The Lion of Judah

Besides being like a lamb without spot, Jesus was also like a lion without spot! An amazingly divine, harmonious combination, which also finds expression in these words: “Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God . . . .” Rom. 11:22.

“They were stronger than lions.” 2 Sam. 1:23. “And even he who is valiant, whose heart is like the heart of a lion . . . .” 2 Sam. 17:10. This is exactly how Jesus was. This was especially noticeable when He spoke to the Pharisees, and in the way He treated them because of their hypocrisy. Matt. 23.

“A lion which is mighty among beasts and whose gait is magnificent.” Prov. 30:30. Think about Jesus, the Lion of Judah, how He walked so beautifully in the various situations! “For I will be like a lion to Ephraim.” Hos. 5:14. A person can be so ungodly that God has to meet him like a mighty lion. “And the first living creature was like a lion . . . .” Rev. 4:7. “Do not weep. Behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah the Root of David, has prevailed . . . .” “And I looked . . . in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb . . . having seven horns and seven eyes . . . .” Rev. 5:5-6.

Jesus overcame as a Lion and as a Lamb! “Hide us from . . . the wrath of the Lamb.” Rev. 6:16. The usual kind of wrath is what James calls “the wrath of man” which is a work of the flesh that has to be put off if we want to enter the kingdom of God. Gal. 5:19-20. However, the wrath of God and of the Lamb is a holy wrath which is completely different from the wrath of man. The wrath of God belongs to the divine, perfect nature that we also partake of.

As the Lion of Judah, Jesus was a mighty man—an invincible man in strength, in steadfastness, and in loyalty; in faithfulness, and unfailing courage against Satan and the hypocrites, and those who are conceited, as well as against everything that is evil and ungodly. All His conquering followers will one day sit together with this exalted conqueror on His throne! Rev. 3:21. It sounds almost unbelievable! But it is true, nevertheless! Hallelujah!