The Lion and the Lamb: One Messiah, Two Comings

The Lion and the Lamb

“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.’ Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne...” — Revelation 5:5–6 (NIV)

Have you ever wondered why Jesus is called both the Lion and the Lamb?

This isn’t poetic contradiction. It’s prophetic fulfillment. And it holds the key to understanding the entire narrative of redemption—from the cross to the crown.

The Jewish Expectation: Two Messiahs?

In rabbinic Judaism, there's a long-standing teaching that speaks of two Messiahs:

• Messiah ben Joseph, the suffering servant, who dies in battle or in some form of atonement.

• Messiah ben David, the conquering king, who defeats Israel’s enemies and restores the kingdom.

This dual-expectation explains the disciples' question in Acts 1:6:
"Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

They weren’t confused. They were educated. They understood the messianic blueprint taught in their synagogues. But they didn’t realize something critical: there aren’t two Messiahs. There’s one Messiah who comes twice.

The First Coming: The Lamb Who Was Slain

In His first advent, Jesus came as the Lamb of God—fulfilling the role of Messiah ben Joseph.

He fulfilled His purpose through God's perfect timing within the first four festivals outlined in Leviticus 23:

1. Passover – Jesus, our sacrificial lamb, was crucified.

2. Unleavened Bread – He was buried, sinless and holy.

3. First fruits – He rose from the grave as the first of many to follow.

4. Pentecost – The Holy Spirit was given, marking the birth of the Church.

Jesus fulfilled every detail of Scripture as the suffering servant. He bore the sins of the world, was despised and rejected, and yet opened not His mouth—just as Isaiah 53 prophesied.

The Second Coming: The Lion Who Will Reign

But Revelation shows us another side.

He is not just the Lamb. He is also the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He has triumphed. He alone is worthy to open the scroll and execute God’s final judgment and restoration plan.

The final three feasts—yet to be fulfilled—point to His return as the conquering king:

1. Feast of Trumpets – Signaling His return with the blast of the shofar.

2. Day of Atonement – When all Israel will recognize Him whom they pierced.

3. Feast of Tabernacles – The millennial reign, when He dwells among His people.

God is not schizophrenic in His prophetic plan. He fulfilled the first half of His promise with meticulous precision. He will fulfill the second half with equal certainty.

One Messiah. Two Appearances. One Eternal Plan.

What the rabbis separated into two men, God fulfilled in one.

Jesus is the Lamb who was slain.
Jesus is the Lion who will reign.

He came as our Redeemer. He returns as our Judge.
He offered mercy. He will bring justice.
He stood silent before His accusers. He will speak with the voice of many waters.

Final Thoughts

When we look at the Lion and the Lamb in Revelation, we’re seeing the fullness of Christ’s identity.

To the broken, He is the Lamb who heals.
To the rebellious, He is the Lion who roars.

The Jews were half-right, but half-right is still wrong. There are not two messiahs—there is only one name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

His name is Yeshua, Jesus, the Lion and the Lamb.