REVELATION: Who Is Worthy?

Sermon Summary – Who Is Worthy?
Revelation 5:1–14

Main Idea:

John’s vision shifts from the throne of God to the scroll of God’s redemptive plan—and only one is found worthy to open it: Jesus, the Lion who conquered and the Lamb who was slain. All of heaven erupts in worship, and we are invited to join.

1. The Scroll in God’s Hand

(vv.1–4)

John sees a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne—written on both sides and sealed with seven seals, symbolizing completeness, importance, and divine authority.

A mighty angel asks, “Who is worthy to open the scroll?” But no one is found in heaven, on earth, or under the earth.

John weeps, fearing that God’s redemptive and restorative plan might remain sealed.

This scroll likely represents:

God’s end-time plan (Daniel 12, Ezekiel 2)
The unfolding of judgment, redemption, and restoration

2. The Lion and the Lamb

(vv.5–7)

One of the elders says, “Weep no more!”

The Lion of Judah and the Root of David has conquered and is therefore worthy to open the scroll.

But when John looks, he sees not a lion—but a Lamb, standing as though slain, with:

Seven horns (complete power)
Seven eyes (perfect vision and the Holy Spirit at work)

The Lamb approaches and takes the scroll—an act that signals His authority to execute God’s final purposes on earth.

3. Heaven’s Response: Worship Erupts

(vv.8–10)

When the Lamb takes the scroll:

The four living creatures and twenty-four elders fall in worship
The elders offer harps (praise) and bowls of incense (the prayers of the saints)
A new song arises—celebrating the Lamb’s worthiness because:
- He was slain
- He ransomed people from every tribe, language, people, and nation
- He made them a kingdom and priests, destined to reign

4. An Expanding Chorus

(vv.11–13)

John hears myriads of angels—an uncountable heavenly host—join in worship:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might

and honor and glory and blessing!”

Then every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea joins in praise:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

This is a moment of universal worship—a heavenly crescendo of glory given to God and the Lamb.

5. The Focus of Revelation: Jesus, the Worthy One

(v.14)

The four living creatures say, “Amen!” and the elders fall down and worship.

This chapter reminds us:

Revelation is not just about the end times; it’s about the Exalted Christ.
The question of “Who is worthy?” is answered by only one name—Jesus.
It is a call to worship, not just a prophecy to analyze.

6. Application & Invitation

Are you captivated by the glory of the Lamb?
Do you find your hope and confidence in the One who was slain?
Are you living a life that reflects His worthiness?
Are you joining in heaven’s song now—or just waiting for someday?

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.”

Let those words not only echo in eternity but in your soul today.

Closing Challenge:

Don’t just study Revelation—worship Jesus through it.

Fall before the Lamb.

Lift your voice with heaven’s choir.

Live your life as a song of praise to the One who is worthy.

Small Group Study Guide_ “Who Is Worthy Download