The Crabb Family - The Lamb, The Lion & The King Lyrics
Lyrics
Like a lamb led to the slaughter Jesus never opened his mouth
From the trial to the crucifixion and to the grave he was laid out
After three days in the garden tomb, I can hear the angels sing
As the Lamb came forth as the Lion and the Lion became the King
Chorus:
You won't find Him again at the whipping post standing there so meek;
And He won't be nailed to a rugged cross through His hands
And through His feet
There'll never be another Calvary 'cause He don't have to prove one thing
That day the Lamb became the Lion and the Lion became the King
When Jesus left His splendor to live on earth with man
By most He was rejected because He came forth as the Lamb
Oh, but, the day is soon approaching that every eye shall see
The Lamb and the Lion of Judah has been crowned the King of Kings
Chorus
Video
Bill & Gloria Gaither - The Lion, the Lamb, and the King [Live] ft. The Crabb Family
Meaning & Inspiration
"The Lamb, The Lion & The King" by The Crabb Family, released on June 29, 2015, as part of their impactful album "20 Years: Platinum Edition," stands as a profound lyrical and spiritual exploration of Jesus Christ's identity and mission. The song masterfully encapsulates the complete redemptive narrative, moving from His humble sacrifice to His glorious resurrection and ultimate reign. It’s a powerful theological journey, compressed into poignant verses that articulate the past suffering, present authority, and future triumph of the Savior.
The opening lines immediately immerse us in the imagery of Christ's unparalleled humility and suffering: "Like a lamb led to the slaughter Jesus never opened his mouth." This vivid depiction draws directly from prophetic scripture, particularly Isaiah 53:7, which foretold the silent submission of the Messiah. During His trials, as recorded in Matthew 27:12-14, Jesus remained silent before His accusers, embodying this prophetic truth and demonstrating a divine willingness to endure injustice for the sake of humanity. The song then traces His journey "From the trial to the crucifixion and to the grave he was laid out," succinctly summarizing the harrowing events of His passion, death, and burial—a historical sequence attested across the Gospels. The turning point, both in the narrative and in Christian theology, arrives with "After three days in the garden tomb, I can hear the angels sing / As the Lamb came forth as the Lion and the Lion became the King." This transformation is the core message: Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb of God (John 1:29), who bore the sins of the world, emerged from the tomb as the victorious Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5), symbolizing unconquerable power and divine authority. His resurrection established Him not merely as a prophet or teacher, but as the reigning King, exalted above all creation (Philippians 2:9-11, Ephesians 1:20-22).
The chorus provides a powerful reassurance and a declaration of Christ's completed work: "You won't find Him again at the whipping post standing there so meek; And He won't be nailed to a rugged cross through His hands And through His feet." This affirms the absolute finality and sufficiency of His atonement. There is no need for Christ to endure such suffering again, for by "one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified" (Hebrews 10:14) and "He appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Hebrews 9:26). The line "There'll never be another Calvary 'cause He don't have to prove one thing" powerfully reinforces this truth; His resurrection is the ultimate vindication and proof of His divine identity and redemptive power. As Romans 6:9 asserts, "For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him." The repetition of "That day the Lamb became the Lion and the Lion became the King" serves as a triumphant anchor, celebrating the eternal implications of Easter morning.
The second verse delves into Christ's incarnation and the initial human response to His earthly ministry: "When Jesus left His splendor to live on earth with man / By most He was rejected because He came forth as the Lamb." This speaks to the profound humility of God becoming flesh (Philippians 2:6-7) and the world's misunderstanding of His true mission. John 1:10-11 laments, "He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him." People expected a political liberator, a conquering king in His first advent, not a suffering servant, as described in Isaiah 53:3, "He was despised and rejected by men." However, the song shifts perspective to the future, declaring, "Oh, but, the day is soon approaching that every eye shall see / The Lamb and the Lion of Judah has been crowned the King of Kings." This anticipates His glorious second coming, a future event where His true identity and sovereign authority will be unmistakably revealed to all. Revelation 1:7 proclaims, "Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him." On that day, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16) will return, not in meekness, but in power and great glory (Matthew 24:30), fulfilling the promise of His eternal reign.
"The Lamb, The Lion & The King" is more than just a song; it's a profound theological statement of faith, beautifully crafted to inspire and uplift. It encourages a deep reflection on the complete work of Christ, from His sacrificial love on the cross to His victorious resurrection and His promised glorious return. The Crabb Family presents a message that empowers believers to live with hope, knowing that their Savior is not just a historical figure who suffered, but a living, reigning King who has conquered death and will ultimately establish His eternal kingdom. This powerful declaration serves as a timeless reminder of Christ’s unwavering sovereignty and the boundless scope of His redemptive plan.