The Paradox of Power and Sacrifice
In human history, worthiness is often measured by power, wealth, and status. Rulers are considered worthy based on their ability to conquer, lead, and command respect. Success is often equated with material wealth, influence, and dominance. The world honors those who rise to the top, often at the expense of others.
But God’s kingdom turns this upside down. In Revelation 5, Jesus is declared worthy, not because He amassed great earthly riches or ruled with an iron fist, but because He was slain (Revelation 5:12). His worthiness is rooted in His humility, obedience, and sacrificial love.
This is the great paradox of the Christian faith—true power comes through surrender, true greatness through servanthood, and true victory through sacrifice. Jesus reigns as the Lion because He first submitted as the Lamb.
I. The Slain Lamb: Power in Weakness
At the center of heaven’s throne is a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain (Revelation 5:6). This is a shocking image. We expect a lion, a mighty warrior, but instead, we see a sacrificial Lamb.
The Apostle Paul explains this paradox in 1 Corinthians 1:25:
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”
The world seeks power through violence, conquest, and self-promotion. But Jesus’ power is revealed in self-giving love. His greatest victory was not on a battlefield, but on a cross. His throne was not made of gold, but a wooden cross stained with blood.
The early church understood this paradox. They were persecuted, weak, and despised, yet they worshiped a King who had conquered not by killing His enemies, but by dying for them. His power was not in crushing others but in redeeming them.
This is what makes Jesus worthy. He is not just a king who rules; He is a king who serves, suffers, and sacrifices Himself for His people.
II. The Lamb’s Seven Great Possessions
William Barclay, in his commentary, explains that the song of the living creatures and elders in Revelation 5 focuses on Christ’s work in His death, but the song of the angels speaks of His possessions in His glory. The Risen Lord possesses seven great attributes, and each reveals something profound about His divine nature and mission.
1. Power – “Christ the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24).
Jesus is not a powerless savior. He is the source of all strength, the One who holds authority over heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). Unlike human rulers who use power for personal gain, Jesus’ power is used to save, restore, and bring justice.
We can say triumphantly of Him:
“He is able.”
• He is able to save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25).
• He is able to strengthen us (2 Timothy 1:12).
• He is able to keep us from falling (Jude 24).
Because Jesus possesses all power, we can trust Him completely.
2. Riches – “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Paul speaks of “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). True wealth is not measured in gold but in the grace of God.
Jesus left the riches of heaven to redeem us. His riches are:
• Spiritual – He gives us peace, righteousness, and eternal life.
• Redemptive – He purchased us with His own blood (1 Peter 1:18-19).
• Abundant – His grace is limitless, overflowing, and freely given.
There is no promise Jesus made that He does not have the resources to fulfill.
3. Wisdom – “Christ the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24).
Jesus is wisdom personified. He possesses:
• The wisdom of eternity—knowing the past, present, and future.
• The wisdom of redemption—understanding the depths of human sin and providing the perfect solution.
• The wisdom to guide us—giving us direction in life’s challenges (James 1:5).
Unlike earthly rulers, who make flawed decisions, Jesus’ wisdom is perfect and infallible.
4. Strength – Christ is the strong one who disarms the powers of evil and overthrows Satan (Luke 11:22).
• No force of darkness can stand against Him.
• No sin or addiction is too great for Him to break.
• No circumstance is beyond His ability to handle.
The strength of Christ is displayed most powerfully in His resurrection—the moment when He triumphed over sin, death, and hell itself.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
5. Honor – “Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:11).
Even those who oppose Christ today will one day acknowledge His lordship.
• Every king, president, and ruler will bow before Him.
• Every atheist, skeptic, and rebel will confess that He is Lord.
• Every created being will acknowledge His supreme worthiness.
Even those who are not Christian often honor Christ, admitting that His teachings alone offer hope to a broken world.
6. Glory – “We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
The glory of Christ is:
• Revealed in His transfiguration (Matthew 17:2).
• Displayed in His resurrection (Luke 24:26).
• Manifested in His return (Revelation 19:11-16).
To say that Jesus possesses glory is to affirm His divinity. His glory is not just a reflection of God—He is God.
7. Blessing – Christ does not hoard His blessings but shares them with us.
• He blesses the humble (Matthew 5:3-12).
• He blesses those who suffer for righteousness (1 Peter 4:14).
• He blesses His people with eternal life (John 10:10).
The greatest blessing we can receive is the presence of Christ Himself.
III Jesus Does Not Hoard These Attributes—He Uses Them for Us
In the kingdoms of this world, rulers accumulate power, wealth, and honor for themselves. They guard their status and refuse to share their riches. But Jesus is different.
• He does not keep His power to Himself—He empowers His people (Acts 1:8).
• He does not hoard His riches—He gives generously (2 Corinthians 9:8).
• He does not keep His wisdom hidden—He shares it freely (James 1:5).
• He does not demand honor—He humbled Himself to serve (Philippians 2:5-7).
Because Jesus gives all that He has for our sake, the redeemed respond in worship and gratitude.
Reflection Question:
• How does Christ’s example challenge your view of power, wealth, and success?
Conclusion: Jesus Alone is Worthy
The worthiness of Jesus is found not in earthly conquest, but in His sacrifice. The world chases after power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing for selfish gain. But Jesus possesses all these things—and He gives them away.
This is why we sing with the angels:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12)
Amen.
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