P1/11 Discovering the Identity of Jesus - a response to "Bible Secrets Revealed" Episode 4

Matthew 16:15 "He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Note to the reader: These next several posts are designed to present a cultural, historical and theological study of Jesus Christ and the facts behind the crucifixion.  I have chosen to present this material partly in response to the History Channel's recent series: "Bible Secrets Revealed" and partly to give the readers of this blog a chance to see what the Four Gospels truly say about Jesus Christ.  This particular series of blogs are more concerned with explaining the contents and validity of the four Gospel accounts.  The reader is invited to visit my other blog site to read a critique of the latest episode of "Bible Secrets Revealed" at: http://biblicalexegete.wordpress.com/2013/12/06/p1-critique-of-episode-4-of-bible-secrets-revealed-the-real-jesus/

Discovering the Identity of Jesus

A Cultural, Historical and Theological study of Jesus Christ and the facts behind the crucifixion & resurrection

Introduction

Purpose of the study: This study aims at a two-fold purpose of properly identifying the Jesus of History as being identical to the Jesus of the Christian Faith and discerning the factuality and meaning behind the crucifixion & resurrection. 

PART ONE: OLD TESTAMENT BACKGROUNDS LEADING TO A PROFILE THAT CAN AID IN IDENTIFYING JESUS

From what we find from the lips of Jesus and His followers, it seemed clear that the Jewish Old Testament yielded forth patterns anticipating the arrival of a person such as Jesus Christ. 

By considering the Old Testament record (particularly the writings of Moses, the Psalms and prophetic writings), we will discover certain patterns that indicate that the God of the Old Testament, while being One God, does reveal a mysterious figure that not only shares the same characteristics as He, but also would accomplish the same works and accomplish the finished work of salvation. 

PART ONE: OLD TESTAMENT BACKGROUNDS LEADING TO A PROFILE THAT CAN AID IN IDENTIFYING JESUS

Lesson One: Telling the Old Testament story

One must consider for a moment the relationship between the Jewish Old Testament writings (Writings of Moses; the history of the Israelite nation; the Psalms of David and writings of Solomon and the prophetic writings) and the New Testament writings. 

In the Old Testament books, we see the following, true story of the relationship between God and the nation of Israel:

1. God creates the Heavens and the earth, all of life and a man named Adam and his wife.  Though giving them both instructions on how they can enjoy a perfect life of constant fellowship and communion with Him, they decide to disobey Him by eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.  A serpent named Satan, having enticed them, is cursed along with their banishment from the Garden of Eden.  It is this event that introduces sin or separation from God into the creation and humanity.
2. In Genesis 3, God does not leave Adam and Eve in isolation, but kills two animals and provides animal skins to cover the man and woman in their shame, thus giving the reader the first picture of the need for the shedding of blood as a requirement for having fellowship and communion with God (also called atonement).
3. In Genesis 12 God is seen later making a promise with Abraham and tells Abraham that from his lineage will come a nation that will bring blessing to the world.  God later ratifies His promise to Abraham in Genesis 15 by walking by Himself between animals cut in half by Abraham to demonstrate how He alone is going to bring about the promises of the Covenant. Later on, God gives Abraham and Sarah the promised son, Isaac in Genesis 21.  In Genesis 22 God tests Abraham by commanding him to take Isaac and offer him upon an altar, stopping the sacrifice. Thankfully, God provides a ram as a substitute in Isaac’s place, creating a picture of something or someone having to give His own life to satisfy God’s wrath.
4. Over 400 years later, a man named Moses encounters God in the desert in  a burning bush.  God tells Moses His personal name, Yahweh (meaning “I am” or “THE LORD).  As a result of this meeting, THE LORD gives Moses the ability to lead the nation of Israel out of the slavery of Egypt through the Red Sea and into freedom.  From this event God would also become recognized as the One and True Savior who rescues His people from darkness and slavery.
5. It was not long though until Israel began to complain about being brought into a desert.  While Moses is on top of the mountain receiving the 10 commandments, the Israelites engage in idolatry.  Under the threat of total annihilation, Moses represents the people and pleads for God to turn away His anger (Exodus 32:11-14).  God does, and thus Moses gives us another glimpse as being an example of a mediator between THE LORD and his people (or the idea of a priest). So rather than destroying them, Yahweh decides that they will need to wander in the desert of Sinai for 40 years before entering into the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob).
6. Roughly 400 years later the nation requests for a king.  After giving them the king they deserved (King Saul), God brings David to come on the scene and becomes the king of Israel.  THE LORD makes a covenant (or agreement) with him, telling Him that from His descendants will come an ultimate King who will some day rule the world and bring about peace and righteousness.  David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes Psalms such as Psalm 110, where He sees the Lord talking to a then unknown figure, referring to Him as “His Son” and calling Him “Lord” as well.  Later on Proverbs 30:4 asks this question: What is God like and who is His son? (or what is the nature of God – nature being equal to son in ancient eastern culture).
7. Another 120 years pass from the beginning of Saul's reign through David to the end of Solomon's kingship.  The nation of Israel splits into two smaller nations (Israel to the North and Judah to the South).  Because of sin and rebellion, God takes the Northern Kingdom and puts it under the control of the kingdom of Assyria.  During this time, a prophet named Isaiah writes that The LORD will send forth one like Himself who will be called The Servant.  This servant will have to suffer an awful death, shed blood and be whipped (Isaiah 53).  This Servant will bear the sins of the whole world, providing forgiveness of sin.  God at one point in Isaiah’s prophecy writes of How He will have to bring about salvation by the sending of Himself (Isaiah 59:17).
8. Over 300 years pass from the end of Solomon's reign until the end of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Southern Kingdom disregarded the covenant Yahweh made with her through Moses, and now she under the control of the Babylonian Empire.   Daniel, a prophet, is given visions of the remainder of human history leading up to the time when God will judge this world.  In one of those visions, Daniel sees what appears to be a vision of God judging the world and sitting on His throne in heaven.  To Daniel it is revealed that the particular name of God in this vision is called (The ancient of days, the Son of man).  For Daniel, this means that God is setting forth a series of events that will lead up to judging the world for sin and punishing those who do not embrace Him by grace through faith.

In considering the entire Old Testament witness along the lines of the above eight points, we can come to discern specific patterns leading to the development of how God is going to bring about the needed solution for bridging the infinite gulf separating human beings from Himself.  As we look at these patterns, we find out that the plan that God has will involve the coming of a particular person.  The next lesson will act as a bridge in structuring together these patterns.

More tomorrow....

The King's Conquering Gospel - Revelation 12:13-14:20

Revelation 12:10-12 "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, 'Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.'

Revelation 14:6 "And I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people."

Introduction:

Christmas' Revealed King in Revelation is none other than Jesus Christ.  As we are entering into this Christmas season, we know that at the center of the celebration is the Conquering Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The Gospel points us to Christ's first advent (or coming) as well as His second advent (or coming). 

 The entirety of Revelation 12:10-14:20 begins and ends with reference to the Gospel, which gives us the main theme for today's post: The King's Conquering Gospel.  The good news in these chapters is that Jesus Christ came to conquer sin for the sake of the Gospel in His first coming and he will conquer Satan's plots through the Gospel in His second coming.

In today's post we want to focus particular attention on the King's Conquering Gospel as it is unfolded in various scriptures and in Revelation 12:10-14:20. The two main points we will use in understanding the King's Conquering Gospel are these:

1. Christ came to conquer sin. Matthew 1:23; 2:1-7; 4:17; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 27:37; 1 Peter 3:18; Matthew 28:18-20.

2. Christ is coming to conquer Satan's plots. Revelation 12:10-14:20

When we think about the King's Conquering Gospel as focusing attention on Christmas' revealed King in Revelation, we can first of all note that...

1. Christ came to conquer sin. Matthew 1:23; 2:1-7; 4:17; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 27:37; 1 Peter 3:18; Matthew 28:18-20.

What is meant by the word "Gospel" in the Bible? The Gospel's message is "goodnews". The Gospel's main focus is Jesus Christ. The Gospel's main work is to save sinners. The Gospel's main goal is God's glory. Over 100 times do we find mention of the word "gospel" in the New Testament, as well as other passages which speak of it. Whenever we talk about the Gospel, we include Who Jesus is and what He came to do in His first coming, as well as what He will do in His second coming.1  A quick sketch of the first, middle and last mentions of the word "Gospel" proves instructive in demonstrating this dual focus of the Gospel.2 

So what had Jesus Christ came to do in his first coming? Among other things, to conquer sin. Matthew 1:21 has the angel explaining to Joseph: "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 2:2 reveals that Christ in His incarnation, even as a two year-old toddler, was considered by the wise men worthy of worship. Matthew 4:17 records Jesus starting His public ministry with His conquering Gospel: "From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As Jesus healed diseases, preached the scriptures and related to people, all was setting the stage for what He would do on the cross. 

Hebrews 2:14  & 1 John 3:8 both explain how Jesus came to set us free from sin by destroying the Devil's works.  Jesus' goal in coming as most loved babe in swaddling clothes was to go to the cross as a hated, common criminal.  In Matthew 27:37 we read of how He conquered, and the words placed above his head: "And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

So how do we know that what Jesus did in His first coming succeeded? The King's Conquering Gospel is explained most clearly in 1 Peter 3:18 - "For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit". So in understanding the King's conquering Gospel, we noted that Jesus Christ came the first time to conquer sin.  But now notice a second truth concerning the King's conquering Gospel....

2. Christ is coming to conquer Satan's plots. Revelation 12:10-14:20

As we turn our attention now to Revelation 12:10-14:20, we can take note of the following events witnessed by John that reveal how Jesus Christ will conquer Satan's plots by the Gospel.  Following the grand announcement from heaven concerning Satan's future final expulsion from heaven, we read in Revelation 12:12 "For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.” What follows concerns Satan's 3 rebellious plots followed by Jesus Christ's defeat of those plots by the Gospel.  

a. Satan's main plots to be defeated by Jesus. Revelation 12:13-13:18

-Plot #1 Satan's future attack on Israel. 12:13-17
In the last 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation period (=1260 days Rev. 11:3-4; =Times, Times and half a time Rev. 12:14) Satan will be exclusively on earth, attempting to wipe out Israel and thwart God's plan to save and redeem Israel.  Of course Satan will fail in his first plot, since ultimately all Israel will be saved as the Spirit gives them grace to look in faith upon the One whom they pierced. (Romans 11:25-26; Zechariah 12:10) Thus Satan will have to resort to plots #2 and #3.

-Plot #2 Satan's front man - Anti-Christ. 13:1-10
We see John explaining the following about this ultimate rebel against Jesus Christ:
*Satanically energized. Revelation 13:1-4
*Seeks to blaspheme God, His name, His people. Rev 13:6-10
*Schemes with a secondary figure, the second beast for false prophet in deceiving the world. Revelation 13:11-14
*Strategy is to rule the world politically, economically. Revelation 13:15-18

W.A Criswell writes concerning this Anti-Christ or "first beast rising out of the sea" of Revelation 13:1-10 - "I think the figure means that the first one arises out of social chaos and revolution. In the turmoil, strife and raging conflict of races and nations and economic orders, this great final tyrant rises to preside over the might and strength of the whole earth."3


-Plot #3 Satan's false prophet. 13:11-18
Following on the heels of plot #2, Satan will launch his third enigmatic figure - the false prophet.  Anti-Christ will be Satan's front man, mainly operating more so in the political and economic sphere.  Criswell notes that this second Beast will arise out of the earth, out of an established civil order.4  Clearly by the mid-point of the tribulation the Anti-Christ will have achieved the peace sought out by the world's inhabitants. The false prophet will be raised up by Satan to provide the spiritual power and persuasion to dupe the unbelieving world into worshiping the first beast or the anti-Christ. 

b. Jesus Christ will defeat Satan's main plots through the Gospel. Revelation 14:1-20

-Jesus will defend Israel, thus defeating plot #1 through the Gospel. Revelation 7:1-9; 14:1-5

-Jesus will defeat Satan's second plot, Anti-Christ, through the Gospel. Revelation 14:6-7; 19:19-20

-Jesus will defeat Satan's third plot, the false prophet, through the Gospel. Revelation 14:8-13; 19:19-20

The amazing characteristic about Revelation 12:10-14:20 is in how it begins and ends with reference to the Gospel.  Revelation 12:10-12 predicts what will be the announcement from heaven of the goodnews.  The saints of God who will be born-again and martyred in the tribulation (as well as what could be said about church age saints who are martyred today) will be noted as having overcome by the "blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony". The blood of the Lamb refers to what Christ came to do in His first coming: conquer sin.  

We then come near to the end of Revelation 14 in 14:6 where we read of the angel announcing the Eternal Gospel.  This is the Gospel's final swan song, the final time that the good news will ever be heard on planet earth.  Sadly for those in the latter half of the tribulation who would not repent, it will be too late. Despite what clearly is an outmatching of Satan, the anti-Christ and the false prophet by Jesus Christ at His second coming, the unbelievers left will refuse to repent. 

Closing thoughts
John MacArthur notes concerning Revelation 13-14 "Rather, it stands as a warning to the unbelieving world. It challenges believers to lead careful, watchful, godly lives (cf. 1 Pet. 4:7; 2 Pet. 3:11).5  May you and I this Christmas season proclaiming the King's Conquering Gospel that Christ came to conquer sin and that Christ is coming again to conquer Satan's plots. 

Endnotes:
1. The two ordinances Jesus gave to his church to depict the Gospel: believer's baptism and the Lord's supper, emphasize both comings. In baptism I'm publicly recognizing what God did by His Spirit in calling me to prior saving faith that partakes of the power of His resurrection, the first first fruits of things to come (James 1:18) while relying on what Christ has done in His cross and resurrection. (Romans 6:4-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17) In the Lord's Supper I'm reminded in a joyful celebratory covenant meal of what Christ accomplished on the cross in His first coming while doing so until He returns. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

2. The first mention of the word "gospel" in the New Testament is found in Matthew 4:17 where Jesus begins preaching the "Gospel of the Kingdom".  The middle mention of the Gospel, the Gospel of salvation, is found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 where clearly Jesus' accomplished work in His first coming is in view - (died, buried, raised according to the scriptures).  In Revelation 14:6-12 we see the final mention of the word Gospel (the Eternal Gospel)  and the combined testimony of various angels in the latter half of the tribulation period alluding to or referring to both Christ's finished work and soon return.

3. W.A Criswell. Expository Sermons on Revelation - Volume 4. Zondervan. 1966. Page 114. Undoubtedly Criswell is referring to the 1st 3 1/2 years of the whole seven year tribulation wherein the Anti-Christ makes a peace-pact with Israel in Daniel 9:26b-27a. The world will be looking for one ruler to bring order and peace to the middle east, and the Anti-Christ will be the man they will follow.

4. W.A Criswell. Expository Sermons on Revelation - Volume 4. Zondervan. 1966. Page 114. 

5. John MacArthur. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary - Revelation 12-22. Moody Press. 2000. Page 65

Attempting to Fit together Revelation 1-3; 4-11 & 12-14

Revelation 12:10-12 "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, 'Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. 12 For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.”'

Introduction:

I thought in today's post we would attempt to allign the two visionary sequences given to the Apostle John in Revelation 1-3 and 4-11 to the third visionary sequence of Revelation 12-14. Whenever we study the book of Revelation, we can understand it as a series of seven visionary sequences that each begin with a scene in heaven, followed by an unfolding of what is decreed here on earth. In considering the three mentioned sequences above, we can note the following themes associated with each one:

1. How Jesus relates to His church. 1-3
2. How Jesus will conquer the world. 4-11
3. How Jesus will destroy Satan's plots. 12-14

Yesterday's post featured an introduction to Revelation 12-14.  Rather than rehearsing that introduction, I refer the reader by link to yesterday's post for review so as to get right into the main point of today's post (http://pastormahlon.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-kings-cradle-cross-crown.html ). 

Today's aim is to focus particular attention on seeing how these three visionary sections line up with one another, with some insights from a few other passages of scripture.  My prayer is that this post will aid the reader in walking their way through these sections of the Book of Revelation.

Lining up the three visionary sequences 

of Revelation 1-3; 4-11; 12-14

with some other scriptures

As you look at the chart below, please note how different parts are color coded.  The reader can also observe how the events fit in relationship and sequence to one another.  I will provide a quick guide that describes the colors being used, with particular emphasis upon the Old Testament background passages that relate to the New Testament passages.  The post will then end with the actual chart that attempts to connect relevant New Testament passages to what we see occurring in the book of Revelation.  My hope is that you will find this information both edifying and informative to your own study of the book of Revelation.

A. Explanation of colors used in the chart at the end of this post  

1. Red ink signifies the first visionary sequence of Revelation 1-3. We could advocate Revelation 1-3 covering this current age that we can call the church age. 

2. Blue ink refers to the first 3 1/2 years of the final seven year period of time at the end of this age called "the tribulation period". Other passages that refer to this final seven period call it by other descriptions: Deuteronomy 4:26-31 (time of distress); Deuteronomy 30:1-3 (a period designated to prepare Israel for restoration); Jeremiah 30:4-11 (called time of Jacob's trouble); Ezekiel 20:33-38 (time of Israel's purification); Daniel 9:26b-27a (Daniel's seventieth week) and Matthew 24:15-20 (the whole period will follow the pattern of Jerusalem's past destruction in 70 A.D)

3. Purple ink refers to the latter half of the seven year tribulation period, last 3 1/2 years.  More prophetic scripture focuses on this particular portion of the tribulation period than the first half.  Jesus for example designates this second half of the tribulation by the term "great tribulation" in Matthew 24:21. Other scriptures which focus on the second half of the tribulation period, designating it by other titles are: Daniel 9:27b, 12:7; Revelation 11:2,3; 12:4 (specify the time by different phrases, all equaling 3 1/2 years); Daniel 12:1; Zechariah 14:1-4; Matthew 24:21-25:30; 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 2:2-12; Revelation 6-19 (specify the character of that final 3 1/2 year period). 

B. Chart depicting the relationship between the first (Revelation 1-3), second (Revelation 4-11) and third (Revelation 12-14) visionary sequences in Revelation

Jesus Christ's relationship to his church

Revelation 1-3 The Church Age: 1st century to Falling Away

Ephesus - Laodicea. 7 literal churches, representing every church 

throughout church history, in every place, or even types or traits 

witnessed in each church of every place of every age

                                                                                                      Tribulation / / Great

                                                                                                                           Tribulation 

                                                                                                       3 1/2 yrs      3 1/2 yrs

                                                                                                       Daniel 9:26  Dan 9:27

                                                                                                       Matt 24:15-  Mt 24:21-

                                                                                                       20                25:46                                                                                                                                     1 Th 5:1-11    

                                                                                                       2 Thessalon. 2:2-12                                                                                             

                                                                                                        How Jesus will                                                                                                                           conquer 

                                                                                                         the world. 4-11

                                                                                                         -The tribulation period

                                                                                                         6:1-7:17; 8:6-11:19

                                                                                                         -Answered prayer

                                                                                                         8:1-5

                                                                                                         -His word

                                                                                                         10:1-11:19

                                                                                                                         How Jesus                                                                                                                              will destroy

                                                                                                                         Satan's plots

                                                                                                                         12-14

                                                                                                                         -Aggression

                                                                                                                        against Israel

                                                                                                                         12:1-17

                                                                                                                         -Anti-Christ/

                                                                                                                         Beast. 

                                                                                                                         13:1-14:13

                                                                                                                      -Armies of                                                                                                                                  men

                                                                                                                        14:14-20

        

The King's Cradle, Cross & Crown

Revelation 12:10-12 "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, 'Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. 12 For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.”'

Introduction to Revelation 12-14:

In our study of Revelation in times past, we have understood how the Book was written by John under Divine inspiration in a seven-fold pattern or sequence of visions.1  

Thus far we have considered Revelation 1-3 and 4-11 under the following headings:

1. How Jesus relates to His church (1-3)
2. How Jesus will conquer the world (4-11)

As we come to this third major visionary sequence of the book (12-14), the main theme could very well be: How Jesus will destroy Satan's plots. Revelation 12 functions as the headline chapter for the section, with chapters 13-14 serving as the outcomes of the activities in Revelation 12. Undoubtedly there are key characters discussed in Revelation 12, as well as four major diabolical plots that will be soundly defeated by Jesus Christ at the tail end of the tribulation period when He returns.

First of all we can note six key figures or groups introduced in Revelation 12: The Great Woman (12:1-2); The Dragon or Satan (12:3-4, 7-9, 12-13, 16-17); The Son (12:5,10-11); God (12:5-6, 17) and Michael the Archangel (12:7). Then secondly we can take note of the four diabolical plots that will be defeated by Jesus Christ: Aggression against Israel (12); Anti-Christ (13:1-10); Arch false prophet 13:11-19 & Armies raised up to fight Jesus (14:17-20; also 16:16 and 19:11,21)

Certainly our study of Revelation 12-14 will add further detail to what has been seen already in Revelation 6-11, being that both sections focus primarily on the same period of time, the future tribulation period (or even more specifically, the final 3 1/2 years of that period).

Zeroing in specifically on Revelation 12 - The King's Cradle, Cross & Crown
As we think on the above sketch of Revelation 12-14, I would like us to take that theme of Jesus' destruction of Satan's plots as a way of considering what he had come to do in His first advent or coming. In today's post we will focus specifically on Revelation 12 in how it relates what Jesus did in His first coming to what He will do in His second coming. We will use the following three-fold outline to navigate our way through Revelation 12 as we prepare our hearts to enter into this Christmas season, focusing on the King of Kings in the Book of Revelation:

1. The King's Cradle. Revelation 12:1-4
2. The King's Cross. Revelation 12:5
3. The King's Crown. Revelation 12:6-17
How the King's Cradle, Cross & Crown relate in Revelation 12.
How God used Israel through the Old Testament to lead up to the King's Cradle
Revelation 12 details the history and career of Israel, Satan and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The History and Career of Old Testament Israel
Israel was used by God to bring about the point in history where the Savior would be born (i.e the cradle), as well as having to endure the persecution of the Evil One throughout the Old Testament.  As Galatians 4:4 reminds us: "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law." Thus Revelation 12:1-2 gives us a summary of Israel's part in God's plan to bring about the King's cradle.2

So what does John first see? He sees a woman clothed in the sun. The woman in question represents Israel from the days of her beginnings in Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all the way up to the days of Jesus' birth. Steve Gregg in his commentary notes: The support for this identification of the woman is found in the description of her as being clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars (v. 1). This has obvious reference back to Joseph's dream in Genesis 37:9, in which the sun and moon and twelve stars (eleven plus Joseph) represented the family of Jacob, the people of Israel."3  So the career of Israel throughout the Old Testament is presented in Revelation 12:1-2.  

The History and Career of Satan in the Old Testament However John sees another sign appear, and the same general period of Old Testament history is presented yet again, only this time with reference to a second major character - Satan, in Revelation 12:3-4. Satan's career began in heaven when he was initially cast out for leading a rebellion against God, as alluded to in passages such as Ezekiel 28:11-19. Throughout his Old Testament career, Satan had waged war, beginning with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3), as well as Israel in her wanderings, believers like Job (Job 1-2) and David (1 Chronicles 21:1) and even launching accusations against priests (Zechariah 3:1-5).  His dragon like character here in Revelation 12:3-4 is extensively documented in the Bible in passages such as Isaiah 27:1; Ezekiel 29:3; Revelation 13:2, 16:13, 20:1.4  

How Old Testament History led up to the incarnation of the SonThus far John has been shown two key figures that we meet in Revelation 12: the woman (Israel) and the dragon (Satan).  Now John sees a third key figure in Revelation 12:4b-5a ...."And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.
5 And she gave birth to a son, a male child...".  Who is this male child? It seems pretty clear that Old Testament history, with its conflict between Israel and Satan led up to the incarnation and virgin birth of Jesus Christ. As the New Geneva Study Bible notes: The Old Testament saints are in view. Mary the mother of Jesus is included in this group, but only as an outstanding member of the whole."5

Truly this sweeping portrayal of Old Testament history serves to lead the reader up to the first major Divinely ordained event of the King's cradle.6 We have thus beheld the King's Cradle, however the cradle was ordained by God to lead to a second major ordained event alluded to in Revelation 12:5...

The King's Cross
The cradle of the Son served to point to the chief purpose of His first coming - the cross, whereby He would destroy the works of the Devil (1 John 3:8), rise from the dead and be caught up into heaven as stated in Revelation 12:5. Now why are we calling this section of the post "the King's cross' when the cross is not explicitly mentioned in Revelation 12:5? Undoubtedly the passage is connecting Christ's first coming (his birth to ascension) to what He will do in His second coming (rule the nations).

Often when the New Testament authors are summing up a portion of Jesus' life, they may very well focus on one or two main points without mentioning all the details. (compare 1 Timothy 3:15-16 and Titus 2:11-15) It must be understood that without the cross, the purpose of Christ's incarnation and birth would not be understood, nor would He have the grounds for returning back to earth for a second time. When one reads back to Revelation 5:9, the link between the cross and second coming is established: "And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation."

It must be recalled that in the accounts of Jesus birth and childhood, the shadow of the cross so-to-speak was ever present. Simeon, upon seeing the Christ-child said to Mary in Luke 2:35 "and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." That prediction of course came true when she stood at the cross and experienced the sorrow of seeing Jesus crucified and hearing him say "woman, behold your son" and to John "behold your mother!" (John 19:26-27) John depicts Jesus Christ ascended in heaven, awaiting to return to earth in Revelation 12:5. Truly the cradle in history had to precede the cross, which in turn meant that the cross was necessary for their to be a crown.
The King's Crown
Then of course the remainder of Revelation 12:6-17 thrusts the reader forward into the future latter-half of the tribulation period wherein Satan is waging war against Israel and ultimately Jesus Christ. Dr. John Walvoord, quoting C.A Coates, gives this insightful observation about Satan's activity beginning here in Revelation 12 and extending into Revelation 13-14: "Coates observes that Satan is seen in three characterizations in opposition to Christ. As accuser of the brethren, he is in opposition to Christ as priest; as the one who brings forth the first beast, he is in opposition to Christ as King; as bringing forth the second beast, the false prophet. he is opposed to Christ as prophet."7 

The war that Satan will wage in the latter half of the tribulation period will begin with Satan attempting a final coup in heaven, only to be thwarted by Michael the Archangel. (Revelation 12:7-9) This failed effort will lead to Satan's permanent and final expulsion from heaven. This expulsion will correspond to the middle of the tribulation period and will set up the efforts of Satan to push his man the anti-Christ into the full limelight of his diabolical schemes later on in Revelation 13.

The statement of the loud voice in 12:10-12 about the kingdom and authority of Jesus Christ makes what Christ will do in defeating the Anti-Christ and Satan's forces at His second coming a forgone conclusion. The crown of the King is within view, with only 3 1/2 years remaining of the tribulation period until the King comes from heaven to earth.

The final section of Revelation 12:13-17 serves to explain the anger Satan will have in his aggression against Israel. His diabolical plot to destroy Israel in history and Jesus in His incarnation/virgin birth failed (12:1-5), and so will his plot to try to destroy Israel in the future tribulation period. (12:6-17) It is that sequence of attacks and failed plots, as well as his final expulsion from heaven that will set off a chain of events lasting through Revelation 13-14. The cradle led to the cross, which in turn led to the crown. The prediction of King Jesus' defeat of Satan and his plots serve to proving yet again that Jesus Christ is King of Kings. (especially note Revelation 19)

Endnotes:
1. http://pastormahlon.blogspot.com/2013/11/a-seven-fold-outline-of-book-of.html

2. John of course is very fond of the word "sign" in Revelation 12-19, using the word to mark off portions of the various visions being shown to him. (Revelation 12:1,3; 13:13,14; 15:1; 16:14; 19:20)  

3. Steve Gregg. Revelation Four Views - A Parallel Commentary. Nelson. 1997. Page 254.

4. In Jewish thought that was popular in the time between the Old and New Testament, God was believed to had set a time in which He would end history with an epic battle against Leviathan, a battle which of course God will decisively win.

5. The New Geneva Study Bible. Note on Revelation 12:1. Thomas Nelson. 1995. 

6. The passages we use in the Christmas season to understand the event of Christ's birth and incarnation (Matthew 1:20-23; Luke 2:8-50; Philippians 2:5-11) & His Kingship even as a toddler who was worshipped by the wisemen two years following His birth (Matthew 2:1-12) are certainly appropriate cross references for shedding light on the significance of what John is seeing in Revelation 12:1-4. 

7. John Walvoord. The Revelation of Jesus Christ - A Commentary. Moody. 1966. Page 191