Then it seemed that there was no one worthy to open the scroll of God's judgment (Revelation 5:1–3), the Apostle John wept (Revelation 5:4). Then, Jesus stepped forward to take the scroll from the hand of God (Revelation 5:5–7). Now, instead of weeping, this results in the elders (Revelation 4:4) singing a new song of praise to the Lamb. Our study will follow the outline below:

1. He is Worthy (5:9a)
2. He has Purchased a People (5:9b)
3. He has Made a Kingdom (5:10)

Because he redeemed a people by his blood, he is worthy to be praised alongside the Father. At the focal point of all heaven and earth is a song sung about Jesus. The elders and creatures around the throne, uncounted angels, and every creature in all of creation sing about the Lamb who was slain.

The apostle John use four different words to describe every group of people on the Earth, singing this song:

1. "from every tribe"
2. "every language"
3. "every people"
4. "every nation"

Every people group represented around the throne on that day, makes up a kingdom of priests to our God, who will reign on the Earth in a new heaven and a new Earth. King Jesus will use the redeemed to guard His righteous rule over the nations. They are appointed to a responsibility by Christ because they, like Him, have been prepared to render these services in God's behalf.

The redeemed priests have duties and privileges. Jesus did not create an exclusive order of priests, such as the Levites. Instead, He made all believers priests unto God. The apostle Peter wrote: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Believers are united to Christ through faith, and therefore they participate in His kingly and priestly roles. This imagery emphasizes the intimate union between Christ and His people and the privilege of sharing in His redemptive work.

Getting Started                          

1. Did you have a favourite song as a child? Was there a song you remember your mother and father singing to you when you were young? Share your experience.     

• Read Revelation 5:1-10

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

Digging Deeper 

3. According to verse 9, what did the Lamb of God do? 

4. What are we purchased from? Read Revelation 1:5-6 and Revelation 5:9 to help explain your answer. 

5. What does verse 9 teach you about the atonement of Christ? 

The Heart of the Matter

6. What does verse 9-10 teach you about the worthiness of Christ and the unworthiness of humanity? 

7. How would meditation on the fact that only Christ is worthy to take the scroll help to humble you and make you more joyful in your present circumstances? 

8. This passage teaches us that Jesus is worthy and we are worthless without Christ. Paul told the church in Philippi that it is useless to boast in the flesh (Philippians 3:4-7). Have you ever been tempted to boast in your flesh? When did you come to realize that you are worthless without Christ?