In at least two different places of Scripture, we are permitted a glimpse of GOD’s Shekinah glory, as well as His innermost character; in prophetic literature, GOD is seen on His throne surrounded by four angels with a combination of seemingly confusing features:
“As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle.” Ezekiel 1:10
“The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature was like a calf, the third living creature was like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.” Revelation 4:7
As with all creation, the angels reflect their Creator, and those that are closest to His presence are given features that reflect on who He is. Through the Gospel writers, that continuity prevails, and Jesus is revealed as the revelation of GOD’s character to His followers.
Lion – Messiah/King of the Jews (Matthew)
“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.” Matthew 25:31
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’” Matthew 28:18
The lion has been revered as a symbol of power and royalty since antiquity; rulers like Solomon had their thrones surrounded by lions or lion-like figures to proclaim their greatness.
Matthew wrote his Gospel to a primarily Jewish audience, and he includes many quotations from the Torah (especially the Prophets) as reference points to what Jesus’ words and actions would signify for those who read/witnessed His life.
Ox – Strong yet humble Servant (Mark)
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
The ox is strong like the lion, but can prove to be far gentler in nature. The ox’s strength can be used in service to others, and it is not afraid to put its shoulder to the load.
Although He is almighty GOD, Jesus chose to come as an ordinary man, but He did not shy away from using His divine authority when the situation arose.
Mark wrote to a Roman audience, which was less concerned with prophecy and more so with power. Jesus’ confrontations with demonic forces (such as Legion) and human authorities (such as the Pharisees and chief priests) would hold much greater significance for the Romans.
Man – Son of Man (Luke)
“‘The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.’” Luke 4:18-19
There are many accounts in Luke’s Gospel in which Jesus works miraculous healings; this shows His connection to those who suffer from hardships (disease, disfigurement, injury and death).
Those in Luke’s audience were those of Greek culture; this would include the Greeks themselves and the Hellenists (Jews who adopted Greek culture). The Greeks prided themselves as being the pinnacle of humanity; Jesus’ human nature and connection with everyday people would make a very strong appeal to them.
Eagle – Son of God (John)
“I and My Father are one.” John 10:30
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me, and he who receives Me receives He who sent Me.” John 13:20
The eagle dwells in places where no other creature could/would live, often on or around mountains. People have (since ancient times) designated mountains as places where one meets with the divine, and eagles inherit that imagery as well.
Unlike the others, John’s Gospel was written not to any particular audience, but rather to all (though it is especially useful for instructing those who are young in the faith). Jesus’ divine nature is a theme that runs throughout all four Gospels, but John is arguably the freest in identifying Jesus as GOD the Son. It is this unique status that allows Him to be Lord and Savior to the world in a way that no one else could ever be.