Jesus in the lions’ den
So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den.
Daniel 6:16 (NIVUK)
No, the title isn’t a misprint. Daniel in the lions’ den is a well-known and loved story that is included in many children’s books. But what is not well-known, and is rarely identified, is that Daniel’s encounter with the lions isn’t just a scary incident in Daniel’s life but a story that prefigures the rejection, trial, crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus, as well as the spread of the gospel message. Here are some comparisons to think about –
Both Daniel and Jesus:
- Lived righteous lives (Daniel 6:3; 1 Peter 2:22).
- Were plotted against out of envy so that those in positions of power could maintain their status and privilege (Daniel 6:4; John 11:47-50).
- Prayed before they were arrested, Daniel three times facing Jerusalem (Daniel 6:10), and Jesus three times in the Garden of Gethsemane which overlooks Jerusalem (Matthew 26:36-56).
- Were accused of not bowing to the authority of the King/Caesar (Daniel 6:7; Luke 23:2).
- Had the highest official seek to release them (Daniel 6:14; Luke 23:13-25).
- Were assured God would deliver them (Daniel 6:16; Matthew 27:41-43).
- Were sentenced to death, surrounded by lions (Daniel 6:16). Psalm 22:13 prophetically and poetically describes the people after Jesus’s blood as lions.
- Were held by a large stone and a seal (Daniel 6:17; Matthew 27:66).
- Were alive at daybreak (Daniel 6:19-21; Matthew 28:1)
- Had angels involved in the story (Daniel 6:22; Matthew 28:2-7).
Following Daniel’s release from the lion’s den King Darius recognised the God of Israel as the true God and proclaimed this to all the surrounding nations just as the gospel was spread abroad after Jesus’ death and resurrection. The God of Daniel and Father of our Lord Jesus is the living God whose kingdom is forever and will not be destroyed. He performs signs and wonders in heaven and on earth as we see in the deliverance of Jesus and Daniel from the power of death.
Daniel’s deliverance from the lion’s den is a great story, but Jesus’ deliverance from the clutches of sin and death to rescue us is an even greater one.
Prayer
Father, you who delivered Daniel from the power of the lions, have also delivered us from sin and death, and from that prowling lion the devil, through your son Jesus. Thank you that you are a God who hears and answers our prayers, and who rescues us. May the good news of your salvation go throughout the whole earth, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
Study by Barry Robinson
Barry Robinson is a Minister and part of the National Ministry Team directing Grace Communion International in the UK and Ireland. He is also a Pastoral Worker in the south of England, particularly in the Camberwell and Central London congregations of Grace Communion International.
Local congregation:
Grace Communion International Central London
Indian YMCA
Mahatma Gandhi Hall
41 Fitzroy Square
LONDON
W1T 6AQ
Meeting time:
Saturday 2:30pm
Local congregational contact:
Barry Robinson
Email: london@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church