The tiger is regarded as the king of the jungle, while the lion is regarded as the king of animals. Both belong to the cat family. Both are well-known for their strength and bravery. It is academic to decide which is the more powerful. The Bible not only describes Jesus Christ as “the Lamb of God”1, but also as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah”2. There are at least three reasons why He is called “the Lion of the tribe of Judah”.
The promised Saviour
Firstly, the expression shows that Jesus Christ is the promised Saviour of the world. The prophets had long ago foretold the coming of a Saviour. One prophecy was that He would be descended from the tribe of Judah in Israel3. When the eternal Son of God took upon Himself perfect human nature by being born of the virgin Mary, Joseph became His legal, earthly, father. Joseph was from the tribe of Judah. In fact, Mary’s ancestry could be traced to the same tribe as well.
Jesus Christ was born a King. His birth was announced by angels4. Wise men came from the east to worship Him whom they knew was King5. Jesus Christ came to establish the rule of God by preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God6. Those who believe in Jesus Christ crown Him as King in their hearts7. Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecies concerning the coming of a royal Saviour who would be from the tribe of Judah. He is truly “the Lion of the tribe of Judah”.
Able to save to the uttermost
Secondly, the expression shows that Jesus Christ is able to save all, and the worst of, sinners. When wicked men nailed Him to death on the cross, they did not realize that it fulfilled God’s plan of salvation. By His death, Jesus Christ became the perfect sacrifice that was prefigured by the animals sacrificed on the altar of the temple in the Old Testament time. He bore the punishment of God for the sins of His people8. Whoever turns from his sinful life to trust in Him is treated as not guilty before God because Jesus Christ has died for him.
Jesus Christ rose from death on the third day. His resurrection is a declaration that His death has successfully paid for the sins of His people. Whoever trusts in Him is regarded as righteous because the righteousness of Jesus Christ is now counted as his. One day, believers will be resurrected with glorious bodies to live with Jesus Christ in the new universe that will be created9. Jesus Christ is “able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him”10. He is truly “the Lion of the tribe of Judah”.
The Judge of the world
Thirdly, the expression shows that Jesus Christ is the One who will judge the world. When He came to earth the first time, as God and Man in one Person, it was to save His people from their sins. He will come again, as the glorified Saviour, to judge the world. Everyone will be resurrected to face the final judgement11. Those who have not trusted in Jesus Christ will have to bear the punishment of their own sins, which is everlasting damnation in hell. Those who have trusted in Jesus Christ will be given eternal life.
God is longsuffering towards sinners by sending warnings of various kinds so that they might repent12. The day of judgement will come. Nothing can hinder or alter God’s plan because Jesus Christ is the One who has been given the authority to unfold the will of God13. He is truly “the Lion of the tribe of Judah”.
My dear Reader, for your own sake, please repent of your life of sin! Flee from the wrath of God which is sure to come! Hide yourself in Jesus Christ so that you will be saved!
1. John 1:29; 2. Rev. 5:5; 3. Gen. 49:8-10; 4. Luke 2:10, 13-14; 5. Matt. 2:2, 6; 6. Mark 1:14; 7. Luke 17:21; 8. 2 Cor. 5:21; 9. 2 Pet. 3:13; 10. Heb. 7:25; 11. Matt. 24:31-46; 12. Rom. 9:22; 2 Pet. 3:9; 13. Matt. 28:18; Rev. 5:5
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