Act Like a Man: 9 Ways to Punch Life in the MouthSample

Warrior: Slay The Dragon

What does it look like for you to be more like Jesus? Jesus is both a tough lion and a tender lamb. Revelation 5:5-6 says, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered[.]…And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain…” Here’s the big idea: Jesus is both simultaneously, perfectly, and continually both lion and lamb. A lion is tough, and a lamb is tender. The God-man is both, and a good man must learn to be both.

We’ll start with the tough lions. Do you feel more like a lion? Lions like hardship, adversity, conflict, and war. A lion is the king of the jungle. What does the lion eat? Whatever he wants. To the lion, the planet is just a buffet. He eats whatever he wants – buffalo, wild hogs, and even elephants. Nothing can stop a lion. Some guys are more lion-hearted. Built for battle, they’re tough, resilient, enduring, and overcoming. If they hear gunshots, they’re running straight at them while everyone else wets themselves and runs away.

When, in the life of Jesus, was He a lion?

• When He flipped the tables in the Temple (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18)
• When He’s crucified (Matthew 27:45-50; Mark 15:21-41; Luke 23:39-50; John 19:28-37)
• When He’s tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11)

As you look at the life of Jesus, you’ll see some moments of strength, profound courage, and masculinity. Some of the words used to describe His emotional life include “indignant,” “angry,” “zealous,” and “passionate.”

Jesus was also a lamb. Where in Jesus’ life was He a tender lamb?

• When He wept (John 11:35)
• When He was with kids (Mark 10:13-16)
• When people are sinful and come to Him, and He forgives them and blesses them (John 4:1-26)

Was your dad a lion? Was your dad a lamb? Are you a lion or a lamb? Here’s what tends to happen when it comes to being a man. We think you need to be a lion or a lamb. Tough or tender. We read about Jesus. He is lion and lamb, tough and tender.

If you’re only tough and only a lion, you might be domineering, overbearing, high control, intimidating, and bullying. You may think that works, but it doesn’t work for the people you’re supposed to love and care for, starting with your wife and kids.

So, ask yourself: Are you a lion or a lamb? Aim to be both.

Are you more of a lion or a lamb? Is that good or bad?