Revelation 5 begins with a description of God sitting on His throne, holding a sealed scroll. Next we see a strong angel doing his best to keep that scroll sealed. What follows is the story of Jesus Christ stepping up to answer the challenge and save His children. The drama unfolds with overwhelming sorrow, startling surprises, and deep questions. For his part, John the revelator is absorbed in the vision and driven to despair and bitter tears. But why is he weeping? Why does the beloved disciple, who so often walked closely with the Master, find himself overwhelmed with grief?
John weeps because he senses that the sealed scroll in the right hand of the One who sits on the throne is immensely important. He weeps because he fears that no one will stand up to the mighty angel who brashly declares, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” (verse 2). He weeps because the challenging angel is met with silence. “No one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth” (verse 3) is found worthy to open the scroll and reveal its contents. John is overcome with despair because this scroll is none other than the book of life (Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19), and if the book of life remains sealed, then the plan of salvation is doomed. No wonder he grieves!
where Israel’s kings failed, Jesus triumphed
To understand this scene we must step back in time to the theistic Hebrew culture of the Old Testament. Revelation 5 is deeply connected to the principles God established for leadership among His people, Israel.
Throughout Israel’s history God outlined the requirements for the king who would rule over His people. The king was to be chosen by God, a brother among his people, a just and humble leader, and one submitted to God’s Law (Deuteronomy 17:15–19). He was not to rely on his own strength or amass wealth but to rule with wisdom and the fear of the Lord. However, the history of Israel’s monarchy was marked by failure. Most kings strayed from God’s will, leading the nation into idolatry, injustice, and ultimately exile.
This crisis of human leadership revealed the need for a truly righteous and faithful King.
In this context Revelation 5 presented Jesus as the perfect King. He was the only One worthy of opening the scroll and executing God’s divine plan. He fulfilled every requirement God established for leadership: He was chosen by the Father, was one with His people, lived in total obedience to God’s will, and established an eternal kingdom of justice and peace. His sacrifice was accepted, and His victory ensured the fulfillment of God’s purpose for humanity.
Without a doubt Jesus fulfilled the promise of a righteous King: a direct descendant of Abraham and David who would rule with justice (Matthew 1:1–17; Psalm 72:1–4). But in Revelation 5 John was confronted with the anguished reality that “no one was found worthy to open the scroll” (verse 4).
Someone perfect was needed—someone able to rule with justice, holiness, and divine authority. John’s weeping reflected the gravity of the situation: if the scroll remained unopened, the future remained uncertain—no redemption, no justice, and no promises fulfilled.
At that moment John faced a crisis of uncertainty. He knew that Christ had died and risen, but not seeing anyone immediately worthy to open the scroll, he must have wondered if Jesus’ sacrifice had been enough or if the story of redemption could not be completed. If no one could open the scroll, then there was no hope for humanity.
In the midst of this anguish, John heard one of the elders say to him: “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals” (verse 5).
At that instant John saw the slain Lamb, who had the authority to open the scroll and complete the plan of salvation. This revelation wiped away John’s tears and brought him deep comfort because he realized that in Christ, God’s purpose was not stalled—it had been fully accomplished.
Jesus Christ, as the Lion of the tribe Judah and the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, was the only One worthy to open the scroll because He met all the requirements of the true King of Israel.
While Israel’s kings failed in their mission, Jesus alone perfectly fulfilled what God expected of a king. He alone was worthy because He was the Anointed One, God’s chosen King. Jesus not only knew God’s Law, but He lived it out and fulfilled it entirely. His sacrifice on the cross made Him worthy to open the scroll. “You were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation” (verse 9).
the slain Lamb brings eternal life
Revelation 5 powerfully moves us from despair to worship. What begins with John weeping over the apparent lack of hope turns into a song of triumph as Christ, the slain Lamb, is revealed as the only One worthy of opening the scroll.
This passage reminds us that even when we do not immediately understand God’s actions, His plan has already been secured in Christ. As a believer your name is written in the book of life because Jesus’ sacrifice was accepted, His victory was complete, and His authority is absolute. That is why all of heaven erupted in praise:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (verse 12).
