John weeps, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll containing God’s plan. But then we read (Rev. 5:5), “One of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Here, God's Son, Christ, is pointed out. To John and to us. Yes, He is proclaimed to the ends of the world. The whole world needs to hear of Him! He is the Savior and Redeemer! We read three things about Christ.

First, He is “The Lion of the tribe of Judah.” In this we hear the words of father Jacob on his deathbed as Judah blesses (Gen 49:9): “Judah is a lion cub ! thou art gone up from the robbery, my son ! He boweth down, he layeth down like a lion, and like an old lion: who shall raise him up?” The Redeemer, already promised to Adam and Eve in Paradise, the one who will crush the serpent's head, will come from Judah's tribe. He is like a Lion. He has already gone forth victorious. Who has been able to resist Him in His battle? None. The mighty Roman empire, the Jewish religious establishment, Satan, death. He has overcome all enemies.

Second, He is “The Root of David.” He is the great Son of David, who will establish the Kingdom of Peace. But He is also the one who precedes David, “the Root of David.” David proceeds from Him, is only an image of Him. But He, “the Root of David,” has already fought His battle and won the victory, definitely, and forever.

Thus, these words take stock of the Old Testament. Both titles are Old Testament Messianic titles. Everything in the Old Testament pointed to Him, and He has come, has fought the battle, has conquered, and will now carry out God's plan. He is worthy to open the book. Why? Because He has overcome! “He climbed the mountain of the LORD” and went that way alone, all alone.

Third, He is called in verse 6, “The Lamb”. And then John's eyes really opened. We read therefore the words, “And I beheld, and, lo.” Somehow until now Christ had been hidden from him, but now he sees him in all his glory, honor and glory. But how striking, the One who is the Conquering Messiah, the Son of David and the Lion of Judah’s tribe, is a Lamb that looks as if it had been slaughtered. He is also the Suffering Servant.

This complete Savior, who now reigns in heaven, is pointed out to us. In Him is all we need for time and eternity. Do we see Him?