The Lion of Judah, Has Conquered
Revelation 5:15
Introduction
The book of Revelation pulls back the curtain on spiritual realities, revealing Christ’s ultimate victory over sin, death, and all evil. In Revelation 5, we encounter a moment of tension and anticipation. God holds a sealed scroll containing His perfect plan for the redemption of the world, but no one seems worthy to open it. However, hope emerges as John hears the announcement: "The Lion of Judah, has conquered." This passage not only reminds us of Christ’s power but also teaches us that His victory was achieved through humility and sacrifice. As we explore this text, we will see how God’s perfect plan, executed through Jesus Christ, assures us of hope, even when circumstances appear dark.
Throughout history, many have sought to conquer and rule the world. The first and most notorious usurper was Satan. After his rebellion against God was crushed, he and his angelic followers were cast out of heaven (Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:3-4). From that moment, Satan became the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and has inspired many others to pursue power and domination. Men like Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, Alexander the Great, the Roman emperors, Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Lenin, Stalin, and Hitler all tried their hand at conquest. In the future, the most powerful Satan-possessed human conqueror will rise—the final Antichrist.
What do all of these men, and countless lesser figures, have in common? They failed. No one—whether human, angelic, or demonic—has been able to secure ultimate authority over creation. Only one person is worthy to take the reins of power and rule the earth: the Lord Jesus Christ. One day, He will reclaim what is rightfully His, casting down Satan and all rebels, both demonic and human. This brings us to the profound truth unveiled in Revelation 5: Jesus, the Lion of Judah, is the only One worthy to open the scroll and redeem the world from sin, death, and the curse.
With this understanding, let us explore the significance of Christ’s victory as revealed in this powerful text.
1. The Sealed Scroll: The Mystery of God's Plan
“Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals” (Revelation 5:1).
a. The scroll represents God's decrees and redemptive plan for creation.
In the ancient world, sealed scrolls were used to contain important or confidential decrees. The scroll in God's hand symbolizes His plan for human history, including both judgment and redemption. Ezekiel 2:910 gives us a glimpse of a similar scroll, filled with “words of lamentation and woe,” emphasizing that God's plan includes both justice and mercy. This scroll is fully written on both sides, suggesting that nothing is left out or unfinished in God's purposes.
b. Only Christ is worthy to open it, revealing that the fulfillment of God’s purposes is tied to His victory.
The seven seals on the scroll signify completeness, representing God's sovereign control. This reminds believers that even when God's plan seems hidden or delayed, it is unfolding perfectly in His time. God’s timing is never accidental, and every detail is woven into His redemptive purposes for creation. In our seasons of waiting and confusion, we can trust that His plan will come to pass because Christ, who holds the key to it, has conquered.
2. Who is Worthy? The Search for the Redeemer
“And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it” (Revelation 5:23).
a. The angel asks who is worthy to open the scroll, symbolizing a search for someone righteous and powerful enough to execute God's judgment and bring redemption.
The mighty angel's call echoes the question asked in Isaiah 6:8: “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” The search for someone worthy emphasizes the need for more than just strength; it requires righteousness and holiness. This is not just about finding a strong leader but someone who can both execute God’s justice and offer salvation to the world.
b. The failure of all creation—angels, humans, and rulers—highlights humanity's need for a perfect Savior.
Neither angelic beings, human leaders, nor rulers throughout history have been able to fulfill this role. This failure underscores the truth that humanity cannot redeem itself. Like Israel awaiting a Messiah, the world longed for a perfect Savior to bring hope and restoration. This unmet need reveals the significance of Christ's arrival—only He, the Goodman, is worthy to fulfill God's plan.
3. Do Not Weep: The Lion Has Triumphed
“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘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’” (Revelation 5:5).
a. John weeps at the apparent absence of a worthy one, but he is comforted: "The Lion of Judah has conquered."
When no one is found worthy, John weeps in despair. His weeping reflects the longing in every human heart for restoration and justice. But an elder interrupts his grief, pointing him to the “Lion of the tribe of Judah.” This title refers back to Genesis 49:910, where Jacob prophesies that the scepter will not depart from Judah, pointing to Jesus as the eternal King.
b. Christ's triumph came through His death on the cross and resurrection.
The Lion of Judah's victory was achieved not through political power or military conquest but through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection. As Philippians 2:810 declares, Christ humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross, but God exalted Him to the highest place. His victory teaches us that true power is found in humility and surrender to God’s will.
4. From Lion to Lamb: Christ's Victorious Path
“See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed” (Revelation 5:5).
a. Although described as a Lion, Jesus conquered through His identity as the Lamb who was slain.
John is told to look for a Lion, but in the verses that follow, he sees a Lamb. This paradox captures the heart of the Gospel: Jesus reigns as King because He offered Himself as a sacrifice. In John 1:29, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." Through the cross, Jesus fulfilled both the justice of God and His mercy toward humanity.
b. This dual identity assures us that He is both the reigning King and the compassionate Savior.
As the Lion, Christ is powerful and just, able to judge and reign over creation. As the Lamb, He is compassionate and merciful, understanding our struggles and weaknesses. This gives us confidence to approach Him in our time of need, knowing that He is both mighty to save and gentle in His care.
Conclusion
In Revelation 5, we see the beauty of God’s redemptive plan unveiled. Though no one in creation was found worthy to open the scroll, the Lion of Judah—Jesus Christ—triumphed through His death and resurrection. His victory assures us that God’s purposes will be fulfilled. Just as John was told not to weep, we too can take heart in knowing that Christ has already won the victory. The Lion reigns, and the Lamb has made a way for us to experience eternal life.
This message reminds us that God’s plan may not always unfold according to our timing, but we can trust that He is in control. Whether you are facing personal challenges, waiting for answers, or struggling with disappointment, look to Jesus—the Lion of Judah and the Lamb who was slain. His victory guarantees that God’s promises are certain and His purposes unstoppable.
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Blessings,
Pastor JM Raja Lawrence
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
email: lawrencejmr@gmail.com
Mobile: +91 9933250072
