The Revelation of Jesus Christ – Worthy To Open The Scroll – Revelation 5:1-14
by Daniel Burton
Read Revelation 5:1-14
Download Discussions Guide to go through with a friend
How would you describe power and authority? What qualities would you describe it with?
The events of the throne room in chapter four are rich and exciting but they are constant. God, although on the throne, makes no real action but simply displays His presence. Do not be mistaken, however, the presence of God is still immensely more powerful than we can image and is worthy to reign on the throne. In chapter 5, things begin changing and moving. The events that unfold here establish the foundation for everything else that is to come in the book of Revelation. The introduction of Jesus Christ to the throne room sets in motion opening of the scroll which contains the finality of creation and the pronouncement of judgment on the world. The lamb of God makes its appearance in the throne room of God and the response can only be worship. The final stages of creation are unfolding before John’s eyes and the presence of God remains sovereign and in control.
The Scroll
God held a scroll while seated on the throne. John, seeing the scroll immediately knew that it contained great, important, and significant knowledge. The Father, seated on the throne, held the fate of the world in His hands. The scroll, which will be talked about in more detail later in this series, contains the pronouncement of the events to come. Yet, for all the splendor of the throne room of heaven, with the creatures, the elders, and the various other representations in the throne, no one could be found to open the scroll apart from God Himself. John, seeing this and understanding the importance of the scroll, began to weep that the secrets of the scroll would not be revealed. No one in heaven or under heaven, was worthy to open the scroll. For all of the abilities of people, none compare to the greatness of God to pronounce judgment and usher in the final days. There is holiness in the proclamation and holiness in returning creation to its intended state. While this may at first be intimidating or fear inducing to us, unable to produce any form of righteousness or ability on our own, this is the same God who bids us to return to Him and be in relationship with Him. It is only when our sin is dealt with that we are able to take our place as a part of the church, empowered by the Spirit of all the churches.
The Lamb
The proclamation rings out that there is one who is worthy to open up the mysteries of the universe. One of the elders direct’s John’s attention to the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Israel was founded under the notion that the Kings would come from the line of Judah. Furthermore, the image of the lion is one who reigns over his kingdom. Based on this initial description, you would expect John to turn and immediately be greeted with a great and ferocious roar of authority, after all this is the true King to reign overall Kings. Yet, this is not the image John is greeted with. John turns and seeing a lamb as if it has been slain. The King, for all His authority and sovereignty, became a sacrifice for the sake of the people. Rather than becoming an unapproachable or distant King, Jesus became the King who walks among the people. Furthermore, Christ died on behalf of those who stood in rebellion against Him. This is the mark of a King, not to Lord strength over others, but to be strong enough to endure the punishment of others for the sake of those who have been placed under our care. This is precisely why the lamb of God does not need permission or authority to approach The Father on the throne. They are one and their authority is one. Thus, the lamb of God, the lion of Judah, takes the scroll and prepares to open it’s seals.
The Response
While Jesus has no need to assert his strength or authority, the response from those around Him declares the worthiness of Jesus Christ to open the scroll. Yet, the do not appeal to His Kingship but instead to His nature as a benevolent God. Through the blood of Christ, mankind has been purchased. Furthermore people of all nations, tribes, languages, and people receive the grace of God. This fourfold construction carries with it a sense of fullness and inclusion of all things. In this case, scripture stresses that all person are eligible for His eternal gift. Just as the response to the presence of God can only be worship, the response to the work of Christ is similarly worship (thus identifying Jesus Christ as God). You see the elders, the creatures, and hosts upon hosts of angels worshipping the Lamb. The scene, which at its resting state still shook with excitement, now developed into a loud celebration of the presence of God.
Discussions Questions
What does this chapter tell us about the nature of the Kingship of Jesus Christ? Why is it significant that Jesus is able to take the scroll from the hand of God?
To which people do the sacrifice of Jesus Christ extend to? Why is it significant that the work of Christ on the cross isn’t limited to a specific people group?
Are there people you have trouble wanting to see them in heaven? Why are some people difficult to love? How have we been difficult to love by Jesus Christ?
What does it mean to worship Jesus Christ? What is the foundation of the worship of Jesus Christ? How does our worship compare with the scene unfolding?
What does Christ make the people of God to be in verse 10? How does this describe our purpose? How are worship and obedience to represent God to the world?
The church is to represent Christ to the world. Do you actions speak of the supremacy of God seated on the throne or do they speak of our own ability and reliance on ourself. How are the two different? What is the difference between living for ourselves or displaying our worship to God in every facet of our life?
