May 18 2025, Sunday School Lesson

The River of Life

Lesson Text: Revelation 22:1-9

Related Scriptures: Genesis 2:4-3:24; Ezekiel 47:1-12

TIME: about A.D. 96

Place: from Patmos

Introduction

Our thinking is framed by our limitations. We have a hard time thinking beyond the limitations within which we live and work. Sometimes the limitations are cultural – language, values, customs, traditions, and routines. Sometimes they are geographical and climatic. Thes limitations can be overcome to some degree as we travel abroad or expand our education. Our minds learn to think more broadly and grasp greater possibilities.

But some limitations are inherent to humans, and no matter what our culture or location may be, we still have to think as finite earthlings.

These and other limitations make it impossible for us to fully understand God and the cosmic plan He is unfolding. But His Word gives us glimpses into this plan, especially in prophetic Scripture, and we stand astonished and humbled. The final chapter of Revelation gives us one such glimpse into the eternal future and the New Jerusalem. It should lead us to worship God even more humbly than we have before.

LESSON OUTLINE

I. THE RIVER AND THE TREE – Rev. 22:1-2

II. THE BLESSINGS ON THE SAINTS – Rev. 22:3-5

III. THE TRUSTWORTHINESS OF GOD’S WORD - Rev. 22:6-9

QUESTIONS

1. What is the source of the river in the heavenly city?

2. What does the water of life symbolize?

3. How is the tree of life in the New Jerusalem like the one in the vision of Ezekiel?

4. Who are the “servants” in Revelation 22:3, and why is it appropriate term for them?

5. How will the saints’ future approach to God differ from ours?

6. What are the connotations of having God’s name on one’s forehead?

7. What is the source of light in the New Jerusalem?

8. How should we take Christ’s words “Behold, I come quickly” (Rev. 22:7)?

9. What earlier mistake does John repeat as his visions come to an end?

10. What command does the angel give to John and us?

ANSWERS

1. The river here proceeds not from the garden, as in Eden, or from the temple, as in Ezekiel’s vision, but “out of the throne of God and the Lamb” (Rev. 22:1)

2. So in the heavenly city, the river of the water of life signifies the Lord’s constant supply of everything needed for fullness of life for the redeemed who inhabit the city.

3. Although there was only one tree of life in the Garden of Eden, Ezekiel’s vision of the river of life includes many trees along its banks (Ezel. 47:7, 12)

4. The Greek term translated “servants” refers to bond servants or slaves, but in the New Testament it is used as a positive term to refer to believers’ wholehearted, unquestioning devotion to God. Thus, the “servants” probably include all believers. It is an appropriate title for those who enjoy God’s favor by His grace alone and whose lives belong to Him solely.

5. The saind in the New Jerusalem will also see God’s face. Sinful humans cannot look on the face of God (cf. Gen. 3:8; Ex. 33:20, 23).

6. It speaks of privilege and status, as one carries the authority of God’s name. It also signifies His ownership, as would be appropriate for bondservants. For the 144,000 it also gave protection from their enemies. And for all who thus wear His name, it is a reflection of His glory.

7. Neither is there any need for the light of the sun to bring about daylight, for God will give all the light they need.

8. He underscores the imminence of which the angel just spoke and pronounce a blessing on the person who “keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (see the parallel emphasis on readiness in 16:15). It is thus clear that Revelation was given not to satisfy curiosity about future events but primarily to stimulate God’s people to appropriate behavior (cf. II Peter 3:10-14; I John 3:2-3.

9. Whatever the reason, he makes the same mistake for which the angel rebuked him earlier (19:10). He bows before the messenger instead of the One who sent him.

This simple command sums up the message of Revelation and, indeed, the whole Bible. It reminds us today that no angel, saint, pastor, teacher, media personality, sports hero, or other created being is ever worthy of our worship