Lion of the Tribe of Juda
Partial outline: FULL PDF HERE
Revelation 4:1-2; 5:1-7 (text v. 5)
Background of text: Scene in heaven after the rapture (Rev. 4:1; 5:1).
There are over 150 references to lions in the Bible. They are mentioned more than any other wild animal. The Lion is often used as a picture of strength; judgment; nobility; royalty; courage; boldness; and victory.
It is only fitting that Jesus Christ be called “THE Lion of the Tribe of Juda” (only in Rev. 5:5).
The lion was the most awesome and dangerous wild beast in Canaan.
The lion grows to about eight feet in length and weighs up to 550 pounds of solid muscle. He has eighteen powerful claws to rip, tear, and flay. A swat from his claw is often lethal. His massive jaws are armed with large fierce teeth that can break the neck of it’s prey in a single bite. He runs at speeds of 35 mph and can leap 20 feet in a single bound.
In spite of the fact that the lion is so big and heavy, he can move through tall grass so quietly that nobody can hear him coming. He attacks swiftly and suddenly. Jesus will come quickly and suddenly when least expected.
Note contrasts the two sides of the Lord Jesus Christ given in our text.
•Jesus as the Lamb—refers to His first coming—“Behold the Lamb…”
•Jesus as the Lion—refers to His second coming—“Behold the Lion…”
•Jesus as the Lamb—speaks of His meekness.
•Jesus as the Lion— speaks of His majesty.
•Jesus as the Lamb—speaks of the grace of God.
•Jesus as the Lion— speaks of the government of God.
•As the Lamb, we see His passion.
•As the Lion, we see Him prevailing.
•As the Lamb He is Savior — As the Lion He is Sovereign
•As the Lamb He is judged — As the Lion He is the Judge
You are not afraid of a lamb. But, you don’t mess around with a lion if you know what’s good for you.
You are not afraid of a lamb. But, you don’t mess around with a lion if you know what’s good for you.
I. The Lion’s ROYALTY
(Rev. 5:5)—Called “the king of the jungle.”
A. The PROPHECY of Jacob (Gen.49:8-10). Context:“the last days” —v. 1.
B. The PREVAILING of the Lion. “Prevailed” (“prevail” means to subdue; to conquer; to overcome; to get the victory—“to come out on top.”). Jesus will always come out on TOP!
II. The Lion’s ROAR
(Amos 3:8—“The lion hath roared, who will not fear?” Hosea 11:10–“…he shall roar like a lion; when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble …”).
A. He’ll ROAR at His coming — When Christ comes again, He will not “baaaah” like a lamb. Revelation 10:3 says He’ll come “with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth.”
B. Prov. 28:1—“The righteous are as bold as a lion…”
Partial outline: FULL PDF HERE
