What Is In A Name – Lion of the Tribe of Judah

Lion of the Tribe of Judah

Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”  (Revelation 5:1-5, NIV)

The Apostle John was quite old when he wrote the book of Revelation. He was the only disciple to die of old age, and had long since said goodbye, or perhaps see you again, to the remaining apostles; his friends. As far as we know, this book was his final message. As the only book of prophecy in the New Testament, it looks to the second coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It is Jesus’ final coming.

But before Jesus returns to establish His kingdom, several events will happen, including the opening of the seven scrolls. But who is worthy to open the seven scrolls? The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Jesus Christ.

Judah was the son of Jacob, also known as Israel. The 12 tribes of Israel were named after the sons of Jacob, with the tribe of Judah being the tribe of the Kings of Israel. Both David and Solomon were a part of the tribe of Judah, and as we have previously examined, Jesus was a direct descendant of David, making Him also a member of the tribe of Judah.

When Judah received his blessing from his father, Jacob said:

“You are a lion’s cub, Judah;
    you return from the prey, my son.
Like a lion he crouches and lies down,
    like a lioness—who dares to rouse him?
10 The scepter will not depart from Judah,
    nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,
until he to whom it belongs shall come
    and the obedience of the nations shall be his.
(Genesis 49:9-10, NIV)

Judah is a lion’s cub, and that Lion is Jesus Christ! Throughout history, lions frequently symbolized power, fierceness, and majesty. They are, after all, the kings of the jungle! Jesus Christ is the ultimate King! Even throughout the Bible, God is frequently referred to as a Lion – Great, Powerful, Fierce, and Majestic.

So what does this mean for us? Jesus came to earth the first time not as a lion, but as an innocent lamb. He was an innocent, but willing sacrifice, so that all people could be saved. When He comes again, He will come as a roaring Lion, ready to devour all in His path who stands against Him! He will come as a Lion, ready to protect those who have sought Him in their hearts. Jesus is coming as a Lion. Where will you be standing?

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