The lion and the lamb show the power of the king, humility of a servant

In the throne room of heaven, the Apostle John witnessed a vision that captures the very heart of our faith. 

One of the elders declared, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals” (Revelation 5:5 NKJV). Then John saw, “in the midst of the throne… a Lamb as though it had been slain” (v. 6). This is Jesus Christ, fully the conquering Lion and fully the sacrificial Lamb. He is not one or the other. He is both.

Jesus embodies divine power and perfect humility in one Person. As believers, we are called to live in this same holy tension: exercising kingly authority while walking in servant-hearted obedience. Through the cross, resurrection, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we stand in the liberty Christ has won for us.

Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. This title was prophesied long before His birth. In Genesis 49:9-10, Jacob declared over Judah, “Judah is a lion’s whelp… The scepter shall not depart from Judah… until Shiloh comes.” The royal line continued through Ruth and Boaz, Jesse, and King David. God promised David an eternal throne (2 Samuel 7). Though earthly kings failed and exile came, the prophets kept the hope alive: Isaiah’s shoot from the stump of Jesse, Jeremiah’s righteous Branch, Micah’s ruler from Bethlehem.

In the fullness of time, Jesus was born in Bethlehem of the line of David. He conquered death, rose victorious, and ascended to the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3). All authority in heaven and earth belongs to Him. In a world of shifting powers and cultural chaos, this truth anchors us. The Lion still reigns, and His roar echoes through every believer filled with the Holy Spirit.

Yet the same Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). He laid aside glory, took on humanity, and humbled Himself to death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Isaiah foretold, “He was led as a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7). From the manger to Calvary, He endured hunger, betrayal, beating, and mockery. The hands that calmed storms allowed nails to pierce them. His cry, “It is finished!” was not defeat but the ultimate act of servant love.

In Jesus, power and humility meet perfectly. Born of David’s seed according to the flesh, He was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection (Romans 1:3-4). God raised Him and seated Him far above every principality and power (Ephesians 1:19-21). On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out, empowering the early church to turn the world upside down through bold proclamation and humble service.

We carry both realities today. Galatians 5:1 urges us, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.” God has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). We have authority over the enemy (Luke 10:19) and are called to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10).

Practically, this means daily looking to the cross for humility and forgiveness, feeding on God’s Word against cultural lies, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and exercising Christ’s authority in prayer, family, community, and spiritual warfare, all with a servant’s heart.

The Lion and the Lamb invite us into holy tension: lay down pride at the cross and rise in resurrection power. In these days when our nation desperately needs courageous, compassionate Christians, let the church arise. The same power that raised Jesus works in us who believe. May we walk in His liberty and authority for His glory.

Chris Bassett is the senior pastor at Harvest Valley Worship Center.  Find out more at hvwc.com.