25-0914p - Detailed Summary

The preacher, Tom, greets the congregation and thanks John for the reading, noting it was longer than the morning’s and chosen because it features both the lamb and the lion, aligning with the sermon title: "Jesus, the Lamb of God and the Lion of Judah." He paints a picture of a chaotic world in 2025 with divided families, nations at odds, and fearful hearts, drawing parallels to the turmoil faced by God’s people 2,000 years ago under Roman rule, where they yearned for a Messiah. Tom references Solomon’s words that there is nothing new under the sun, comparing modern issues to those of ancient Rome. The Jews expected a warrior king, a roaring lion to crush enemies, but God sent Jesus as a humble carpenter and sacrificial lamb, the opposite of their expectations.

Tom announces that the sermon will explore the mystery of Jesus as both the Lamb of God and the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and how this dual nature transforms lives. He emphasizes that Jesus' arrival was the exact opposite of what the Jews anticipated.

Tom leads a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to open hearts to God’s truth. He poses a rhetorical question about expecting God to solve problems in one way only to be surprised by His different approach, noting that many people think God should act according to their desires. However, God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours, often beyond human understanding.

The Jews longed for a Messiah like David, a conqueror to overthrow Rome, referencing Exodus 14:21-22. Even Jesus' disciples envisioned Him in earthly power, as seen when James and John’s mother requested prime seats in His kingdom (Matthew 20:20-21). Peter rebuked talk of suffering, but Jesus clarified that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Jesus came not to dominate but to redeem, contrary to their desire for a warrior like David to free them from Roman rule.

Today, people often box God into their own agendas, expecting Him to fix careers, politics, or struggles in specific ways. Tom asks if the audience has done this, especially with current politics or events like the death of Charlie Crick amid ongoing craziness, questioning why God allows such things and suggesting people think they have better solutions than God. Yet, Jesus calls for trust in His higher plan, one of surrender over control. Tom encourages releasing expectations to embrace God’s path. He references Genesis 49:9-10, where Jacob calls Judah a lion’s whelp, symbolizing raw power and kingship, pointing to Jesus as the Root of David (Revelation 5:5).

In Revelation, John weeps over a sealed scroll until an elder declares that the Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered. Jesus triumphs over sin, death, and evil, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15. Tom describes Jesus in Revelation 19:11-16 as riding a white horse with blazing eyes, crowned as King of Kings.

Jesus' roar shakes the heavens, assuring that no crisis—personal, cultural, or global—can dethrone Him. In a world of shifting powers like political upheaval and media storms, the Lion’s strength serves as a refuge (Psalm 46:1). Tom asks how His sovereignty can give courage today, emphasizing Jesus as the all-powerful King of Kings seated on the throne in heaven.

Jesus is also the Lamb of God, as proclaimed by John the Baptist: "Behold the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world." This evokes the Passover Lamb whose blood saved Israel (Exodus 12:1-13) and Isaiah’s suffering servant, silent before slaughter.

Tom recalls Jesus silent on trial before Pilate and bearing sins on the cross, healing by His wounds. In Revelation 5:6, John sees the Lamb as though slain yet standing alive and victorious, with seven horns and eyes symbolizing perfect power and wisdom.

Unlike temporary sacrifices, Jesus' death atones forever (Hebrews 9). His gentleness invites the weary to come for rest. When broken by grief, failure, or sin, people can run to the Lamb for healing, as by His wounds we are healed and by His blood we are saved.

The dual images show that the Lion’s victory enables the Lamb’s redemption, and the Lamb’s sacrifice reveals the Lion’s love. Together, they depict Jesus as fully God and fully man, powerful yet humble (Philippians 2:5-8). In 2025’s divided world, this duality shapes believers: as lambs, they are called to humility and forgiving others (Ephesians 4:32).

Believers should serve like Jesus washing feet (John 13:4) and trust God in suffering (Romans 8:28). As the Lion’s followers, they are empowered to live boldly, stand for justice (Micah 6:8), share the gospel (Acts 4:29), and face trials knowing victory is assured (Romans 8:37).

Tom explains that believers can embody this duality, being both lamb and lion to win people over by using appropriate tactics. Practically, he suggests one act of humility this week, like listening to someone disagreed with, and one act of courage, like speaking truth in love.

Referencing Proverbs 28:1, Tom notes that the wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. Believers should be bold like Jesus, not scared of the wicked or the world. Many fear speaking up due to potential consequences, like what happened to Charlie Kirk, who was killed for speaking on Christianity and Christian morals. However, believers shouldn’t fear, as the wicked should flee from them. As lambs in His flock, they are guarded by the Lion (John 10:11).

Believers can be bold because Jesus watches over them and the Holy Spirit is within. Tom urges beholding Jesus as the Lamb who bled for them and the Lion who fights for them. Surrender to His sacrifice, submit to His reign, and let His duality shape life: humble in service, heroic in faith.

As declared in Revelation 5:9-10, Jesus has made believers a kingdom and priests to God. Tom asks if they will live as such today and encourages going out into the world to proclaim the gospel boldly, knowing the Lion of Judah guards them.

Tom emphasizes remembering this and going out to change the world, as no one else will. Just as the Jews looked to Jesus as their only Savior, believers must take action themselves.

Believers cannot rely on politicians, celebrities, or others to make change, as it never seems to happen despite hopes. They must be the ones to act, bold yet gentle like a lion.

Tom concludes by inviting anyone needing prayers or wanting to come forward for anything good God has done to do so now.