John is in the throne room. He’s watching God hold out a scroll with seven seals while an angel shouts to everyone “who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” (v2). When nobody was found, John began to weep. It’s this reaction that I want to take a closer look at. Why does he weep? To understand John’s emotions we need to first understand what is in the scroll, then we need a closer look at John’s heart.
The scroll describes Gods future plans. Remember that Jesus died and ascended to heaven but he also made another promise; to come again. Luke 21:27 (ESV) And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory (Mark 13:26-27). This second coming will be the end to all trials and tribulation. When it happens, Jesus will send out the angels and gather his elect (Mark 13:27). This is what John was hoping for. The scroll would finally reveal it. The full understanding of God and eternal presence with him is finally at hand. But, there is a problem. Who will open it?
John probably knew immediately that he, himself was not worthy. He came to the throne room not with ambition and looking for opportunity, but seeking God, with humility. Instead, I picture him eagerly searching for a face, for someone to step forward and take the scroll. But they didn’t show up. I feel like he matched 5 numbers on a lottery ticket and, waiting anxiously for that sixth number, only to find it doesn’t match. John had lost. But this wasn’t about a few dollars, this was everything he hoped for. He “wept loudly.”
John was distressed until he was reminded to be patient. There is one worthy, says one of the elders. It is the “Lion of Judah.” He has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scrolls. With this, John’s hope was restored but not in the way he expected. He was looking for a lion, bold and strong. But, what he saw was a lamb, and that Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered (Revelation 5:6). In that moment, John sees Jesus for who he really is. He understands the price that was paid. With that, John and the entire room fell down before the lamb and sang a new song (Revelation 5:8).