“Then I saw a Lamb, looking as though it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creature and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. “
Revelation 5:6-8

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As we focus this series upon the character of God, this week we consider Jesus as the Lamb. The word lamb immediately connotes the idea of sacrifice. It was a lamb that was obtained by Israelite families in Egypt and slain at twilight on Passover. It was a lamb whose blood was smeared on the lintels of their doorways to signal the angel of death to pass over them that night.

A lamb is a completely defenseless animal, vulnerable to attack by virtually any predator. Jesus was completely defenseless as He obediently submitted Himself to the will of His Father. His submission exposed the unrestrained attack of the adversary. For Jesus to become the Lamb meant setting aside His power and position as the Son of God.

John saw the Lamb looking as though it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne of heaven—but this Lamb was alive!

What a picture of contrasts, a Lamb now given the preeminent place in heaven. Everything that feels “off” about this picture is meant to startle us into realizing how very, very different God, God’s Kingdom, and God’s ways are compared to our kingdoms, our ways.

Jesus came to earth as the Lamb of God. He was and is a friend of sinners, full of compassion and kindness. He is love and patience, His ear always open to our cries. He is gentle and humble in heart, giving rest to the soul. And this Lamb is our Judge, Victor, and Ruler. For as we will soon read:

He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:15b-16).

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • How should realization that the friend of sinners is also the One who treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty make us think soberly about Jesus?
  • What is your response to the symbols and images for Jesus in this Revelation?
  • How should our worship be spurred on by His title of KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS?

Church Reading Plan: Isaiah 13; 1 Peter 1