Revelation: Manger to Majesty

Revelation 19:11-16

The Christ child in the manger would have been a miraculous sight. God in the flesh! J. I. Packer says: 

The Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless human baby, unable to do more than lie and stare and wriggle and make noises, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child. And there was no illusion or deception in this: the babyhood of the Son of God was a reality. The more you think of it, the more staggering it gets. Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is this truth of the Incarnation.[1]

Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as God becoming man. And…nothing in fiction is more fantastic than Jesus coming again not as a baby but as the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev. 19:16). 

After John’s vision of the marriage supper of the Lamb, which we considered last time, the apostle “saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse” (Rev. 19:11). The first time John saw a white horse was in Revelation 6, when Jesus opened the first seal, ushering in the tribulation. The rider of that white horse was the Antichrist, who brought war, famine, and destruction. But the rider of this white horse has a completely different agenda. This rider is Jesus coming again, not wrapped in swaddling clothes but wearing a robe dipped in blood.  

Let’s look at John’s description of Jesus. 

His White Horse (19:11)
In the Roman Empire, it was customary for the triumphant general to ride a white horse into town and parade along the Via Sacra, the main road through Rome. In this context, the white horse symbolizes Christ’s triumph over all the forces of wickedness in the world.[2] Jesus is followed by the righteous “armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure... on white horses” (Rev. 19:14). 

His Eyes (Rev. 19:12a)
John describes Jesus’ eyes as “like a flame of fire,” a detail that matches his description of the Lord’s eyes in his first vision of Jesus (Rev. 1:14). The blazing fire symbolizes Christ’s judgment of nonbelievers. No one can escape the piercing, holy eyes of Jesus.   

His Crowns (Rev. 19:12b)
John saw not one but many crowns on Jesus’ head. “Crown” is a translation of the Greek word diadema, which denotes crowns reserved for royalty. Jesus’ numerous crowns signify his unlimited sovereignty.  

His Names (Rev. 19:11, 12c, 13a, 15, 16)

Faithful and True. This passage gives several names to Jesus. The first two are “Faithful” and “True.” Jesus was faithful to do all that the Father sent him to do, and now he judges with truth and justice. 

“Indescribable.” Jesus has a name written on him that only he knows. This undisclosed name shows that he is the indescribable One, beyond understanding. He is “beyond measure” (Ps. 147:5), “unsearchable” (Isa. 40:28), and all-powerful (Jer. 32:17).

The Word of God. In John’s Gospel, he first introduces Jesus as the Word who was with God from the beginning and was God (John 1:1). Then the Word became flesh and lived on earth, fully God and fully man (John 1:14). When he comes a second time as the conquering king, he is again called “The Word of God” (Rev. 19:13a).  

God the Almighty. He is the all-powerful One (Rev. 19:15).

King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus is supreme over all rulers and authorities (Rev. 19:16).

His Robe (Rev. 19:13a)
John saw Jesus dressed in a robe dipped in blood. Some commentators believe this is the redemptive blood of Jesus, the Lamb that was slain. Others say it is not the blood of the cross but a sign of victory over his enemies (Isa. 63:2-3; Rev. 14:20). Since Jesus is coming to judge, the latter interpretation seems best. 

His Mouth (Rev. 19:15)
Coming out of Jesus’ mouth, John saw “a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.” The “sharp sword” is a metaphor for the power of the gospel and the spoken word of God (Gen. 1; Isa. 55:11; John 1:1; 1 Thess. 1:8).[3] The writer of the Hebrews explains this power well. He says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Heb. 4:12-13).

His Rule (Rev. 19:15b)
John says that Jesus “will rule them with a rod of iron.” This description is drawn from Psalm 2:9 and Psalm 110:5-6, which portray Christ’s unyielding authority.[4]

His Judgment (Rev. 19:15)
John states that Jesus will tread “the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.” He will come as the just Judge of all humanity.

Jesus is manageable in our finite minds when we leave him lying in the manger. There he is, a baby to hold and care for. And that’s where most people like to leave him. Revelation tells us that Jesus is coming back as Judge to render a final verdict on those who have repeatedly rejected God’s grace. He comes to tread “the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty,” a statement that is both distressing and awe-inspiring, and that will one day be a reality. If you haven’t trusted in Jesus, I plead with you to turn to him today so you will escape the wrath to come.  

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 19:11-16.

Talking to God: Is Jesus merely someone you admire from the manger, or the reigning King to whom you have fully surrendered your life?

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to assist as we explore God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll respond soon. If you're interested in learning more about a relationship with Jesus or seeking spiritual guidance, let us help you take the next step.