The Lion and the Lamb

Years ago, when I was in Ethiopia, I had the opportunity to visit a zoo there. I was surprised at how visitors could get much closer to the animals than other zoos would typically allow. So my friends and I walked up to one cage where a lion was sitting quietly in the corner. He was the most underfed lion I had ever seen; he almost looked half-dead.

Suddenly my friend—who knows why—started to shake the bars of the cage. Keeping in mind that this lion, though underfed, was still a lion, I took a few steps back. And sure enough, the lion sprung toward us and roared. I think hair started growing out of my head at that moment. This lion’s roar was unforgettable, not to mention his teeth. No wonder they call him the king of the jungle.

I love the fact that the Bible presents Jesus as both a lion and a lamb. What a perfect picture. What is more impressive than a ferocious lion? And what is meeker than a little lamb?

I find it amazing that this Lion, with all His power, came to earth as a submissive lamb. The Bible says, "He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth" (Isaiah 53:7).

When Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate, He could have overpowered him and the Roman garrison with a word. But He didn’t. Instead, He submitted as a lamb and died for the sins of the world. And this Lamb still bears on His resurrected body the effects of the crucifixion. The only manmade effects in Heaven are the marks of the crucifixion. And throughout all eternity, they will serve as reminders of what Jesus did for us.