Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Tonight’s Study, Session 28: Bright and Morning Star
Introduction: In the last chapter of Revelation, Jesus calls Himself the “Bright and Morning Star.” In ancient times, the morning star was thought of as a herald of the new day, signaling the dawn of hope and joy. The brightest object in the sky aside from the sun and moon, it is a fitting type for Christ, who ushers in a new day for the entire world. When you call on Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star, you are calling on the one from whom the darkness flees.
The key Scripture where the title Bright Morning Star is found is Revelation 22:16.
Scriptural Context Where the Title Bright and Morning Star is Found
Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” (Revelation 22:14-16)
Understanding The Title
What the Bible refers to as the morning star is actually the planet Venus, known since prehistoric times. As the second planet from the sun, it is also one of the hottest. A relatively young planet, it is earth’s closet neighbor and is often called our sister planet. Because of its appearance in the eastern sky before dawn, it was thought of as a harbinger of sunrise. The Greek title Aster Lampros Proinos (as-TAIR lam-PROS pro-i-NOS) presents a powerful and beautiful image of the one whom is also known as “The Light of the World.”
The title “Bright and Morning Star” signifies Jesus as the ultimate source of light, hope, and guidance for believers. It connects Him to the Messianic prophecy in Numbers 24:17, where a star arises from Jacob, symbolizing a king.
Numbers 24:17 – “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult.
Moses wrote the book of Numbers 1405 years before the birth of Christ. The passage in Numbers 24 is just another instance of the accuracy and inerrancy of Scripture pointing to a coming Messiah. Jesus Christ, the Bright and Morning Star of not only Israel, but of the world! A bright and morning star that would bring light and hope to a sin-darkened world.
While Satan is also associated with concept of a morning star,* It’s the context of his former glory and subsequent fall, not as a title of deity.
*Isaiah 14:12 – “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!
Contrast with Lucifer:
While Isaiah 14:12 refers to a “morning star” (or son of the morning”) in connection with Lucifer (also known as Satan), this is not the same title used for Jesus in Revelation 22. Lucifer’s “morning star” title reflects his former glory as a high-ranking angel, but his fall from grace is also implied. Jesus, as the Bright and Morning Star, represents the true, unfallen light.
What Does This Mean For Believers?
The title “Bright and Morning Star” signifies that Jesus is the ultimate source and guidance for believers. Just as the morning star appears before dawn, Jesus’ presence brings light and hope into the darkness of human lives. He is the one who illuminates the path for believers and brings them into the new day.
Promises From The Bright and Morning Star
Psalm 139:11-12 – If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me; Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
Isaiah 29:18-19 – In that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book, And the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. The humble also shall increase their joy in the Lord, And the poor among men shall rejoice In the Holy One of Israel.
2 Peter 1:16-21 – For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
1 John 1:5-7 – This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
In Christ, our darkened hearts are illuminated because He is the Bright and Morning Star. Jesus calls us to walk in His light and illuminate His glory for others to see. In doing so, we point others to the only one that can call them out of their darkness and into His wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (1 Peter 2:9).
Conclusion: The title Bright and Morning Star conveys hope and assurance. The morning star is the harbinger of the day. As night falls away and a new day dawns, the morning star is the most prominent and beautiful of the celestial bodies. And, as the darkness of this evil world gives way to the brightness of God’s glorious kingdom, Jesus Himself will capture our attention as the One who ushers in the brand new day.
Next Week, Session 29: Alpha and Omega