Enter the Lion

ON PALM SUNDAY

THE NATURE OF LIONS IN THE BIBLE ENHANCES THE CELEBRATION OF OUR REDEMPTIVE STORY THIS EASTER SEASON.

THE LION IS A SYMBOL OF ROYALTY

In Ancient Near East

THE LION IS A SYMBOL OF ROYALTY

In Ancient Near East

In Biblical Architecture

1 Kings 10:19-20 (NIV)

19 The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. On both sides of the seat were armrests, with a lion standing beside each of them. 20 Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like it had ever been made for any other kingdom.

THE LION IS A SYMBOL OF ROYALTY

In Ancient Near East In Biblical ArchitectureIn Wisdom LiteratureProverbs 19:12 -- A king's rage is like

the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

Proverbs 20:2 -- A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who angers him forfeits his life.

THE LION IS A SYMBOL OF GOD

Of His Power and Patience

Job 10:16 -- If I hold my head high, you stalk me like a lion and again display your awesome power against me. NIV

THE LION IS A SYMBOL OF GOD

Of His Protective NatureIsa 31:4 -- 4 This is what the LORD says

to me: "As a lion growls, a great lion over his prey--and though a whole band of shepherds is called together against him, he is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed by their clamor--so the LORD Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights. NIV

THE LION IS A SYMBOL OF GOD

Of His Dynamic Presence

Amos 3:8 -- The lion has roared-

who will not fear? The Sovereign LORD has spoken- who can but prophesy? NIV

THE ROYAL AND THE DIVINE LION COME TOGETHER IN THE MESSIAH

The Blessing of Judah -- Gen 49:8-10 NIV8 "Judah, your brothers will praise you;your hand will be on the neck of your enemies;your father's sons will bow down to you. 9 You are a lion's cub, O 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 comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his.

JESUS IS THE LION

The Vision of John

Rev 5:5 NIV

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."

WHAT IT MEANS FOR ME THAT JESUS IS THE LION.

Since he is powerful, just, and commands authority, he is worthy of my trust.

Since he is fiercely protective, I need not worry in the face of life’s trials.

Since he is impressively confident, King and God, he deserves my respect, honor and worship.

Since Jesus is the Lion who comes to lay his life down for those he loves, I am inspired to love him in return.

Behold the Lion Comes

Mark 11:1-10