The scroll introduced in Revelation 5:1–4 symbolizes God’s sovereign plan (see Rev. 4:1) for history. The narrative starts with a problem (v.2-3). John sees the heavenly throne room where the Father is sitting upon the throne. In His hand is a scroll containing the rest of Revelation’s prophecies. (v.1–4). John begins weeping, since no one is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals (thus disclosing and implementing God’s plan). But John is then told the solution in verses 5-7. The Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered, so that “he can open the scroll and its seven seals” (Rev. 5:5). Only the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Lord Jesus Christ, is worthy to open the scroll and unleash its contents 

1. Safe in the Hands of God (v.1)
2. Hopeless Without Christ (v.2-4)
3. Hopeful With Christ (v.5-7)

John describes Jesus as the one who has “conquered” (v.5) and is worthy to receive honor, might, glory, wealth, wisdom, power, and blessing (v.12). Once Jesus takes the scroll, the four living creatures and twenty-four elders surrounding the throne of God begin to worship the Lamb, singing a new song that praises Him for His salvation (v.8–10). 

Our hope rests in the fact that Jesus the Messiah has conquered sin, Satan, and death not with the sword but by dying for His people. Jesus has redeemed for God a people from every tribe and every nation and every language and every people throughout the entire world. We can see it with our own eyes and we should stand and rejoice in the victory of God’s kingdom in Christ because of this. Christ is sovereign (v.13–14) and will certainly consummate His Father’s plan.

By our knowing and proclaiming the truths about the Lion and the Lamb, people come into the kingdom and sin is put to death in our own lives. This is the message we proclaim, this is the message that motivates us, and this is why we can get going even when the world around us is falling apart. 

Getting Started 

1. Weeping is a natural human response to sadness. Can you remember a time when you wept bacause of sadness or grief? Share your story.

• Read Revelation 5:1-14

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?

Digging Deeper

3. What is the problem we see in v.2-3 ?

4. What is John's reaction to the problem he sees? (v.4)

5. What is the solution to the problem John sees in verses 5-7?

The Heart of the Matter

6. Verse 9 says, “And they sang a new song.” This expression, “a new song,” in the Bible means a song of victory, a song of renewal, of victory in battle and in war. How could this expression motivate us toward the Great Commission?

7. In verse 9, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb, saying, 'Worthy is the Lamb'. What in the past has the Lamb not be worthy of in your life? Where have you or are you drawing the line?

8. In our text, Jesus is called The Lamb and The Lion of Judah, two very different animals with two very different characteristics. The first time He came as a Lamb. He was meek and humble. He was a servant. He was our perfect and spotless sacrifice. But in opening the seals, He reveals Himself to be a lion. This description is intentional in reminding us of his coming judgment. If you are saved, you have nothing to fear. The Lion of Judah is on your side. Is fear something that keeps you from sharing the good news with others? Share your experience