WORTHY IS THE LAMB
Revelation 5:1-14
Key Verse: 12
“In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive
power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!””
INTRO
As we progress in our study of the book of revelation, John gives us a glimpse of heaven in chapters 4 and 5. In chapter 4, he wrote about the glorious throne of God shining like precious stones. He also wrote about 4 living creatures and 24 elders gathered around the throne, worshiping the Holy God. Day and night they worship God saying; holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. God Who sits on the throne has great authority over all heavens and the earth, and He is in control over all creation.
Revelation chapter 5 presents Jesus in the center, worshiped as the Lamb that was slain for the redemption of all people. In this chapter, John saw a vision of a sealed scroll in God’s right hand that needed to be opened so that God’s plan for salvation and judgment of the world may be executed. But it seemed like no one was found worthy to take the scroll or even look in it. This caused John to weep so much, but he was comforted by an elder who assured him that Christ – the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David – is able to open this important scroll. Christ was then seen as a slain Lamb in the center, when He took the scroll, the living creatures, elders, angels, and all creation worshiped Him. They sang a new song praising the Lamb Who is worthy to take the scroll and open the seals. This Jesus is worthy of all our worship. Amen!
PART 1 – WHO IS WORTHY TO OPEN THE SCROLL? (1-5)
[Read vs. 1-3] 1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it.
In the beginning of the book (Rev. 1:19) Jesus told John; “Write what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” So John paid close attention to write much revelation for the church to know God’s plan and be encouraged. After he received Jesus’ letters of encouragement and warning to the seven churches, the next phase of revelation was about God sitting on the heavenly throne (Rev. 4) with a scroll in His hand and a search for anyone who is worthy to take the scroll and open its seals (Rev. 5).
The scroll is described in an unusual way as having writings on both sides and also sealed with seven seals. Scrolls with seals were popular in the Roman world. Ancient Roman wills or contract deeds were sealed with wax, which bore the author’s insignia. Such scrolls could not be legitimately opened without the owner’s authorization. This heavenly scroll with writing on both sides tells us that it is complete and has sufficient information. The seven seals means it is an authentic document with a complete seal of God. Right now I can imagine this scroll to be the Word of God – The Bible. In future chapters (Rev. 6-16) we realize that this scroll contains God’s plan to bring judgment on the world. As each seal is opened, God’s judgment is poured out on the earth. It is His plan to punish sin and give believers the final victory.
John noticed a little problem when an Angel was asking the question; “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” Verse 3 says that no one could open the scroll or look inside. A challenge was set up to find anyone powerful enough to take the scroll from the right hand of God. Both in heaven, on earth and under the earth, no one could come up. No one among the heavenly angels, the living creatures nor the 24 elders could take the scroll. No one on earth could take the challenge, even though there were many powerful kings, scientists and philosophers, both then and now, none was worthy to take the scroll. Even under the earth, if we consider that to be hell, Satan could not take the challenge. No one was found. There was enough time for anyone to come forward, but no one came.
John became anxious because it seems like his glorious experience of the revelations was about to end just at the beginning. He remembers that Jesus had promised to show him many revelations of God’s plans (Rev. 1:1,19; 4:1), but right now, there is no way to know what was in the scroll, and John may be feeling disappointed that Jesus was not fulfilling His earlier promise to show him what must soon take place (Rev. 4:1). It is such a desperate situation because if there is no one worthy to carry out God’s will; all mankind would suffer under the power of sin and death endlessly, and there will be no hope of the kingdom of God or the New Jerusalem.
In verse 4, John started to cry because there was no one worthy to take the scroll. If there is no one to take the scroll, then he cannot know what will be the fate of the suffering believers. Will their suffering continue forever? Will the wicked continue to persecute the believers? John cannot know these things if there is no one worthy to open the scroll. He had a burning desire to know God’s will, but he is utterly helpless. Have you ever wept out of a deep desire to know God’s will? Do you show any concern when you see the hopeless state of unbelievers on our campuses?
I cried many times when I noticed my weakness in serving God’s mission. God has promised to make me a fruitful missionary in America, but I struggle to prepare my Bible materials and messages. I also became less concerned about the campus students and I give excuses to avoid talking to the students about Jesus’ saving power even when I am on campus. I also cry for the church in my heart as I wonder if we can sustain God’s work in America for the next 50 years? Who would carry on the mission of teaching the Bible to save many sinners? These things make my heart bleed whenever I am in my closet. But I thank God because His word comforts me that Jesus is able to help me and all of us.
[Read vs. 5] Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
While John was crying about the situation in heaven, one of the elders comforted him by telling him that there is hope for all creation because Jesus – The Lion of the tribe of Judah / the Root of David – has triumphed over sin and death and all the evil works of satan. He can take the scroll! Oh what great news for John and for us – that The Lion of the tribe of Judah can open the scroll! Amen!
You may find references to these titles of Jesus Christ; “The Lion of the tribe of Judah,” (Gen 49:9-10) and also “the Root of David.” (Isa 11:1,10; 22:16). These are the titles for
the promised Messiah Jesus Christ. (Lion) He is strong and mighty enough to protect his people from all evil and (Root of David) He is a rightful heir to the throne of King David. In Daniel 12:4,9; the angel told Daniel to close and seal the prophecy. But now it is time to open it and Jesus Christ is the only one who is worthy to take the scroll and open the scroll. What does it mean for us? (John 14:6) It means that Jesus Christ is the only one that can reveal God’s plan. He is the only one that can save us from sin, death and all the works of Satan. Hallelujah! Praise Jesus Christ who is worthy to take and open the scroll. Amen!
PART 2 – WORTHY IS THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN (6-14)
[Read vs. 6-7]6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.
The elder had told John about Jesus – the Lion of Judah that can take the scroll. But when Jesus came to take the scroll, what John saw was a Lamb that looked as if it had been slain. Thinking about that, we can see how Jesus humbled Himself; though He is qualified as a powerful Lion and though He is a Mighty King, He was described here as a slain Lamb. This tells us that Jesus is able to take the scroll because of the humble sacrifice of His life (Heb. 2:9-10). In Isaiah 53, we learn about the Lamb of God that was brutally killed in order to pay the price for our sins. In the old testament, Priests would offer a spotless lamb as a sacrifice to cover sin. Jesus became the Lamb that paid the ultimate price for all sin, so that anyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
We also see that this Lamb is a special one – having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. This statement tells us several qualities of the Lamb: the repeated number seven has been explained to mean completeness or number of perfection. The seven horns represent Jesus’ complete power
(Omnipotence) and seven eyes represent His perfect wisdom and ability to see all things (Omniscience). The seven Spirits of God speak of the Holy Spirit in His fullness. With this picture of the Lamb with horns and eyes, you may see the unity of God The Father (seven horns) and The Holy Spirit (seven eyes) together with The Lamb that was slain.
In verse 7, He took the scroll. By taking the scroll, Jesus received all authority and power to execute the will of God that was written in the scroll. By taking the scroll, Jesus restored John’s hope and wiped away his tears. Our hope as believers is also firm, because Jesus has taken the scroll and has opened it for us to know God’s plan for the world. Through our weekly Bible study, testimony and all other Bible learning opportunities, we learn the will of God for our lives and we learn about God’s plan to save the believers and punish unrepentant sinners.
[Read vs. 8-9a] 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9a And they sang a new song..
When the Lamb took the scroll from the one on the throne, it is like God handed over the authority to judge the world to Jesus.
John 5:22 – For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.
Acts 2:36 – Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.
1Cor. 15: 27 – For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ..
A series of worship began in heaven:
First, the 4 living creatures and 24 elders worship the Lamb by bowing to Him. They praised Jesus with harps (musical instruments) and were also holding bowls of incense – which are the prayers of God’s people (so we know that our prayers are precious like sweet smelling incense to God).They sang a new song of praise unto the Lamb, and from their song we will discover the reason Jesus is worthy to take the scroll and to be worshiped by all creation.
Vs. 9-10, “..they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”
Christ is worthy to take the scroll, and also worthy of our worship because he was slain. The word “slain” means to be killed violently and without mercy. Lambs are meek and gentle and do not need to be killed in a hard way. But Jesus The Lamb of God was slain
brutally. Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah’s death: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter…” (Isa 53:7a). The gospels speak of the brutal death Jesus suffered in order to pay for our sins – Jesus was severely beaten, flogged, and hung on a cross. A soldier pierced his side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out. Why?
In Isaiah 53:10 – Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes His life an offering for sin…, the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. We learn that it was God’s will for him to serve as an offering for our sin. These days many people take the matter of sin lightly. But sin is a fatal spiritual disease. Sin makes people selfish, greedy, lustful, wicked and proud. Sin ruins families, churches, communities and nations. The many wars we hear about in this world are all because of the sin of hate and unforgiveness. The economic hardship we face is because of the sin of greed in many capitalists. Many homes are destabilized and broken due to sins of laziness, selfishness, disobedience, sexual immorality, pride and unforgiveness. Human beings have no way to solve their sin problem, we need help from one who is worthy. In God’s justice system, the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23a), if there is no help for mankind, all must die for their sins, be judged and condemned forever.
But, thank God for His great love for us.
Rom. 5:8 – “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He made a way for man to be saved and escape the wages of sin. He gave us Jesus Christ The Lamb as a sacrifice for our sins! Hallelujah! No one else could balance God’s justice (to punish sin) and His love like this, only Jesus did. How should we respond to this love of God? Worship Him! So, Jesus the lamb that was slain, is worthy to be worshiped forever. Amen!
We can see the power of Jesus’ death on the cross in verses 9b-10. With His blood, Jesus purchased (for God) people from every tribe, language and nation (9b). Though there are so many languages and cultures in the world, one common reality is the bondage to sin and death. This bondage cannot be broken by any human means (money, science, education or good deeds). Only the blood of the sinless Son of God could break the bondage to sin and set people free. Jesus paid this price and freely gives salvation to anyone who believes, regardless of race, social status, or any other quality. For this, we should always thank and worship him.
Those who believe in Jesus become a kingdom and priests to serve our God (10). We are Kings because Jesus’ blood restored us from being slaves of sin to become royal heirs with Christ our Everlasting King; and as Priests, intercede for other people through
our prayers and Bible teaching. We are Kings and members of His Kingdom. We are holy priests that serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness, before him all our days (Lk 1:74-75 – ..to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days). This gives us purpose and joy in our lives.
The next group of worshipers are the angels in heaven (11). They organized an orchestra team and circled around the throne and the Lamb. They sang beautiful harmony; “Worthy is the Lamb.”
**I’d like us to join the heavenly host to sing this song to Jesus.. Wherever you are, just lift a hand to heaven and sing this song..“Worthy is The Lamb..”**
https://youtu.be/4Gae-n0Pb7Q?si=X5ZIula0Fm0nAb7Z (2:06-5:26)
The third group of worshipers includes every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and on the sea, and all that is in them.
[Read vs. 13-14] 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” 14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Nothing was created or existed without God and His will. All creation owes God its existence and so we praise, honor and worship God the creator, and the Lamb who was slain. (Imagine the scene) Every creature on earth becomes a lovely choir singing praises and giving thanks to God and the Lamb. The redeemed lion and the calf combine their voices: “roar” and “moo” in a beautiful harmony to praise Jesus. Even the poisonous cobra is redeemed and is so friendly that little children can play near its nest in safety. Isaiah 11:6-9 – The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, … The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. All redeemed creatures worship God the Father and the Lamb.
CONCLUSION
The point is made that only the Messiah can open the scroll. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Some people say that there are many ways to salvation. But the Bible says that Jesus is the only way (Jn. 14:6). Jesus alone is worthy to open the scroll of God’s judgment. He has the right to judge all people (Jn. 5:22). This judgment will be based on how we respond to Jesus. In John 5:24; Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” On the other hand, those who do not believe will be condemned (Jn 5:29). As we reflect on this passage, let us be moved to worship and praise the Lamb who was slain, and give Him the honor and glory He deserves. May we also live as Kings and Priests on earth, serving as godly examples and teaching others about the love and redemption through Jesus the Lamb that was slain. Amen!