Bible Passage: Revelation 1:9-20
Main Point: Jesus appeared to John in a vision to tell about the end of time.
During this unit, we will be looking at God’s message about what will happen when Jesus returns in the Book of Revelation. The apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation from the island of Patmos. Patmos was a small Greek island where the Roman emperor often exiled prisoners. John was likely sent to Patmos as a prisoner, arrested for preaching the gospel.
With this Bible story, introduce your kids to the Book of Revelation—the last book of the Bible. Other Bible books tell us about things that happened in past, but Revelation tells about things that will happen in the future. A glimpse of the future kingdom of God gives believers hope and encourages them to remain faithful to Christ.
In Revelation 1, Jesus appeared to John in a vision to tell about the end of time. John was on the island of Patmos when he heard a voice telling him to write what he saw. John turned and, in a vision, saw Jesus: He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash wrapped around His chest. His head and hair were as white as snow, and His eyes were like a fiery flame. Because the Book of Revelation is highly symbolic, avoid dwelling on the physical description of Jesus. Jesus’ appearance to John reveals what Jesus is like: worthy of all honor, powerful, and victorious.
John saw Jesus walking among seven lampstands, symbols for the seven churches. Explain to the boys and girls you teach that lampstands are used to bring light into dark places. That is the purpose of the church—to bring the light of the gospel into a dark world.
When John saw Jesus, he fell at Jesus’ feet. Jesus reached down and put His hand on John. He said, “Don’t be afraid” (Rev. 1:17). Jesus showed Himself to John and explained that He is the First and the Last, the Living One. While Jesus was on earth, He defeated sin and death by dying on the cross and coming back to life. Now Jesus is lifted up in glory and honor forever and ever. We can look forward to a future with Him forever.
Check out the Lifeway Kids App for ways to interact with the Bible content this week.
Family Discussion Starters
Preschool (3 years old – K)
* Why do you think Jesus showed John the future?
* Why did John fall at Jesus’ feet?
* What did Jesus mean when He said that He is the First and the Last, the Living One?
Early Elementary (1st – 3rd grade)
* Why do you think Jesus showed John the future?
* How do you feel when you think about Jesus returning?
* Is it important for Christians to know how God’s story ends?
Older Elementary (4th – 6th grade)
* Why was John on an island? Why do you think God gave him a vision?
* What did John see in his vision?
* Where is Jesus today?
Family Activity
Preschool
* Look on a map or globe and identify islands.
* Practice finding the Book of Revelation in the Bible.
* Light a candle or shine a flashlight in a dark room. Talk about how the church is supposed to be like a light in the darkness.
Elementary
* Have a family storytelling night. Tell the end of the story, then let each member of your family tell a different story that ends the way you decide.
* Make a recipe with your kids, but stop before the last step. Discuss why the “end” is so important.