There is often a tendency to examine the attributes and character of Jesus from isolated passages in the Bible. This may result in failing to view the broader picture in how Scripture links to other Scriptures. In Revelation Chapter 5, Jesus is portrayed as both the lion and the lamb. How can this possibly be?
Jesus the lion
Throughout the Bible lions represent royalty, majesty, authority, invincibility, fearlessness and bravery. In fact ‘lion’ and ‘lions’ are mentioned more than 100 times in Scripture. In Nahum Chapter 2 they are referred to figuratively as royal leaders ruling over Assyria.
In Genesis chapter 49 Jacob blesses His twelve sons and prophesies over his son Judah declaring, "Judah is a lion's whelp; from the prey my son, you have gone up, he bows down, he lies down as a lion, and as a lion, who shall rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to Him shall be the obedience of the people."(Gen 49:9-10)
The above prophesy speaks of Jesus as the Lion who would come from the tribe of Judah. The Messiah would also be the Lawgiver and his people would obey Him.
In Revelation Chapter 5:5 John is told "Behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals." (Rev5v5) Interestingly John then sees a Lamb, as though it had been slain being worshipped!
Jesus the lamb
In the Old Testament lambs were continually being slain as an offering for one’s sins. In the New Testament, following His one sacrifice for sins forever, Jesus sat down at the right hand of God. When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, he announced "Behold the Lamb of God who comes to take away the sin of the world!" (John1:29)
During His incarnation Jesus was subject to His Father's will before He was exalted with the Father, reminiscent of His former glory. Jesus was even silent before His accusers, like a lamb to the slaughter, though He gave His life and it was His love for the world, not the cruel nails that held Him on the cross.
Jesus explained this clearly when He said "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for His sheep." (John 10:11)
Jesus the lion and the lamb: riding a colt or a white horse?
Consider Jesus' mission at His first coming and what He will achieve at His second coming. Jesus came in peace on the first occasion though He will come to judge the whole earth on His second arrival. Many of the religious authorities rejected Jesus 2,000 years ago as they had hoped for a lion-like Messiah who would overthrow the Roman occupation, particularly in Jerusalem.
Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a colt, the foal of a donkey, on what is referred to as Palm Sunday. At His second coming He shall appear on a white horse and shall rule with a Rod of Iron. (Revelation 19:11, 15) The question is: will those expecting a Lamb-kin Messiah recognize the Lion of Judah at His second coming?
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