Who Is Jesus?Sampl

THE LION OR THE LAMB?   

All of the questions up to this point have been geared toward those who are searching for Jesus—for those who want to know if he is really God, truly good, all-powerful, and the only way to eternal life in heaven. But for this final question, we have to look at two titles for Jesus in the Bible that, at first glance, seem polar opposites. The question we need to ask today is whether Jesus is the Lion of Judah or the Lamb of God.

To explore this question, we’re going to look at the book of Revelation. For many, John’s vision is a bit murky and hard to understand, but it’s an important book because within it God gives us a snapshot of what’s to come in the forever of heaven. In Revelation, we get a glimpse of what heaven looks like and what it sounds like. That is an incredible gift from God . . . right here in our hands! 

In Revelation 5, the apostle John tells us of a dilemma in heaven. “And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’  But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it” (verses 2–3 NIV). John weeps, because he knows that this scroll represents God’s eternal plans to forever destroy evil, and someone needs to break the seal. Just then, an elder says, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah . . . is able to open the scroll” (verse 5 NIV).

Jesus, as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promise to Abraham, is the Lion of Judah (see Matthew 1:1–3, 16 and Luke 3:21–37). It is interesting that “Judah” means thankfulness or praise—and Jesus, who came from the tribe of Judah and is the Lion of Judah, is at the heart of worship. He is mighty and worthy of our praise. Also, as the Lion of Judah, he is all-powerful to defend us from any attacks of the enemy. 

What is interesting is that when John turns to look at the Lion, he instead sees a Lamb. In the temple system, the priests would bring an unblemished lamb and offer it as a sacrifice for the people’s sin. In Hebrews 10:14, we read that Jesus became this sacrifice for us: “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (NIV). Jesus, as the Lamb of God, is the all-merciful Savior who has rescued us from the penalty of our sins.

So, the story in Revelation reveals that Jesus is both the Lion and the Lamb. As the Lion, we honor him and give him the respect he deserves as the all-powerful ruler of the universe—the one who causes the demons to shudder (see James 2:19). As the Lamb, we come before him and accept the sacrifice it took to buy us back from the power of slavery, sin, and death. The question for you today is, will you accept this sacrifice? Will you give your life to Jesus and embrace him as both the Lion and the Lamb?

Respond

How do you wrap your mind around the fact that Jesus is both the Lion and the Lamb? What appeals to you about each of these roles that he serves in your life?

What does it mean for you to worship Jesus as the Lion of Judah and the Lamb who was slain? How can you express your worship for what Jesus has done out of love for you? 

How have you been able to answer the question, who is Jesus? How does understanding his identity affect your relationship with him?