Revelation 12:1-6, Lesson 20

Revelation 12 – The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon Introduction Revelation 12 marks a turning point in the book. Having completed the first cycle of visions through chapter 11, John now reveals a deeper spiritual battle behind the persecution faced by the first-century church. The same message of faithfulness and victory remains, but the imagery intensifies. Satan, pictured as a great red dragon, opposes the people of God, yet his defeat is assured through Christ’s triumph. The Context of the Vision The book of Revelation was written to seven congregations in Asia Minor enduring severe persecution from the Roman Empire. These Christians were pressured to worship the emperor and to renounce Christ. Revelation assured them that God was fully aware of their suffering and was working behind the scenes to bring justice. The message was not about events thousands of years in the future, but about God’s power and presence during their trials. The Woman Clothed with the Sun John sees a woman “clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” This striking image represents the faithful people of God—the righteous remnant of Israel—through whom the Messiah would come. The number twelve often symbolizes God’s people: twelve tribes under the old covenant and twelve apostles under the new. The woman’s brightness and glory reflect God’s favor and protection. She is pictured in labor, crying out in pain, symbolizing the long and difficult anticipation of the coming Savior through generations of faithful believers. The Child Who Rules with a Rod of Iron The woman gives birth to a male child who is destined “to rule all nations with a rod of iron.” This is a direct reference to Psalm 2, a prophecy of the Messiah’s rule over the nations. The “rod of iron” portrays Christ’s unbreakable authority and righteous judgment. The dragon—Satan—stands ready to devour the child as soon as He is born, recalling Herod’s attempt to destroy Jesus at His birth. Yet God intervenes: the child is caught up to heaven, representing Christ’s resurrection and ascension. Satan’s plans to destroy the Redeemer fail completely. The Great Red Dragon The dragon is described as fiery red, with seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. The symbolism emphasizes his anger, power, and influence. Red symbolizes bloodshed and destruction. The seven heads suggest intelligence and craftiness, while the ten horns represent strength and authority. The crowns indicate dominion over evil powers of the earth. The dragon’s tail sweeping down a third of the stars demonstrates Satan’s ability to deceive and influence, but his power is limited—he can only act within boundaries God allows. The Woman’s Flight into the Wilderness After the child is taken to heaven, the woman flees into the wilderness where God provides for her “for 1,260 days.” This symbolic period represents a limited time of testing and persecution. The wilderness recalls earlier times when God protected His people—Moses, Elijah, and even Joseph and Mary when they fled from danger. The church in the first century, like the woman, found refuge in God’s care even as persecution raged around them. Satan’s Defeat and Ongoing Anger Satan’s fury intensifies after his defeat at the cross. Though he can no longer harm Christ, he turns his rage toward God’s people. Yet his power is temporary and his doom certain. The Roman Empire, his instrument of persecution, would fall just as God promised. The message to those early Christians was clear: endure faithfully. God will bring down the persecutors, and those who remain loyal to Him will receive a crown of life. Application for Today The same spiritual reality continues. Satan still seeks to destroy faith and discourage believers, but God’s protection remains sure. The call is simple yet profound—be faithful. God does not demand miracles or grandeur. He asks for steadfastness, obedience, and endurance. Just as He provided for the faithful remnant in John’s vision, He sustains His people today through His Word and His promises. Conclusion Revelation 12 reminds us that the conflict between good and evil is ancient but already decided. Christ reigns victorious, and His people share in that victory. The message is timeless: remain faithful, trust God’s power, and look forward to the crown of righteousness reserved for those who endure. Full Sermon Outline: https://www.granbychurchofchrist.org/... Complete Sermon Library on this Topic: https://www.granbychurchofchrist.org/... Complete Categorical Library of Sermons: https://www.granbychurchofchrist.org/... Playlist for this Topic:    • Book of Revelation   https://www.granbychurchofchrist.org/ https://www.granbychurchofchrist.com/