If the beast in chapter 13 reminds us that powerful kings and kingdoms have often set themselves up as opponents of King Jesus, chapter 17 reminds us that wealthy and sophisticated civilizations tend to be just as hostile to the claims of Christ. John describes “the great city, which reigns…

Who is this beast from the sea? Commentators have come to wildly different conclusions over the years, many claiming that it was alive in their own generation, and thus that the end of the world was imminent. So, why has this image caused so much confusion? Let’s begin with what…

John doesn’t sugarcoat what will happen to God’s witnesses in the last days. They will be clothed in sackcloth, an ancient image of mourning (11:3). And they will eventually be overcome and killed by their enemies (11:7). The experience of countless martyrs throughout the ages leaves us with no doubt…

Is anyone in charge here? In the face of war in Ukraine and Gaza, of chaos in Congress and violence in American streets, this is not a rhetorical question. And as American culture continues its collapse into ever more perverse forms of immorality, even Christians may be tempted to look…

Many people avoid studying the Revelation of Jesus Christ, either because of its frightening imagery or because it is so hard to understand: even John Calvin never wrote a commentary on it. But in verse 3 John promises a blessing on those who read this prophecy and who keep what…

“I’ll believe it when I see it.” Have you ever felt that way about God’s promises? Jesus said, “I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly” (10:10) But when trouble or grief strikes, don’t we tend to wonder if abundant life is really possible? Jesus said,…

“I am.” That’s what Jesus said to the soldiers sent by the chief priests to arrest Him. Oh, it would have been easy enough for him to hide. The garden was dark, and He and all of His disciples were undoubtedly dressed in a similar way. He could have let…

How closely do you think your prayers line up with what Jesus is praying for you? He is, after all, at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us even now (Romans 8:34). So, what do you think He is praying for? Well, however we might want to be…

It’s easy to love those who respect us and who listen to us. It’s easy to serve those who are loyal to us and who stick with us through thick and thin. But in John chapter 13, we learn that Jesus loves in a completely different way. In verse 2,…

Do you believe in Jesus? Many of us have the sort of faith that Martha had at the beginning of this passage. We are sure of His love for us, and we are confident in His power – up to a point. For notice the way Martha speaks in verse…