Jesus is Worthy of Worship (Revelation 4-5)
Dear families,
John’s vision of heaven in Revelation 4–5 offers us a glimpse of Jesus’ worthiness and heaven’s splendor, as those found in Him will abide with Him forever. From these passages, we know that God will forever reign with all glory, splendor, righteousness, and holiness attributed to His name.
How does Jesus meet John—and us—in our need? What do we learn about the nature of heaven and our role there as the redeemed?
Revelation 5 introduces the crucial conflict of today’s passage: No one has been found worthy to break the seal of this great scroll. This somber realization led the apostle to weep, until his gaze was lifted up to Jesus. He alone has conquered the power of sin and death, making Him the only One worthy to open the scroll. However, the magnificent, conquering Son of God did not appear in the way we would expect; rather, His appearance was like a slaughtered lamb—representing His sacrifice on our behalf.
As He took the scroll, the creatures and elders fell down before Him in praise. The angels likewise declared that the slaughtered lamb’s power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing would endure forever! The resurrected Jesus who defeated sin and death rose victoriously to bring us back into relationship with the Father. By trusting in Him and giving Him praise for all He has done, we find our purpose in this life and for all days to come. We will forever worship the only One worthy of praise. This is what heaven is: the place of eternal unity with our Lord, where we will praise Him for eternity, no longer inhibited by sin. We will experience God’s glory in its fullness there forevermore.
As you prepare to teach this session to kids, remember this main point: Christ is worthy of endless praise and has made a way for us to dwell with Him forever! Though this passage may seem difficult to comprehend, the simplicity of His worthiness is what we must return to.: Our God is good, and He loved us enough to send us His Son.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
Babies & Toddlers: Jesus is good. He deserves all of our worship.
Younger Preschool: John saw a vision of Jesus. Jesus died on the cross so that we can have forgiveness and life forever with God. Jesus is good. He deserves all of our worship.
Older Preschool: John cried when he saw that no one was good enough to open the scroll. Then John saw Jesus, the Lamb of God. Jesus died on the cross so that we can have forgiveness and life forever with God. Jesus is good enough to open the scroll. He deserves all of our worship.
Kids: John cried when he saw that no one was worthy to open the scroll. Then John saw the resurrected Lamb—God’s Son, Jesus. Jesus was killed on the cross so that we could have forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus is worthy. He deserves all praise, honor, and blessing.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Younger Preschool: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return.
Older Preschool: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return when He will make all things new.
Kids: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return when He will make all things new.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Babies & Toddlers: Jesus will wipe away our tears. Revelation 21:4
Younger Preschool: He will wipe away our tears. Revelation 21:4
Older Preschool: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more. Revelation 21:4
Kids: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. Revelation 21:4
** Next week: Jesus Will Return One Day (Revelation 19–20)