This title of Jesus as “The Lamb of God” is one of the most well known, but also one that, if not properly understood, can paint an incomplete portrait of Jesus. It needs to be seen in its full light. Let me explain.
The typical understanding of this title is as it relates to Jesus being that perfect Passover Lamb of God (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7b), Who died on the cross for our sin (Isaiah 53:4,5). This Lamb-like picture of Jesus conveys the idea of gentleness (Psalm 18:35c; Isaiah 40:11) and innocence (Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:19), both of which are true of course. When the apostle John was in the presence of God in heaven, he beheld at the right hand of The Father, Jesus, The Lamb as He had been slain (Revelation 5:6). Praise be unto God for providing for us The Perfect Sacrifice for our sin (2 Corinthians 5:19,21)!
However, the “other side” of this Lamb is that He is powerful, for He is also “The Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). In other words, this Lamb Jesus Christ also roars like a lion (Joel 3:16). This picture of Jesus roaring like a lion is so beautifully seen in the Chronicles of Narnia character Aslan. It is Jesus The Lamb Who opens up the judgments recorded in the book of Revelation (chapters 6-18). It is this same Lamb of God, Jesus, Who will return in all of His splendor and glory to judge the world and establish His kingdom reign on earth (Revelation 19:11-20:6).
Oh how glorious is the record of this Lamb of God! The slain Lamb for our sin is also the conquering Lamb Who reigns forever and ever (Revelation 11:15). As The Lamb of God, Jesus is the only One Who can take away our sin; as The Lion of God, He promises to ward off all of our enemies as we trust in Him. Only in Jesus Christ do we experience perfect gentleness blended with divine power. May the reality of the gentleness and power of Jesus Christ give you comfort and confidence as you face an uncertain future.
