Jesus Is the Lion of Judah

Then one of the elders said to me,
“Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.”
 Revelation 5:5

In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis delights children and adults with an imaginative allegory presenting gospel truths. Aslan, the lion who rules Narnia, exemplifies many of the characteristics of Jesus, particularly evident when Lucy asks if Aslan is safe.

“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ’Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

In popular portrayals of Jesus, it’s common to picture Him as a humble and gentle Caucasian man with long-flowing hair that gently frames His face as He meekly knocks on a wooden door. But Scripture gives us a much richer portrayal that cannot be described with any one image or metaphor.

“Jesus is the triumphant Lion of Judah.”

Though Jesus humbled Himself as a servant to all, He is not a pushover. Do not confuse His humility with weakness. Humility can best be understood as power under control. From being birthed in a manger to being hung on a cross, Jesus’ valor lies exactly in the fact that He restrained His glorious might when He could have obliterated all who stood against Him.

Jesus is fierce. Like a young lion, His raw power makes His enemies scatter. We see glimpses of this when He cleared the temple of money changers and merchants, expressing His righteous indignation by turning over tables and sending coins flying. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah has already won the battle, and when He returns to settle accounts with the kingdom of darkness, He will unleash His fury against all His enemies (Isa. 34:1–8). All who stand against Him will fall, but all who are gathered behind Him will rest in safety.[1]

Jesus also exhibits the sovereign power and position of a great lion towering above his pride. We may appreciate many men and women throughout history for their work and dedication to the kingdom, but only One is worthy of our worship and adoration. Only One is the King of kings, royal, wise, and seated above all, the name that is above all other names (Phil. 2:9–11).

The title “Lion of Judah” reminds us not only of Jesus’ valor and sovereignty, but also His faithfulness. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with allusions to the Lion of Judah, pointing toward the one who would come to rule the nation, first David and later Jesus, David’s descendant. And God always keeps His promises. Although we await the fulfillment of some prophesies, His faithfulness in the past reassures us of His trustworthiness both today and in the future.

Jesus is the triumphant Lion of Judah. And though His enemies scatter in fear, we know He is good. His awe-inspiring strength comforts us even as it reminds us to posture our hearts in humble adoration.

Challenge

Have you adopted our culture’s view of Jesus as “safe”? Today, meditate on His power and glory as the Lion of Judah. Ask Him to awaken you to the reality of His grandeur and respond in humble worship.

Prayer

Jesus, You are the Lion of Judah, who sits enthroned, making Your enemies Your footstool. Teach my soul once more how awesome and majestic is Your name. And help me respond with humility, praise, and adoration.

For Further Reading

Genesis 49:8–12; Psalm 2:10–12; Hosea 5:14; Matthew 21:12–13; Revelation 5:1–14

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[1] Mike Castelli, “Isaiah: Time to Choose” (sermon, The Chapel – Green, Uniontown, Ohio, May 7, 2017).