immediately reminded Peter of the prediction Jesus made in the upper room.  And I would imagine shame would have flooded Peter.

BSF Study Questions Revelation Lesson 24, Day 5: Revelation 19:17-21

Summary of passage:  An angel calls together all the carrion birds to feast on the flesh of the defeated enemies of Jesus.  The beast and the kings of the earth and their armies made war against Christ and his followers.  The beast and the false prophet were captured and thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulphur.  All their followers were killed and the birds gorged on their flesh.

Questions:

12)  They die and become a feast for the birds.

13)  Any other religion outside of Christianity.  Deluded by the ways of the world.

14)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Not sure if it does.  I know I’m on the winning side.  I live my life the best God wants me to.  I tell others about God and pray about them but ultimately it’s up to their Free Will and God if they turn.  I don’t worry about it and try not to worry about anything.  God has it all!

Conclusions:  No words needed.

We’ve see “how will you live differently questions” so much I have no new answers.  Lesson 24 Day 4, Lesson 14 Day 2  Lesson 11 Day 5

End Notes:  Graphic end to Christ’s enemies.  Ezekiel 39 prophesied this as Gog and Magog which we’ll see in Revelation 20.

The angel is brighter than the sun since he’s standing before the sun.  This is reflective of God’s glory.

Note the repetition of “flesh” 5 times.  This shows how the flesh is to be let go when God arrives and how all in the flesh will be judged.

There are four different suppers in the Bible:

1)  The supper of salvation, alluded to in Jesus’ parable (Luke 14:16-24)
2)  The Lord’s supper, a commemoration of Jesus’ sacrifice
3)  The marriage supper of the Lamb  (Revelation 19:9)
4)  The supper of the great God (Revelation 19:17)

Everyone will attend at least one of these suppers.  But will you be one of those eating or be one eaten?

We saw the inhabitants of the earth gather in Revelation 16:14.

Some ask:  who would be stupid enough to gather together and battle Jesus?  Well, we can never underestimate man’s hatred of God.  After all, we did murder Jesus on the cross–Emmanual incarnate.  Some scholars say the armies were gathered together to fight each other and then Christ arrives.  You make the call here.  Remember:  the End Times will be chaotic.  One horrible judgment after another.  In times of chaos, man does stupid things as panic and the fight for survival thrive.

Note:  THERE IS NO BATTLE.  Judgment is immediate.  Christ uses his sword (the Word) and it is finished.  He is the victor.

Lake of eternal fire is eternal punishment and torment (Revelation 20:10), also what we consider hell.  Note how the beast (Satan) and the false prophet are thrown alive into the lake of fire BEFORE the Great White Throne of judgment holds court (Revelation 20:11-15).  Their fate is doomed from the beginning.

Conclusions to Revelation 19:  We make ready for Christ’s return and Christ wins.  We want to be on the winning side and prepared.

Conclusions to Lesson 24:  We saw “you” or “your” a whooping 10 times this lesson and this doesn’t include Days 1 & 6.  Weak and repetitious.

BSF Study Questions Revelation Lesson 24, Day 4: Revelation 19:11-16

Summary of passage:  John now sees a white horse with a rider called Faithful and True in heaven.  He wears a robe of blood, has blazing eyes, and wears crowns. His name is the Word of God.  He is followed by an army of heaven.  Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword to strike down the nations and on his robe and thigh is written “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

Questions:

9)  Jesus.  It all starts with God/Jesus and ends with Him.  He is the bearer of Truth and He is faithful to His promises.

Note:  Revelation 3:14 is Jesus speaking, calling himself “the faithful and true witness”.

10)  Personal Question.  My answer:  His robe is dipped in blood shows how he has sacrificed for me to be righteous before God and how he brings justice.

11)  Personal Question.  My answer:  This question should be in the present tense in my opinion.  We are called to be Faithful and True to God and His word and if I do that, I’ll lead a life worthy of God’s calling.

Conclusions:  Weak.  Very, very weak.  With so much imagery here, this is the best BSF can come up with?

End Notes:  This is Jesus’s Second Coming.  Zechariah 14:3-4 tells us when Jesus returns He will come first to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.  This answers the plea of Isaiah in 64:1-2 as well as the great multitude and the survivors of the Great Tribulation where Israel as a whole will turn to Jesus.

A horse in battle was rare in ancient times.  Only the officers rode horses.  Hence, we see Jesus as powerful and full of honor.  Probably not the same horse as in Revelation 6:2.

In Revelation 6:2 we see white as victory.  In Revelation 7:9, we see the multitude wearing white robes symbolizing victory because of their faithfulness.

The rider is no doubt Christ from all the Messianic references in this passage.

In Revelation 1:14 and 2:18 we saw eyes as flames of fire in the description of Christ.  The fire burns through to our soul, revealing all of our dirty secrets, lies, and deceit.

This is a different crown word here than before.  There are two Greek words used in the Revelation for “crown.” One is “Stephanos” is the crown of achievement used in connection with the Church (Rev.2:10; 3:11), the twenty-four elders (Rev.4:4, 10), Israel (Rev.12:1), Jesus Christ (Rev.14:14), the locust-demons (Rev.9:7), and the Antichrist (Rev.6:2).  The other is “diadema”, which is the crown of royalty and authority.  It’s used in connection with seven worldly kingdoms and the ten yet-future kings that make up the heads and horns of the image of the beast (Rev.12:3; 13:1).
In this case, Jesus is wearing many “diadems” at His Return which are the crowns associated with the kingdoms of man.  Some scholars believe Jesus is wearing the beast’s crowns as a sign of victory over the beast.  Others suggest the crown shows Jesus as triumphant over man and the whole earth and its inhabitants.

The war is a war of righteousness from verse 11.

We saw the sharp sword coming out of Christ’s mouth in Revelation 1:16.  This is of course the Word, not a literal sword.  We see the robe dipped in blood in Isaiah 63:1-6 and scholars debate whether it’s the blood of his enemies or His blood shed for our sins.  Either is quite possible.  He is going to strike down the nations and rule with an iron scepter comes from Psalm 2:9 and Isaiah 11:4.  Treading the winepress of the fury of God we saw in Revelation 14:17-20.

Note the location Christ’s name is written:  his thigh.  We saw this in Genesis 24:2,9; 47:29 as the location where oaths were made.  It will be easily visible to all.  Some scholars suggest the name no one knows is in fact Yahweh.

This is the beginning of the final battle–Armageddon.  The armies are believers (Jude 14-15; Revelation 17:14).  Angels will also accompany Christ as well (Deuteronomy 33:2; Psalm 68:17).  Their weapon is the fine linen they wear–the blood of Christ.  All we need for victory!

BSF Study Questions Revelation Lesson 24, Day 3: Revelation 19:6-10

Summary of passage:  John heard what sounded like a great multitude, rushing waters, and loud peals of thunder, rejoicing in God for the Lamb’s wedding.  The angel told John to write God’s true words, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”.  John started to worship the angel who chastised him and said only God is worthy of worship.

Questions:

6a)  The time where God is about to fulfill His promises to mankind here on earth, establish His kingdom, and have believers reign eternally by His side.  The imagery of a wedding is used to express the intimate relationship between God and His people (the bride).  See End Notes for more.

b)  Ephesians 5:25-33:  Christ loved the church that he gave himself up for her to be holy by the washing with water through the word, making the church holy and blameless.

2 Corinthians 11:2:  The church is promised to Christ as pure.

John 14:15-21:  Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to live inside of us and be with us forever.

John 15:9-17:  Jesus loves us as the Father loves him to the point he gave his life for us.  We are to love each other in the same way.

7)  Believers or the Church.

8 )  Personal Question.  My answer:  That only God is worthy of worship as man is equal to angels.  Don’t worship the messenger; worship the source.  Praise God more for all His goodness.

Conclusions:  The most poignant lesson out of this is John’s mistake of worshiping the angel, the messenger, instead of God, the master.  John who has seen all these visions of God and been spoken to by God’s messengers and walked with Jesus should have an insanely close relationship with God and yet, here he is, making a grave mistake and is rebuked for it.  How human!  Shows how we all make mistakes, God corrects us and loves us through our mistakes, and then He still invites us in.

Another lesson from this is we need to be careful we don’t worship the messenger either (people, pastors, false prophets, etc–especially in the End Times).

End Notes:  The sound John heard would be enormous.  So many praising God.  How awesome!

In the Old Testament, Israel is presented as God’s wife (Hosea 2:19-20, Isaiah 54:5, Ezekiel 16).

In the New Testament, marriage is frequently used to describe the union between the church and Christ.  Matthew 22:1-14 is where we also see believers as Christ’s bride.

The bride has made herself ready is how Christians are cleansed by the blood of Christ so we can be pure by wearing fine linen when we appear before God.  Scholars point out how the bride or the people of God have also resisted the beast and remained true to God and thus are ready.

Clean (katharos) reflects purity, loyalty and faithfulness, the character of the New Jerusalem.  Bright (lampros) is the color of radiant whiteness that depicts glorification.

The fine linen is our good works of which we were created for.

The marriage supper in ancient times was when guests were invited to celebrate the betrothal of the bride and groom before the actual wedding.  There is a period of time between the two which is where earth is now.  Believers are awaiting Jesus’ return to take us to heaven and complete the marriage.  We are betrothed but waiting.  The feast itself was the party of the year.  It was a huge celebration and all were expected to attend. (Matthew 8:11; Luke 14:15; 22:16).

We see the Fourth Beatitude in this reading:  Revelation 19:9

Why does John fall in worship at the angel’s feet?  Surely he knows only God is worthy of worship.  Two possible reasons:  1)  He is so overcome by this scene of God’s consummation of His plan that he forgets himself.  2)  He believes the angel to be God or Jesus.

Interestingly, John will make this same mistake again in Revelation 22:8-9.

Prophecy always relates back to Jesus since we are all awaiting Jesus’ return.  His testimony is what we are called to speak.  Prophecy is about Jesus.  Period.