Who is Jesus? The figure of Jesus has captivated the hearts and minds of countless individuals throughout history. Whether revered as the Son of God, a wise teacher, a revolutionary, or a historical enigma, Jesus has left an indelible mark on the world.
Revelation, 5:5 – And one of the elders said unto me, Weep not; behold, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the offspring of David, has overcome to open the book and its seven seals.
There is symbolic language in the Bible that expresses the divinity and work of Jesus. The lion is one of them.
The lion of the tribe of Judah is the One who perfectly defeated the devil and took back the authority on the earth from him, who will establish the Kingdom of God on this earth by the Millennium, then at the end of everything, restore the perfect harmony between God and His creation, by throwing into the lake of sulfur and fire, Satan and all those who followed him in his rebellion against God (fallen angels and human beings).
The symbols representing Jesus
The four gospels recount the life and earthly ministry of Jesus as well as His death and resurrection. They address different categories of people, Jews, Greeks, pagans, and humanity as a whole.
Each gospel highlights a particular aspect of Jesus:
- Matthew emphasizes the kingship of Christ symbolized by the lion,
- Mark emphasizes Christ the servant symbolized by the bull,
- Luke emphasizes the humanity of Christ symbolized by the face of a man,
- John emphasizes the divinity of Jesus symbolized by the eagle.
These different symbols, the lion, the bull, the face of a man, and the eagle are found twice, in the book of the prophet Ezekiel as well as in the Apocalypse.
The prophet Ezekiel received visions of celestial scenes which it was difficult for him to restore because there is no equivalent on earth. He saw creatures which he tried to describe in the following way:
Ezekiel 1:10 – As for the figure of their faces, they all had the face of a man, all four the face of a lion on the right, all four the face of an ox on the left, and all four the face of an eagle.
The apostle John, too, when he was on the island of Patmos, received a whole series of visions which he transcribed in the book of Revelation. One of them showing some similarity to Ezekiel’s vision.
Revelation 4:7 – The first living creature is like a lion, the second living thing is like a calf, the third living thing has the face of a man, and the fourth living thing is like a flying eagle.
The tribe of Judah
There is much to be said about the tribe of Judah being found dissociated from the rest of Israel even before the clean separation of the two kingdoms.
1 Samuel 18:16 – but all Israel and Judah loved David because he went out and came in at their head.
Judah, one of the sons of Jacob and the one who had planned to save Joseph from the hand of his brothers who wanted to murder him out of envy, because of the dreams he had received from the Lord. King David from the tribe of Judah had received the promise of an eternal throne which is a prophecy about Jesus, from his posterity.
2 Samuel 7:16 – Your house and your kingdom will be secure forever, your throne will be established forever.
Micah 5:2 – And you, Bethlehem Ephrata, small among the thousands of Judah, out of you will come forth to Me He who will rule over Israel, and whose origin goes back to ancient times, to the days of eternity.
The tribe of Judah experienced times of spiritual revivals. She is equated with worshippers, those who know God, who love Him with all their heart, and who walk with Him.
Psalms 76:2 – God is known in Judah, His name is great in Israel.
Jesus, the lion of the tribe of Judah highlights the kingship of Jesus, exalts His crushing victory against the enemy of our souls, and points to the establishment of His coming kingdom.
Revelation 19:11 – Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse appeared. He who rode it is called Faithful and True, and He judges and fights with justice…
Revelation 19:16 – He had on His garment and on His thigh a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.
Jesus Identity of a Timeless Figure
The figure of Jesus has captivated the hearts and minds of countless individuals throughout history. Whether revered as the Son of God, a wise teacher, a revolutionary, or a historical enigma, Jesus has left an indelible mark on the world. In this article, we embark on a journey to uncover the multifaceted nature of Jesus by exploring various subheadings that shed light on his identity and significance.
- The Historical Jesus: Separating Fact from Myth There is a quest to discover the historical Jesus, a man who walked the Earth over two millennia ago. Scholars diligently examine ancient texts, archaeological evidence, and historical records to understand Jesus in his original context. By critically evaluating the sources and piecing together fragments of history, they aim to distinguish between the mythological figure and the historical reality of Jesus.
- The Divine Messiah: Son of God and Savior For millions around the globe, Jesus is not merely a historical figure but the incarnate Son of God. According to Christian belief, he embodies divine qualities, offering salvation and eternal life to humanity. Jesus is viewed as the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, the one who came to reconcile humanity with God and demonstrate boundless love, mercy, and forgiveness.
- The Teacher and Philosopher: Wisdom for All Ages Beyond his divine nature, Jesus is revered as a wise teacher who imparted invaluable insights and ethical teachings. His parables, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, continue to resonate with people of diverse backgrounds. Jesus’s teachings on compassion, forgiveness, and loving one’s neighbor have inspired countless individuals to strive for a more just and compassionate world.
- The Revolutionary: Challenging the Status Quo In his earthly ministry, Jesus challenged established social norms and religious hierarchies. He denounced hypocrisy and stood up for the marginalized, advocating for justice and equality. Jesus’s teachings on social justice, inclusivity, and the value of every individual sparked a radical movement that continues to shape societies today.
- The Symbol of Hope: Inspiration in Times of Need Throughout history, Jesus has been a symbol of hope for the downtrodden and the weary. His life, death, and resurrection offer solace and redemption to those facing personal struggles and adversity. The idea of Jesus as a compassionate companion who understands human suffering resonates deeply with individuals seeking comfort and strength.
- The Global Icon: Impact on Culture and Art Jesus’s influence extends far beyond religious circles. He has inspired countless artists, writers, and musicians, who have depicted his life, teachings, and sacrifice through various mediums. Iconic artworks such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and Michelangelo’s “Pieta” reflect the enduring power of Jesus’s story, transcending religious boundaries and leaving an indelible mark on human culture.
Commonly Asked Questions About
Below are some commonly asked questions about the existence of Jesus.
What religion was Jesus?
Jesus was born into a Jewish family and grew up in a Jewish culture. During his time on Earth, he followed the teachings and practices of Judaism, which was the predominant religion in the region.
Is Jesus real?
The existence of Jesus as a historical figure is widely accepted by scholars, both Christian and non-Christian alike. While the primary sources for information about Jesus are religious texts, such as the New Testament of the Bible, there are also references to Jesus in some non-biblical historical writings. The vast majority of historians consider Jesus to have been a real person who lived in the 1st century CE.
Is Jesus God?
The belief that Jesus is God varies among different religious traditions. In Christianity, the largest religion that follows the teachings of Jesus, Jesus is considered the Son of God and a part of the Holy Trinity, which includes God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. According to Christian doctrine, Jesus is both fully human and fully divine, and his role is seen as pivotal in the salvation of humanity.
Where was Jesus born?
According to Christian tradition, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a town in present-day Palestine. The story of his birth is described in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Bethlehem holds great significance in Christianity as the birthplace of Jesus, and it is often referred to as the “City of David” due to its association with King David, an ancestor of Jesus.
Conclusion:
Who is Jesus? The answer to that question lies at the intersection of history, faith, philosophy, and human experience. He is a historical figure whose impact reverberates through the ages, embodying the divine and the human, challenging social norms, and offering hope to the world. Regardless of one’s beliefs, the enigmatic figure of Jesus continues to inspire, provoke, and transform lives, making him a compelling subject of study, contemplation, and awe.
