Chaos Dragon

Explore how biblical authors use dragon imagery to describe the forces that pull creation into disorder and death.

Biblical Themes • Nov 13, 2023

Reflect

In the Bible, why is it challenging for humans to slay the dragon? What risks are involved?
What are some of the ways that Jesus confronted the “dragon” in his ministry?
How does Jesus ultimately defeat the “dragon”? How can we follow his example?

Scripture References

Script

Introduction [00:00-00:30]

Jon: In the ancient world, many cultures told stories about a monster of death that lurks in the deep, dark sea. In these tales, the dragon, and the sea it lives in, represent the chaos that threatens to drag creation back into nothingness.

Tim: The ancient authors of the Bible not only knew about these symbols, they also used them in stories and poems all over the Bible.

Jon: Really—dragons in the Bible?

How the Bible Uses Dragon Imagery [00:31-01:35]

Tim: Yes! On the first page of the Bible, God brings order by separating the dry land from the chaotic sea, and there, he contains the sea dragon. ¹ And this monster is connected to that dragon-like snake that confronts Adam and Eve in the garden—a spiritual being using the power of chaos and death to lure humans into their own self-destruction. ² Biblical authors also use dragon imagery to describe violent human kings, like Pharaoh, who enslaved and murdered the ancient Israelites. ³ Even the famous Goliath—the details of his armor and weapons depict him as a scaly, snakey giant. ⁴

Jon: So the sea dragon is loose in all these forms, but it can be defeated.

Tim: Yes. But be careful because the power of the dragon is strangely appealing. A dragon slayer can be enticed to use the dragon’s power.

Jon: And so become a dragon themselves. ⁵

Tim: Right.

Dragon Empires and the Son of Man [01:36-02:15]

Tim: In fact, entire empires can become like dragons. During Israel’s exile in Babylon, the prophet Daniel has a dream about four monstrous beasts rising up out of the sea.

Jon: Whoa—mutant dragons!

Tim: They represent violent kingdoms in league with dark spiritual powers. ⁶ But then, a new character appears, rising up from the land to sit beside God’s throne. And as the dream ends, Daniel sees those monsters destroyed.

Jon: So who is this dragon slayer?

Tim: Well, Daniel calls him “one like a son of Man.” ⁷

Jon: The son of man—that’s what Jesus calls himself. ⁸

Jesus Confronts the Dragon [02:16-02:59]

Tim: Yes. In fact, the gospel authors depict Jesus confronting the dragon in many ways. Like when he tramples over the stormy sea, ⁹ or when he resists the tempter in the wilderness, ¹⁰ or when he overcomes death and sickness in others. ¹¹ And even when the power of the dragon does its best to entice Jesus …

Jon: Jesus doesn’t give in.

Tim: Jesus resists the dragon in a surprising way. He surrenders his life and willingly enters the belly of the beast. ¹²

Jon: Wait?! The dragon slayer is slain by the dragon?

How to Overcome the Dragon [03:00-03:33]

Tim: Well, that’s how it seemed. But Jesus trusted in God’s power to create new life on the other side of chaos and death. ¹³ And he called his followers to confront the dragon in the same way.

Jon: Which means?

Tim: Resist the temptation to use the violent, destructive ways of the dragon. ¹⁴ And also, don’t be afraid of it. Jesus’ victory over the beast has created a way to escape its power. ¹⁵ And trust in the power of God, who will one day defeat the dragon once and for all. ¹⁶

^1. Genesis 1:20-21

^2. Genesis 3:1-19

^3. Isaiah 51:9-11; Ezekiel 29:1–4; Ezekiel 32:2

^4. 1 Samuel 17:1-7

^5. 2 Samuel 11:1-12:15

^6. Daniel 7:1-8

^7. Daniel 7:13-14

^8. Matthew 9:6; Mark 8:31; Luke 12:8; John 8:28

^9. Mark 6:45-52

^10. Matthew 4:1-11

^11. Mark 2:1-12

^12. John 10:17-18; Matthew 12:38-41; Luke 22:39-54

^13. Luke 7:11-17; John 11

^14. Matthew 5:38-41

^15. Romans 12:20-21

^16. Romans 12:17-19