The Book Of Revelation: The Lion Of Judah | Jonathan Cahn Sermon

The story of Judah begins with one man, then a tribe, then a nation — and from this line comes the very identity of the people called the Yehudim, the Jews. Revelation 5 opens with a mystery: a scroll in the hand of the One seated on the throne, written inside and out, sealed with seven seals. No one in heaven or on earth was found worthy to open it, and John wept in anguish.

But then an elder speaks the words that change everything:
“Do not weep. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome.”
This title appears only once in all of Scripture — yet it carries the weight of eternity.

A lion is strength, majesty, courage, and royal authority. And long before Revelation, long before John ever saw this vision, the mystery was set in motion in Genesis. Jacob prophesied over his son Judah saying, “Judah is a lion’s cub… the scepter will not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes.” The ancient rabbis understood Shiloh to be the Messiah.

From Judah came David. From David came the royal line of Israel. And from this royal line came Jesus — Yeshua — the ultimate King. The One who is forever the Lion of Judah.

Through history, some have attempted to separate Jesus from His Jewish identity or claim that God is finished with Israel. But Scripture never does that. Jesus didn’t used to be the Lion of Judah — He is the Lion of Judah, in Revelation, in eternity, forever. His very title testifies that He remains the son of Judah, the King of the Jews, the fulfillment of every promise God made to Israel.

Judah means “praise.” The One born from Judah is the One who leads all creation into praise.

In Revelation, something astonishing happens: the Lion appears, yet the next moment John sees a Lamb. The Lion and the Lamb are the same Messiah — the King who reigns with power and the Priest who offers Himself in sacrifice.

At His first coming He entered Jerusalem as the Lamb of God, riding to His own sacrifice on Passover, the day of the lambs. But when He returns, He will come not as the Lamb, but as the Lion — the conquering King who will reign from Jerusalem, the city long symbolized by the lion.

History has already given us glimpses. In 1967, during the Six-Day War, the soldiers who returned to Jerusalem bore names that meant “lion” and “young lion.” They entered through the Lion’s Gate — a prophetic echo of Isaiah’s words that the Lord Himself would fight for Zion like a lion. Israel returned because the Lion of Judah will one day return.

A lion overcomes. A lion fights. And Messiah fought the greatest battle of all — conquering sin, darkness, and death itself on the cross. But when He comes again, He will fight for His people and establish His kingdom over all the earth.

The spring biblical feasts reveal Him as the Lamb. The autumn feasts reveal Him as the King — the Lion. We do not set dates, but Scripture shows patterns: His first coming fulfilled the spring holy days; His second may well be linked to the autumn ones.

In the end, Messiah is both Lion and Lamb — King and Priest. His first coming brought Him to the altar; His second will bring Him to the throne. And if you ask which identity is more foundational to God — it is the Lion. He has always been the King, from eternity to eternity.

The Lion of Judah has overcome. And because He has overcome, you can overcome. His roar still shakes the nations, still defends His people, and still calls His followers to stand in courage, faith, and praise.