REVELATION 5
WORTHY IS THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN
In the right hand of the One seated on the throne is a scroll with seven seals. Proclaiming with a loud voice, an angel asks who was worthy to open the scroll and break the seals. Because no one in heaven or earth is able to open the scroll, John is distraught.
One of the elders in the throne room comforts John and says not to fear, for the Savior has conquered and can open the scroll. The elder references Jesus as the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” and the “Root of David.” These two phrases serve as names for the promised Savior throughout Scripture (See Genesis 49:9, Isaiah 11:1). Because Jesus is an offspring of David, from the tribe of Judah, He fulfills these prophecies of the Savior.
Between the throne and the four creatures, John sees a Lamb with seven horns and seven eyes, who looks as though it has been slain. Throughout Scripture, the lamb symbolizes God’s provision. God provided a lamb for Abraham, so that he did not have to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22:8) Similarly, God spared those who had the blood of a spotless lamb on their doorpost during the Passover (Exodus 12). Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be obedient to God’s plan, comparing Him to a lamb led to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7). When John the Baptist first saw Jesus, he recognized Him as the Savior and declared “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
The slain Lamb, representing the crucified Jesus, is the only one worthy to open the scroll. When the Lamb takes the scroll from the seated one, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb, each holding a harp and incense, worshipping the Lamb. Looking around, John heard thousands and thousands of voices praising God and saying, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!” By the blood of His sacrifice, the Lamb ransomed people for God from every tribe and nation.
Some interpret the scroll as God’s plan for judgment and redemption, detailing how His kingdom will be established on Earth as foretold by the prophets (Isaiah 8:16, Daniel 8:26, 12:8-10). The slain Lamb, a depiction of the crucified Jesus, is the only one worthy or able of opening the scroll. This image highlights the necessity of a Savior and God’s plan for redemption from the beginning.
Revelation 5:12 - saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain” to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!
