Names of Christ: Lion of Judah

One of the most majestic names of Jesus shows up in Revelation 5:5:

But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah.” (NKJV)

Jesus Christ as the Lion who conquered sin and death—so that we could share in the glory of His eternal kingdom…

Growing up in Africa, this attribute of Jesus as the Lion, as somebody who conquered death, who was all-inspiring, all-knowing—it scared me. I thought, There’s no way that this lion of Judah could accept somebody like me, who was dirty on the inside, who was so far away from God.

But there is another attribute of the name of Jesus found in John 1:29. Jesus is described as the Lamb of God. These two pictures, this idea of Jesus as the Lion, Jesus as the Lamb, is what captured my heart many, many years ago.

This Christmas season, as you ponder the birth of Jesus Christ, may you reflect on His attribute of being the Lion—One who went to the cross, who conquered death—but also the attribute of Jesus as the Lamb. He came innocently. He came, He sacrificed His love. He sacrificed His life so that you and I could have eternal life.

Enjoy the meaning of Christmas this year, knowing that He is the Lion of Judah, but He’s also the Lamb of God.

Merry Christmas!