Prophet, Priest and King
Who do you say that I AM?
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but all too often in all the busyness, celebration and traditions we forget what is most important: Who is Jesus and do we know Him? Knowing Jesus is the single most important pursuit of this lifetime, it is the way in which we glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The Scripture shows Jesus to be uniquely Prophet, Priest and King. We start this new series by looking at Jesus as the Prophet.
Scripture
Hebrews 1:1-3 ESV Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. [3] He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
John 17:1-3 ESV When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, [2] since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. [3] And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
Bible Study Questions
Who is Jesus, why does it matter who we think He is?
Jesus asks His disciples the question of all questions in Matthew 16:13. Why is this question so important and how would we answer it? Do we really know who Jesus is or are we only able to say who we’ve been told that He is?
Matthew 16:13-17 ESV Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” [14] And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” [15] He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” [16] Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [17] And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
John 17:1-3 ESV When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, [2] since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. [3] And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
A light for the gentiles
Early prophets foretold the coming of the Christ, the Messiah of God, His Son and our Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah likens Jesus to a great light. What does light do, and why do you think Jesus is identified with light?
Isaiah 9:1-2 ESV But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. [2] The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.
Luke 2:29-32 ESV “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; [30] for my eyes have seen your salvation [31] that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, [32] a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
The Prophet
Many prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah. How did Moses identify Jesus? Who is “The Prophet” that the people were expecting at the time of John the Baptist?
Acts 3:22-23 ESV Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. [23] And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’
John 1:19-21 ESV And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” [20] He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” [21] And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”
A Prophet speaks to the people
The Biblical office of Prophet is very specific and different to the gift of prophecy that we read about in the New Testament. Prophets had certain characteristics, what was the first role of the prophet? How did Jesus fulfil that role?
Hebrews 1:1-3 ESV Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. [3] He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
A Prophet is authenticated by God
Prophets were authenticated by God. How was Jesus authenticated by God as a prophet, and how was He different as a prophet of God?
Luke 7:22-23 ESV And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. [23] And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
1 Kings 17:22-24 ESV And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. [23] And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house and delivered him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives.” [24] And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.”
A Prophet is mistreated and murdered
False prophets have always been around and their message is invariably safe, warm and comforting. True prophets speak the truth and that is offensive. How were Jesus words received and how was He treated?
Luke 13:33 ESV But I have to go on my way today and tomorrow and the third day, for it is not right for a prophet to come to his death outside Jerusalem. 34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, putting to death the prophets, and stoning those who were sent to her! again and again would I have taken your children to myself, as a bird takes her young ones under her wings, but you would not!
Jeremiah 28:8-9 ESV The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. [9] As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet.”
A Prophet reveals the future
Prophets reveal the will and plans of the Lord God. God Himself “makes know the end from the beginning” and He alone can do this. He chooses to do this through prophets. How was Jesus like this and how was He ultimately different?
Matthew 20:17-19 ESV And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, [18] “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death [19] and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”
John 14:1-4 ESV “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. [2] In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. [4] And you know the way to where I am going.”
Matthew 26:63-64 ESV But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” [64] Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Luke 24:25-27 ESV And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” [27] And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.