The Beast Who Is Marked
Matthew Maher
Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. — Revelation 13:1
Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. — Revelation 13:2
And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" — Revelation 13:3-4
• What God creates, Satan counterfeits.
And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. — Revelation 13:5-6
It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. — Revelation 13:7-8
• The final dividing line is not left or right, it is Beast or Lamb.
If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. — Revelation 13:9-10
Additional Scriptures Referenced: Daniel 7:1-8; Revelation 17:15; Revelation 12:3; Luke 4:5-8; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, 8-10; Exodus 15:11; Daniel 7:8, 11, 25; Revelation 17:8-13
Discussion Questions
1. Revelation 13 repeatedly says that authority was "given" or "granted" to the Beast. What does this teach us about God's sovereignty over evil, and how should that change the way we respond to frightening events?
2. Why are counterfeits often more dangerous than obvious lies? What cultural or spiritual counterfeits are especially persuasive today, and how does Scripture help us recognize them?
3. The world moves from marveling at the Beast to following and worshiping him. How can admiration for power, personality, politics, or success gradually become misplaced allegiance?
4. Revelation's final dividing line is between those who worship the Beast and those who belong to the Lamb. Are there any identities, movements, or loyalties competing with Christ for first place in your life?
5. Revelation 13:10 calls for "the patience and the faith of the saints." What does faithful endurance look like when obedience to Christ becomes costly?