Revelation 5 - Lesson Plan

Reformed Adult Bible Study Lesson Plan: Revelation 5

Theme: The Worthy Lamb and the Unveiling of God's Plan

Aim: To explore the profound significance of Christ as the only one worthy to open the scroll, revealing God's plan of judgment and redemption.

Scripture: Revelation 5

I. Introduction (5 minutes)

Briefly recap the vision of God's throne room in Revelation 4, emphasizing God's sovereignty and holiness as the foundation for the events of chapter 5.

Read Revelation 5:1 aloud, highlighting the introduction of the sealed scroll.

Discussion Question: What emotions or questions might the image of a sealed scroll evoke? Why might this image be significant in light of the previous chapter?

II. Verse-by-Verse Exposition (30 minutes)

Verse 1:"And I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals."

OT Allusion/Quotation: The imagery of the scroll evokes Ezekiel 2:9-10, where the prophet sees a scroll containing words of judgment and lamentation. The seven seals suggest the fullness and completeness of the scroll's contents.

Discussion Question: What might the scroll represent? Why is it significant that it is sealed? How does the presence of writing on both sides of the scroll enhance its symbolic meaning?

Verse 2:"And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?'"

Discussion Question: What qualities or characteristics might be necessary for someone to be considered "worthy" in this context? How does the angel's question create a sense of anticipation and drama?

Verses 3-4:These verses emphasize the inability of anyone in heaven or on earth to open the scroll, highlighting the unique authority required to access its contents.

OT Allusion/Quotation: The emphasis on worthiness might echo Daniel 7:13, where the Son of Man is the only one worthy to receive dominion and glory and a kingdom.

Discussion Question: Why does John weep when no one is found worthy? What does his reaction reveal about the importance of the scroll's contents?

Verse 5:"And one of the elders said to me, 'Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.'"

OT Allusions/Quotations: The titles "Lion of the tribe of Judah" and "Root of David" come from Genesis 49:9 and Isaiah 11:1, 10, respectively, identifying Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Discussion Question: Why is it significant that the one who conquers is both a lion and a root? What do these images tell us about Jesus' character and mission?

Verse 6:"And I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth."

OT Allusions/Quotations: The Lamb imagery evokes the Passover lamb in Exodus 12 and the suffering servant in Isaiah 53. The seven horns symbolize complete power, while the seven eyes, connected to the seven spirits of God, represent perfect knowledge and presence.

Discussion Question: Why is the Lamb portrayed "as though it had been slain"? How does this image reconcile the seemingly contradictory titles of Lion and Lamb?

Verse 7:"And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne."

Discussion Question: What does the Lamb's action of taking the scroll signify in terms of authority and power?

Verses 8-10:These verses describe the heavenly worship offered to the Lamb, highlighting His worthiness to receive the scroll and execute God's plan. The twenty-four elders and four living creatures fall down before the Lamb, offering prayers and singing a new song.

OT Allusions/Quotations: The new song echoes the themes of Psalms 33:3, 40:3, 96:1, and 98:1, celebrating God's victory and deliverance. The language of purchasing and redemption in verse 9 connects with Exodus 19:5 and Psalm 74:2, emphasizing Christ's atoning sacrifice for His people.

Discussion Questions:What might be the significance of the "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints"? How are our prayers involved in the unfolding of God's plan?

What makes this song a "new song"? What is the relationship between the Lamb's sacrifice and the new creation?

Verses 11-14:These verses expand the chorus of praise to include "every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them," acknowledging the Lamb's universal dominion and authority.

OT Allusion/Quotation: This universal acclamation echoes Daniel 4:34-37, where all creation is called to bless and praise God's eternal dominion.

Discussion Question: How does the cosmic scope of the worship in these verses amplify the significance of the Lamb's victory? What does this passage teach us about the ultimate purpose of all creation?

III. Chapter Reflection (10 minutes)

Reflection Questions:What is the central message of Revelation 5?

Why is Christ the only one worthy to open the scroll?

How does this chapter deepen our understanding of the gospel and the nature of Christ's victory?

How should this vision shape our worship and our view of history?

What comfort or encouragement can we draw from this chapter as we face challenges and uncertainties in our own lives?

IV. Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

Conclude the study with a prayer of adoration and gratitude to the Lamb, asking for grace to live as faithful witnesses to His victory and to participate in His ongoing work of redemption.