Jesus: “Revelation 1:5 is a verse that speaks deeply of my identity and work. It says, ‘And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,’”
Peter: “Lord, what does it mean that you are the ‘faithful witness’?”
Jesus: “Peter, as the faithful witness, I embody the truth of God’s kingdom and faithfully reveal God’s character and will to humanity. My life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate testimony to God’s love, justice, and sovereignty.”
Andrew: “And ‘the first begotten of the dead’? How should we understand this?”
Jesus: “Andrew, this title signifies that I am the first to rise from the dead to eternal life, paving the way for all who believe in me to also rise and inherit eternal life. My resurrection is the firstfruits, a guarantee of the resurrection that awaits those who are mine.”
John: “You are also called ‘the prince of the kings of the earth.’ What does this imply about your authority?”
Jesus: “John, it declares my supreme authority over all earthly rulers and kingdoms. As the prince of the kings of the earth, I hold ultimate dominion and power. Every authority is subject to me, and my kingdom will ultimately prevail over all others.”
Philip: “The part where it says you ‘loved us and washed us from our sins in your own blood’—it’s incredibly moving. Could you expand on that?”
Jesus: “Philip, this speaks of the depth of my love for humanity. My sacrifice on the cross, where I shed my blood, was the act through which all sin was atoned for. Those who believe in me are cleansed from their sins, not by their own deeds, but by my sacrificial love and grace.”
Matthew: “It’s a powerful message of hope and redemption, Lord.”
Jesus: “Yes, Matthew. It is the foundation of the gospel—the good news. It assures all believers of their worth and the promise of eternal life with me. It calls everyone to faith, repentance, and a new life marked by love and holiness.”
Bartholomew: “How should we then live in response to this truth, Lord?”
Jesus: “Bartholomew, live as people who are loved, redeemed, and called into my kingdom. Let your lives reflect my love and faithfulness. Serve as witnesses to the hope and salvation found in me, extending my love to others and living in anticipation of my return.”
Thomas: “Lord, your role as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over all kings challenges us to view our lives and the world differently.”
Jesus: “Indeed, Thomas. It calls you to live with a heavenly perspective, valuing what is eternal over the temporal, and to exercise faithfulness and love in all your dealings, knowing that my kingdom will ultimately fulfill all God’s promises.”
