Jonathan Edwards’ sermon explains one central truth: Jesus Christ uniquely combines qualities that seem opposite to each other. In Revelation 5, John hears about “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” but then sees “a Lamb that had been slain.” Edwards says this is the perfect picture of Christ: He is both the mighty Lion and the gentle Lamb.
In Jesus Christ, strength and gentleness, majesty and humility, justice and mercy are perfectly united.No other person could combine these qualities the way Christ does. He is fully God and fully man, glorious beyond all creation, yet willing to humble Himself for sinners.
Jesus is infinitely high above all creation. He is Lord of heaven and earth, King of kings, and worthy of worship from angels and men.
Yet He also humbled Himself completely:
He was born in poverty.
He lived among ordinary people.
He welcomed children, sinners, and the outcast.
He washed His disciples’ feet.
He suffered shame, rejection, and death on a cross.
The God who rules the universe stooped down to walk with broken people and die for them.
Jesus is perfectly holy. He hates sin and will judge the world in righteousness. He never ignores evil or lowers God’s standard.
But at the same time, He is full of mercy:
He welcomes sinners who come to Him.
He forgives the worst offenders.
He gave His own life so guilty people could be saved.
Jesus does not pretend sin is small. Instead, He pays for sin Himself so sinners can be forgiven without God compromising His justice.
Edwards says Jesus is like a lion in power and authority, yet like a lamb in meekness and patience.
During His earthly ministry:
He calmed storms, raised the dead, cast out demons, and revealed divine power.
Yet He endured insults without retaliation, forgave His enemies, and went silently to the cross “like a lamb to the slaughter.”
Jesus had the power to destroy His enemies instantly, but He chose patience, compassion, and self-sacrifice.
The greatest display of Christ’s excellency is His death on the cross. There, all His qualities shine together:
Greatest humiliation — He was mocked, beaten, abandoned, and crucified like a criminal.
Greatest glory — Through that death, He defeated Satan, satisfied God’s justice, redeemed sinners, and was declared worthy of all honor in heaven.
Greatest love for God — He obeyed the Father perfectly, even unto death.
Greatest love for sinners — He died for people who were God’s enemies.
The cross was not Christ’s defeat. It was His greatest victory and the clearest revelation of who He is.
After His resurrection and ascension, Jesus reigns in heaven with all authority. Yet He still deals tenderly with His people:
He intercedes for believers.
He comforts the weak.
He patiently bears with His people’s struggles.
He shepherds His church with gentleness and love.
At the same time, He remains the victorious Lion who will one day return to judge evil and establish His kingdom forever.
We need someone strong enough to save us and gentle enough to receive us. Jesus is both.
If you fear your sin is too great, His mercy is greater.
If you fear your enemies or weakness, His power is greater.
If you feel unworthy, remember He welcomes the humble and broken.
You do not need a different Savior. Everything you could need is found in Christ.
Edwards highlights Jesus’ gracious invitations:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Jesus does not stand far off in pride. He comes near, knocks at the door, and offers forgiveness, rest, and eternal life freely.
Because all beauty, goodness, power, wisdom, and love meet in Him, Jesus is not only a Savior to receive but a Friend and Lord to cherish above all else.
Jesus Christ is uniquely glorious because He perfectly combines qualities that seem impossible to unite. He is the mighty Lion who rules all things and defeats every enemy, yet He is also the gentle Lamb who humbly suffered and died for sinners. He is perfectly just, yet full of mercy; infinitely exalted, yet deeply humble; all-powerful, yet patient and tender. These excellencies shine brightest at the cross, where Christ’s humiliation became His greatest victory and the means of our salvation. Therefore, sinners can come to Him with confidence, knowing He is both able to save and willing to receive all who trust in Him.
Jesus is not partly strong and partly gentle. He is perfectly both. That is why He is the perfect Savior for helpless sinners and the worthy King of all creation.
https://christiangrowth.net/