May 4, 2025

Third Sunday of Easter

Sermon Text: Revelation 5:11-14

Other Readings: Acts 9:1-22 and John 21:1-14

 

1. This week’s worship theme was “Jesus Leads the Way with His Appearances.” Each of our three readings had different ways in which Jesus appeared to his believers. What impression does each appearance give you about Jesus?
   1. Jesus Appears to Saul on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-22)
   2. Jesus Appears to John as the Once-Slain Lamb (Revelation 5:11-14)
   3. Jesus Appears to His Apostles on the Galilean Beach (John 21:1-14)

 

2. Our text says that Jesus, the Lamb, is “worthy” (v. 12). But it doesn’t say what he is worthy to do. Read Revelation 5:1-5 to see what the Lamb is worthy to do.

 

3. These verses can teach us about true worship and praise of God. Comment on…
   1. Where true praise can be found
   2. Who gives true praise
   3. What is the content of praise
   4. How true praise is given
   5. When true praise ought to be given

 

4. What are some specific ways that you can give God true praise and worship this week?

 

5. God already has the things listed in verse 12. Which of the following do you feel a need for right now—power, wealth, wisdom, or strength? Say a prayer to the Son that he might give you that according to his wisdom.

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1. Answers may vary, but we might point out the following. In our First Reading, we may be impressed with Jesus’ ability to overpower us at a moment’s notice, just as he overpowered Saul. In our Second Reading, we might notice how seems so contradictory; he looks once-slain but is clearly alive and he is a Lamb yet has all strength and glory. In our Gospel Reading, we might notice how approachable and inviting Jesus is, even to his imperfect disciples. This is the mystery of our Savior!

 

2. Jesus here is worthy to open a scroll that is super-sealed and jam-packed with words. This is the seal that will reveal some of the things about the future, including the end of the world. In other words, Jesus is worthy to control and reveal the future, as he alone sees fit for the good of his Church.

 

3. Comments on…
   1. Where – Praise is found everywhere, including the sea and under the earth and on the earth and in heaven
       
   2. Who – Humans give God praise, but so do the angels and even creatures that we would find in an aquarium, and zoo.
       
   3. What – The contents of praise are especially what God has done for us. The Lamb is praised because he was slain for us and purchased us for God with his blood (v. 9). Yes, we praise God for his “raw” essence (glory, power, eternal nature, etc.). But above all, we praise him that he works for us poor sinners.
       
   4. How – True praise is given loudly, without coercion, and often best done in song.
       
   5. When – True praise lasts for all eternity

 

4. Answers will be based on personal situations. In summary, though, we can say that when we do our God-given callings/vocations in a way that serves him and our neighbors, we are praising God and worshiping him.
    
5. Answers will vary. God the Son hear your prayers and give you what you need!