Revelation 05: Jesus is Worthy
In chapter five of the book of Revelation, the metaphors can begin to become confusing. First, it is important to realize that Jesus is the Lamb. Therefore, it is unhelpful to think of a literal lamb holding a scroll. John is speaking about Jesus. He is reclaiming the Earth. It is also important to note that there are two viewpoints happening from here on throughout Revelation. The first is the vision of Heaven. The second is the view of what is happening on Earth.
Text: Revelation 05 (click to expand)
The Lamb Opens the Scroll
Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.
4 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. 5 But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6 Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth. 7 He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. 8 And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song with these words:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 And you have caused them to become
a Kingdom of priests for our God.
And they will reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. 12 And they sang in a mighty chorus:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing.”
13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power
belong to the one sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
14 And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.
Chapter Overview and Summary.
The fifth chapter of Revelation has two aspects that can offer insight into what John is describing or can offer confusing. First in the image of the Lamb. Remember, John was also the author of the Gospel of John. John speaks of Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world within the first few chapters of the Gospel. John is using that imagery to speak of Jessus. Therefore, it is important not to have the mental image of a literal lamb with a scroll. Rather, it is a way of describing Jesus as the Savior of the world. Next, in the legal system of the time, after paying for a piece of property, the deed to the land was given to the new owner. The final act before taking possession of the land was to unseal the deed scroll. Deed scrolls also had seven seals. Unsealing all seven of the seals finalized this sale of the land. John is likely using the imagery of the lamb to remind the reader of the purchase price of the Earth. Jesus paid for it all with the shedding of His blood.
SOAP Bible Study.
Title: Jesus is Worthy
Scripture- (Revelation 5:9) And they sang a new song with these words “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
Observation- It is important to remember that this book has been inspired by the Holy Spirit to bring comfort and challenge to a persecuted church in the first century. In this chapter, they see Jesus and the only one worthy of “fixing” or redeeming the world. This is what He is doing when He is opening a scroll with seven seals. They would have recognized it as a land deed. Only Jesus had paid the price and could redeem fallen humanity. This apocalyptic imagery would have reminded them that Jesus is Worthy and He is still in control. They were on the right path. Don’t give up. The same goes for us today.
Application- Where, in your life, do you need to remember that God is in control?
Prayer- Thank You for being worthy to redeem us all. It is an honor to serve so great a Savior and King.
Reflection Questions.
- Do you struggle with the imagery or are you able to make the mental shift?
- What about this chapter was the most surprising?
- Do you come away with questions? What are you most curious about?
- How does this chapter help you see that Jesus “worthy of it all?”
- Based on this chapter, what next step do you need to take?
Additional Resources.
- (Video) BibleProject. Revelation 1–11 Summary (Part 1). YouTube video, 11:51. June 2018. (Link)
- (Book) Osborne, Grant R. Revelation. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002.
- (Article) Guzik, David. “Revelation 5 – The Scroll and the Lamb.” Enduring Word Bible Commentary. Accessed July 4, 2025. (Link
- (Article) “Revelation 5 Commentary.” Precept Austin. (Link
- (Article) “Revelation 5.” BibleHub. (Link)
- (Video) Nolan, Allen. Revelation 5: The Scroll & the Lamb. YouTube video, 40:20. Mar 5, 2025. (Link)
