Worthy Is The Lamb

Sunday School 3/30/25

Revelation 5 NASB95

I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; and one of the elders *said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.” And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they *sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.

Sunday School Handout: The Courtroom of Heaven Lesson Title: "The Case for the Worthy Lamb" Scripture: Revelation 5

Introduction: The Courtroom Scene

Imagine a grand courtroom in heaven. God the Father sits on the throne, holding a sealed scroll—the title deed to the earth. A question echoes throughout heaven: "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" Silence fills the courtroom as no one is found worthy. John, the apostle, weeps. But then, an announcement shakes the heavens: "Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed!" The case is about to be settled!

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I. The Sealed Scroll: The Title Deed to the Earth

The scroll is a legal document—similar to a will or a title deed.

It represents Christ’s rightful ownership of all that was promised to Him (Psalm 2:8; Hebrews 1:2).

No one in the universe is worthy to open it—until Jesus steps forward.

What’s in the Scroll? Scholars have different views, but many believe the scroll represents:

God’s Final Plan for Judgment and Redemption – The unfolding events of the end times (Revelation 6-19).

The Title Deed to the Earth – Adam lost dominion through sin (Genesis 3), but Christ reclaims it.

A Legal Contract or Covenant – Similar to Roman wills or contracts, it could contain God’s decree on how His kingdom will come.

The scroll represents the Father’s will, something God the Father has purposed from before the beginning of time to be executed by a Mediator.

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II. The Qualifications of the Redeemer

To open the scroll, the one chosen must be:

Near of Kin – Jesus became human (John 1:14).

Willing to Redeem – Jesus willingly gave His life (John 10:18).

Able to Redeem – Jesus paid the price through His death (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Jesus meets all three qualifications! As the Lion of Judah, He has the power to rule; as the Lamb slain, He has the right to redeem.

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III. The Worthiness of Jesus

1. Who He Is (Rev. 5:5-7):

The Lion of Judah – He fulfills the prophecy of Genesis 49:8-10.

The Root of David – He is both David’s descendant and Creator (Isaiah 11:1,10).

The title "Son of Man" carries a double meaning:

Humanity: Jesus emphasizes his human nature, as a son of Adam, to connect with humanity and demonstrate his ability to empathize with their struggles. 

Divine Authority: Jesus also uses the title to assert his divine authority and claim his role as the coming ruler, as prophesied in Daniel. 

The Lamb Slain – The ultimate sacrifice for sin (John 1:29).

2. Where He Is (Rev. 5:6):

Jesus is in heaven, exalted and reigning.

He stands in the midst of the throne, the center of all attention.

He has perfect power (seven horns), perfect wisdom (seven eyes), and perfect presence (seven Spirits of God).

3. What He Does (Rev. 5:8-10):

He takes the scroll and heaven erupts in worship!

The 24 elders and four living creatures fall before Him.

He has redeemed people from every nation by His blood.

He makes believers a kingdom of priests who will reign with Him.

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IV. The Verdict: The Lamb is Worthy! (Rev. 5:11-14)

All of heaven joins in worship – thousands upon thousands of angels declare His worth.

Every creature in heaven, earth, and under the earth gives praise.

The case is closed: Jesus is the rightful heir, the only One worthy to take the scroll!

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Conclusion: Will You Recognize His Worth?

Heaven already declares "Worthy is the Lamb!" – do you?

Have you trusted Him not just as Creator, but as your Redeemer?

One day, every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10-11). Will you bow now in worship, or later in judgment?

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Final Thought:

Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart (Rev. 3:20). Will you let Him in?

Key Memory Verse: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" – Revelation 5:12

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Discussion Questions:

Why did John weep when no one was found worthy to open the scroll?

How does Jesus fulfill the role of both the Lion and the Lamb?

What does it mean that we are a "kingdom of priests" in Christ?

How does the courtroom scene in Revelation 5 encourage your faith today?

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Closing Prayer: "Lord Jesus, You alone are worthy. Thank You for redeeming us with Your blood and making us part of Your kingdom. May we live daily in worship and obedience to You. Amen."

Updated notes:

The scroll represents the Father’s will, something God the Father has purposed from before the beginning of time to be executed by a Mediator. The Root of David points to the fact that only Jesus is qualified as the God/Man to execute the will of the father as the Redeemer, specifically in the office of King (where as other kings of the line of David failed and were disqualified). The HS does not hold this office as the Redeemer, rather the HS anointed Jesus in his humanity to fulfill this office in power and to perfection.

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I don't see that as being stated at all?

The father holds the scroll and his messenger asks who is worthy. Remember this is a vision and isn't 100% literal, it is framed to John as it conveys its message. John weeps as this is to claim no one is holy enough to unseal God's will, but "and elder" or a man advanced in age and wisdom (but who could be an elder to John? It is the concept of one more wise than himself) reminds him that we have Jesus Christ. We are told in the verse he is worthy because he has conquered (sin and death). The Father holds the sealed scroll and has no reason to open it unless another is worthy. That Holy Spirit is our counselor, not our Intercessor, which is Christ who sits at the right hand of the father, speaking to him on our behalf.

When no man is worthy Christ steps forth in our place. That is as true of Judgement as in this place. The scroll unsealing does work that makes the world right again. So Christ conquering the Original curses of Man (sin and death) means that the world being made right will not obliterate humanity, and therefore God's restoration of us and creation as a whole may commence.