The risen Jesus is worthy of worship because He has conquered sin and death.

Scripture: Revelation 4:9-11; 5:1-10 

Central Truth

God promised those who lived faithfully would be awarded crowns in heaven (James 1:12; 1 Pet. 5:4). But in the King’s presence, these crowns pale in comparison to His glory. They belong at His feet. Anything we do for God here on earth—any achievement we may earn­—also pales in comparison to God’s glory. We can lay it all at His feet because He alone deserves to be worshiped.

Key Question

How did the angels and elders respond to the Lamb? What do we learn from these passages about genuine worship?

Keep in Mind

Revelation is difficult, right? And for your students, it can feel as if they’re reading a science fiction novel. Here’s one thing that may be comforting: John likely didn’t understand everything he witnessed in the vision! He simply relayed the vision as God inspired Him to. Visions in their very nature aren’t always easy to understand. Revelation is a prophecy of future events, and it’s full of imagery. John, who is human and therefore limited in understanding and vocabulary, described what he saw to the best of his ability. But what he witnessed wasn’t of this world; they were things impossible to describe in human terms. This is why there are many interpretations concerning the events in Revelation. 

Here’s what we can know and help our students know: Jesus is King. He will judge the world. He’ll be worshiped for all of eternity. We’ll join Him and experience rest and peace. 

APPLICATION

How does knowing we will one day join in worship around God’s throne in heaven affect your understanding of worship here?

THE WIN

FOR THE STUDENT: Our worship here must be centered on Christ, or it isn’t worship at all. In heaven, it won’t be about the lights or a stage or a style of music. Here, many of us—our students included—allow these things to become the focus of our worship. If we place anything else as the focus of our worship, even in a church setting, then we’re committing idolatry. 

FOR THE LEADER: In our worship now, we can center our hearts and minds on Christ and what He did to provide salvation to those who believe. We should respond in adoration and gratitude.