LIFE GROUP OR PERSONAL STUDY | WEEK OF MAY 11
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Context:
Revelation 7 offers a powerful pause amid the chaos of judgment and tribulation (Revelation 6). First, we see the Church Militant, the 144,000, symbolizing the faithful, sealed people of God on earth, equipped for mission. But in verses 9-17, the curtain is drawn back to reveal the Church Triumphant: a countless host from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing victorious before God's throne. This vision is not of a distant fantasy – it is the promised outcome of God's mission through Jesus Christ. The crowd wears white robes, made pure by the blood of the Lamb. Their hymn of praise centers not on themselves but on God and the Lamb, who alone bring salvation.
Icebreaker:
If you could be part of any crowd or event in history, what would it be and why? (e.g. Woodstock, the Papal Conclave, etc.)
Read Revelation 7:9-17 aloud. What stood out to you from this week’s homily? (Previous homilies can be watched at christlamesa.org/media.) What stands out to you in this passage? How does this heavenly scene compare to how you usually picture heaven?
The multitude includes people "from every nation, tribe, people, and language." How does this reflect God's promise to Abraham? (See Genesis 12:3 and 15:5) How does this passage shape the way we think about the mission of the Church today?
In verse 10, the people cry, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" What's the difference between saying "I was saved" and "Salvation belongs to God"?
Verse 14 speaks of "those who come out of the great tribulation." Though there are many interpretations of this, broadly speaking, the world the saints are coming out of is the “tribulation.” The world is full of division, suffering, pain, tears, loss, hatred, anger, etc. How does this vision of being “clothed in white robes, having been washed in the blood of the lamb” comfort you as you navigate this world?
Verse 17 says the Lamb will be their Shepherd. Our heart always seeks a shepherd. Sometimes, we make the wrong thing our shepherd. Politicians, cultural figures, celebrity pastors, etc. If they are not serving as under-shepherds to Jesus, they are not shepherds. How has Jesus the Shepherd guided you in how you should go (even if you didn’t follow those promptings)?
How might seeing your current struggles from the perspective of Revelation 7 change your response?
Close with prayer, giving special attention to the theme of Jesus as the worthy Shepherd.