Jesus Is Lion and Judge: Why We Can’t Ignore His Authority

August 30th, 2025
by Richie Cancel

Revelation 5:5

“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.’”

Introduction

When most people think about Jesus, they picture the gentle shepherd, the one who welcomes children, heals the sick, and forgives sinners. And that’s true — He is gentle and lowly, the Friend of sinners. But the Bible also gives us another portrait of Jesus that we don’t talk about as often: Jesus as the Lion, the Conqueror, and the Judge.

Both portraits are true. And both are necessary. Because if we only see Jesus as gentle, we’ll miss His authority. If we only see Him as Judge, we’ll miss His mercy. Together, we get the full picture: Jesus who saves and Jesus who rules.

Is Jesus Both Gentle and Judge?

The Gospels show us Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). But Revelation shows us Jesus as the Lion of Judah who has conquered and who will judge the nations (Revelation 5:5).

We can’t pick and choose the portrait that makes us comfortable. We must embrace the fullness of who He is. He defends the weak, yes — but He also defeats the wicked.

What Does It Mean That Jesus Is the Lion of Judah?

Where Does the Bible Call Jesus the Lion?

The Bible speaks directly about Jesus as the Lion of Judah.

Genesis 49:9–10 — Jacob, blessing his sons, calls Judah “a lion’s cub” and promises that “the scepter will not depart from Judah.” This prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, who would come from Judah’s line.
Matthew 1:1–16 — The genealogy of Jesus confirms He is the descendant of Judah, fulfilling that prophecy.
Revelation 5:5 — John hears that the Lion of Judah has triumphed and is worthy to open the scroll.

Jesus isn’t just a lamb led to the slaughter; He is also the Lion who rules with authority and power.

How Did Jesus Show His Authority as the Lion?

Even during His earthly ministry, Jesus revealed His authority:

Casting out unclean spirits — In Mark 1:27, the people were amazed, saying, “He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him!”
Calming storms — In Mark 4:39, Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves: “Quiet! Be still!” and the sea obeyed.
Cleansing the temple — In John 2:15–16, Jesus drove out the money changers, declaring, “Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!”

These were not the actions of a weak man, but of the Lion who has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).

Will Jesus Judge the World?

What Does the Bible Say About Jesus as Judge?

The Bible is clear: Jesus will judge the living and the dead.

John 5:22 — “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.”
Acts 17:31 — God “has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”
2 Corinthians 5:10 — “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.”

Judgment isn’t optional; it’s certain. The question is whether we are ready.

How Did Jesus Judge During His Ministry?

Even in His earthly ministry, Jesus exercised judgment:

Judging hypocrisy — He rebuked the Pharisees for their outward religion but inward corruption (Matthew 23).
Judging fruitlessness — He cursed the fig tree that bore no fruit (Mark 11:14).
Judging rejection — He wept over Jerusalem, lamenting their refusal to accept Him (Luke 19:41–44).

If Jesus judged then, He will certainly judge at the end of the age.

How Should We Respond to Jesus as Judge?

This is where it gets personal. The question isn’t just, “Is Jesus Judge?” but, “How will I face Him as Judge?”

The Bible says every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11). For some, that confession will be joyful — a recognition of the Savior they already knew. For others, it will be fearful — too late to repent.

Friend, don’t wait. Face Jesus now, as Savior, so you won’t face Him later only as Judge.

Key Scriptures Explained

Revelation 5:5 — Shows us Jesus as the Lion of Judah, the only one worthy to open the scroll and bring God’s plan of judgment and redemption to completion.
John 5:22 — Makes it clear: all judgment has been given to the Son. Jesus is not just Savior, but Judge.
Acts 17:31 — Reminds us that judgment is certain and universal — but also just. God has proven it by raising Jesus from the dead.

Practical Application for Today

So what does this mean for us in everyday life?

We should live with reverence. Knowing Jesus is Judge should lead us to holy living, not casual Christianity.
We should share the gospel with urgency. If Jesus will judge, then eternity is at stake for our neighbors, family, and friends.
We should find comfort in His justice. In a world full of evil and brokenness, we can rest knowing that one day the Lion will set everything right.

Closing Application and Prayer

Jesus is gentle and lowly, but He is also the Lion and the Judge. The same Savior who offers forgiveness also holds the power of judgment. That means we have both hope and urgency.

If you don’t yet know Him, don’t wait. Bow before Him today as Savior, and you’ll face Him with joy when He returns as Judge.

Prayer: 
“Lord Jesus, I thank You that You are both the Lamb who takes away my sin and the Lion who defends and conquers. Help me to live ready for Your return. Keep my heart soft to Your voice and bold in sharing Your truth. I surrender my life to You as Savior and Lord. Amen.”