Jesus is our Defender
Revelation 19:11-14 “11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.”.
Notice in verse 14 that the armies of heaven are following Jesus. Jesus is out in front. Also, notice that Jesus is the only one that has blood on him. This may sound gory, but there is so much symbolism in this passage of scripture! Jesus is the sacrificial lamb whose blood washes away all the dirty, messy sin from us until we are made “white and clean”.
Interesting aside: Various Names of Jesus - None are fully adequate
- Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11)
- Word of God (Revelation 19:13)
- KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16)
Each of these names describes a different aspect of Jesus’ character, but none of them fully encapsulate who He is. Jesus transcends any description that human minds can devise.
Why does He defend us?
To restore us in relationship to the Father.
John 14:6-7 “6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
How does He defend us?
Through the Gospel. Jesus entered into a broken world to redeem us from sin.
Jesus is on the front lines, fighting against our sin. He does not hide inside of a palace or behind an army like many kings/leaders do. He fights for us himself. He equips us with everything that we need to be protected from the attacks and schemes of the enemy.
Intercession to the Father -
Hebrews 7:25 “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Spiritual Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17)
- Belt of truth
- Breastplate of righteousness
- Feet fitted with readiness from the gospel of peace
- Shield of faith
- Helmet of salvation
- Sword of the Spirit (word of God)
Jesus defends us yesterday, today, and forever
- Yesterday: Throughout His life, Jesus was constantly protecting and defending people. Biblical story -
John 8:3-11 “3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”, “7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared “Go now and leave your life of sin.””
2. Today: Personal story - Jesus reminded me that I had worth and a reason to live.
3. Forever: Revelation 19:11-14 - Jesus rides into battle on our behalf, ready to do battle against the enemy's forces. However, there is no battle because Jesus already won through the power of what He did on the cross.
Jesus defends us against sin and death through His death and resurrection.
