Key Scripture – “I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 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 5:4 – 5).

Only once in the New Testament is Jesus described as a lion. The book of Revelation (named in part for what it reveals about Christ) portrays the risen Jesus as the only one worthy to open the scroll that contains the ultimate unfolding of God’s purposes for the world. The apostle John perceived Jesus as both Lion and Lamb, who through his death and resurrection becomes the ultimate victor and conqueror.

The Gospels tell us that Jesus cried out just before his death, “It is finished!” I want you to understand, these are not the last gasping words of a dying man. No, the Gospels say that Jesus cried out in a loud voice and then gave up his spirit! It was a shout of triumph, the raised fist of victory! Jesus had gone willingly to the cross, fulfilling every detail of the mission the Father had given him.

“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:50-54)

Having won the struggle for our souls, it was as though the great Lion of Judah had roared from the cross itself. No wonder the earth shook, and the curtain of the temple ripped apart. Jesus, the conquering Lion, could be neither caged nor killed. Through his victory he has made a way for sin to be forgiven, for death’s power to be rolled backward. By dying, Christ shows us the lengths to which God’s love will go. By rising, He shows us the heights to which God’s power will stretch.

The cry of Jesus on the cross still reverberates, still heralds the news of what God has done for us. As believers we need to shape our lives toward that victory, even when we feel defeated. We need to remember that no matter what or who is against us, God is still for us. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah is reigning from His throne, protecting us, purifying us, and using even the worst of circumstances to our advantage.

Today, on Good Friday, as we consider what Jesus has done, let us lift our voices in praise of the One who humbled Himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Let us remember that God has exalted Him to the highest place of all and given Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, to the glory of God the Father.

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
(Philippians 2:9-11).

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ is the Risen Son of God. He is the way, the truth and the life. No one gets to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6). Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, He has the power to banish all fear, He watches over me with His fierce protecting love, He is judge of the living and the dead. He has conquered death, and the same power that brought Jesus out of the grave lives in me. I believe in God the Father, I believe in Jesus Christ, I believe in the Holy Spirit, I believe in the crucifixion, I believe in the Resurrection of Jesus, I believe that Jesus is the Messiah, I believe that Jesus is coming back soon, I believe that I will spend eternity with You in Heaven. I BELIEVE!! In the Name of Jesus, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, I pray, Amen. Maranatha!