"Jesus is Worthy"

I want to take a quick moment and address something because we find ourselves living through a moment that will be written about in history books. We will tell our grandkids about the time the world shut down. Documentaries will retell the story for generations to come.

For me it has been really tough to not think about the huge weight of this global pandemic, but I want to encourage everyone of us to take a moment and step back. Why??? Because there is a far greater historical moment that we all should be thinking about this week. It’s the most significant event in the history of the universe.

It’s the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Everything in the Bible, everything that our faith relies on, and all of our reasons for hope rest on this day. If there is not a specific point in time where Jesus walked out of the tomb, then as Paul tells us our religion is in vain, and God’s Word isn’t worth the paper that it is written on.

This is the argument the Apostle Paul makes in 1 Corinthians 15: “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain […] And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (vv. 14, 17-19, ESV) Today we can hope because of what Jesus has done, and speaking of that I want to talk to you today about the fact that “Jesus is Worthy!” He alone is the worthy one.

People weep or cry when sad things happen in life. As a pastor I see a lot of weeping when death happens and of course this is only normal. In fact, when we turn to Scripture we see that people weep at death, the widows son, Lazarus, and even when Jesus died on the cross. This was a very sad time for the Lord’s family and His faithful followers. In Revelation chapter 5 verse 4 we come to a scene where John is weeping because no one was found worthy to open up this scroll. But why was this such a big deal that led to someone weeping over this ordeal??? Well, in order for us to understand why, we need to know what the scroll represents. The scroll here in Revelation chapter 5 is a big deal because it represents God’s redeeming plan to defeat evil once and for all and to rescue Christians. The problem however, is that there was no one who was found worthy to open it. There was no one in heaven (angels) or no one on earth (humans) or under the earth that could open the seal or scroll.

The reason why I find this so interesting is because as we journey through this life I find that there are many times where we all feel unworthy or not good enough. There are many times that the Devil makes us feel this way. We feel that we have to be better and so many people try to make sure that their good deeds outweigh their bad. However the reason we feel this way is because we all have a problem called sin. We are sinners. Romans 3:23 explains it this way. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Because we fall short, we see a big time need for Jesus and His redeeming work. Let’s take a look at this problem John sees.

Revelation 5:1–4 ESV

Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.

Why is Jesus Worthy?

1. Jesus is worthy because He is God.

One of the things that is extremely important here in our text is the fact that Jesus is God. I don’t want us to skip over this quick little point. But the reason I want to address this today is the fact that many people have come to a conclusion that Jesus was just a really great guy who healed a bunch of people and did some really good things while he was on earth. People say He was a great leader in history but that is about it. There are other religions that teach that Jesus was a great prophet but not God. We live in a time where people think there are many gods and Jesus might be one of many. So, why is this such a big deal, and what do we need to understand here? Turn with me to Revelation chapter 5.

Revelation 5:6 ESV

And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

What we see here is that Jesus has seven horns with seven eyes. What in the world is this talking about??? This is the seven spirits of God. And this shows us that Jesus is part of the Trinity and one with God. We also see this in Revelation 1:4-5 and in Revelation 4:8-11 we see that Jesus is sitting on the throne with God the Father. Over and over again we see in Revelation that Jesus is God. Here is how John puts it in his gospel. Jesus said,

John 10:30 ESV

I and the Father are one.”

This is everything because Jesus has made the claim not only that He is one with God but is God, and He is worthy because He came to earth to ransom us and give us hope. He is worthy of our praise.

2. Jesus is worthy because He is the Slain Lamb.

Revelation 5:6 ESV

John not only sees a mighty lion which we will talk about in a moment, but he also sees a lamb that has been killed. Jesus is called the Lamb at least 28 times throughout the book of Revelation. So, the theme of the Lamb is a big deal here, and even more importantly the spotless blood of the Lamb. The only way that Jesus could be found worthy was because he came humbly to this earth and lived a perfect life and then gave his life, (His Blood) so that we may have life (everlasting life) with Him in heaven for all of eternity. Because of Jesus’ work on the cross and victory over the grave He alone is able to open the scroll that we see here in Revelation chapter 5. Because the lamb has been slain and resurrected we see that all heaven praises His name and confess his worthiness.

Revelation 5:9–12 ESV

And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 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!”

Only Jesus is worthy because of what He has done. Scripture tells us that Jesus is our King of Kings and Lord of Lords and there is none other that is worthy. No leader, no ruler, no actor or sports figure. Jesus is above all even though our hearts can worship other people or we can put other people high on a platform. We are reminded here that Jesus is above all.

One other thing that I need to mention here about the work of Jesus is that because of what Jesus did on the cross and over the tomb he destroyed the work of Satan, and because of that he frees us from our sin. (Rev. 1:5) So, the next time Satan comes after you and makes you think you are worthless and no good, remember that you have been bought by the blood of the lamb. You are a child of God and you can resist the enemy because Jesus defeated him at the cross.

3. Jesus is worthy because He is our Mighty Warrior.

Last year at this time we were all wondering what in the world is going on? We never thought about not being able to have an Easter Service where we were all together in person. We were all wondering how much worse could things get with all this pandemic stuff. For me it seems like everyday that I wake up there seems to be so many crazy things happening in our world. So, why is all of this happening? When we go back to the beginning of time we see that most every problem in our world is traced back to sin and evil. That is why we need to be reminded again of who Jesus is. This is one of the first things John sees here in Chapter 5.

Revelation 5:5 ESV

And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

John sees the image of a lion. This means that Jesus is sovereign, courageous, and victorious. Jesus is often described as the Lion from Judah. One of the things that we know about Jesus is that the first time he came to earth he came humbly to save sinners. The next time Jesus comes he will return as a mighty and victorious Lion. When he returns he will come back to judge the lawlessness of this world and fix what is broken. We talked about this last week, but when Jesus returns he will battle once and for all Satan and all of his followers. We see this battle take place in Revelation chapter 19 and it is called the Battle of Armageddon. My point is that Jesus will return and he will come to this earth and take care of the evil, and evil enemies of God. We can count on this church. So, many times it is easy for us to wonder where is the justice in this world? We wonder why people don’t get what should come to them? Christ Jesus our Righteous Warrior Lion/Lamb will return and He will be victorious.

4. Jesus is worthy because He is our Shepherd.

Revelation 7:17 ESV

For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

The last thing that I want to point out is the fact that Jesus is our Shepherd. We need a shepherd to lead us and guide us. To point out the path that we need to follow in this life. Sometimes we as sheep stumble off and can hurt ourselves. A shepherd is able to guide his sheep because he knows them and cares for them. We see this all through Revelation chapter 2 and 3. In fact, in all of the letters to the seven churches we see that Jesus our Shepherd says, “He knows them.” Jesus knows what is happening within the churches and how some our remaining faithful while others have abandoned their first love. He knows the suffering and trials some face, but the point is Jesus knows what we are dealing with. In fact, I want you to know today that Jesus knows your situation as well. He knows the hurt and pain in your life. He knows what you are struggling with and this is why we need to run to him and follow our shepherd. If you find yourself struggling today with a difficult situation or even suffering know that Jesus was also familiar with suffering and pain. He endured the cross.

Psalm 23 reminds us of all the wonderful things that our Shepherd does for us. Listen to these words.

Psalm 23 ESV

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

-He leads us and guides us. That is great news because often we get tired and weary as we journey through life.

-He restores our soul. Many times we need restoring. If you have ever wondered away from God or felt that he was distant God can restore you into a right relationship.

-We don’t have to fear the evil in this world. God goes with you and comforts you. How many times do we all get discouraged? Run to God and find comfort and healing in Him.

-Finally, we are reminded that as believers someday we will dwell with the Lord forever. These are all things that our Shepherd does for us.

Conclusion: I tell you all of these things about Jesus because I want you to really see who He is and what He has done. I want you to know that He really loves you and wants you to trust Him and follow His wonderful plan for your life. If you don’t know Him today He wants you to begin that Journey, if you have wondered off He wants you to return. Our world is broken and we desperately await the return of Jesus to restore peace and settle the evil things once and for all. Here is how John finished his letter.

Revelation 22:20 ESV

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!