1. JESUS CHRIST: PROPHET
Moses’ Prophecy of a coming Prophet. (Deuteronomy 18:15,18) He would be “like Moses” (1) in ministry (1 Corinthians 10:1-11; (2) as a miracle-worker (John 6:14); and (3) as a covenant mediator. (Hebrews 8:1-6)
• Identified as the Prophet by the apostle Peter. (Acts 3:22-24)
• Identified as the Prophet in Stephen’s dying witness. (Acts 7:37)
• Identified as the Prophet by the people. (John 6:14; 7:40)
• Jesus was “the Prophet” to his own people, not to the Gentiles. (Matthew 10:6; Matthew 15:24)
The Prophecies of Jesus Christ
• His death and resurrection. (Matthew 16:21)
• His followers to be persecuted by their own people. (Matthew 10:17; Acts 26:9-11; Matthew 23:34)
• The Temple to be left desolate (Matthew 24:1-2), no stone to be left upon another. (Matthew 23:35-38; 24:1,2)
• The condition of the following generation (Luke 23:27-31), events ushering in the end of the age. (Matthew 24), and his literal return. (Luke 17:22-37)
A sound prophetic principle: “When a prophecy exceeds its historical biblical context it has a future fulfilment.”
2. JESUS CHRIST: PRIEST
Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Timothy 2:5
Ask a religious person questions about Jesus, such as: Was he born of the virgin, Mary? Was he the Son of God? Did he die for your sins on the Cross? Did he rise from the dead on the third day and ascend into Heaven?
He or she will answer yes to all questions. But ask that person: What has Jesus been doing in Heaven for the past 2000 years? On the person’s face will appear a blank look. The question has never entered his or her mind. Only when we are converted can we affirm that “Christ is risen indeed!” For the sinner the good news is the message of the Cross: that Christ died for sinners — for the sins of the world. (John 3:16-17)
Christ’s responsive relationship to his Father had its origin in his virgin birth and sinless nature. Out of that grew his daily fellowship and the beginnings of his priestly ministry (e.g. “I will ask the Father and He will give you…” John 14:16) His approaching priestly ministry (1 John 2:1) is seen in the words of his prayer, prior to his arrest. (John 17)
As a member of the tribe of Judah, Jesus could not be a serving priest; that role was limited to the tribe of Levi, and the High Priest’s office was reserved for the descendants of Aaron. (Hebrews 8:4) But Christ’s priestly ministry was based not on that of Aaron but on the ministry of Melchisedec. (Genesis 14; Hebrews 2:17; 5:1-10; 7:1-3)
Christians serve as priests in the “order” (office) of Melchisedec, Jesus being the only Great High Priest of the order (Hebrews 4:14). See also Hebrews 7:4-17. We offer spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5; Hebrews 13:15; Ephesians 5:1-2; Romans 12:1 & 15:16; Philippians 2:17 & 4:18) King David, who was in type a king-priest of the order, knew that true sacrifices were spiritual (Psalm 141:2. See Luke 1:9-10). Old Testament practices were “shadows” of things to come (Hebrews 8:5).
3. JESUS CHRIST: KING
Jesus Christ the priest-king is seen not only in the figure of the mysterious Melchizedec but also in the enthronement of Joshua the high priest. (Zechariah 6) The prophecy of an enthroned priest is as remarkable as that of a king in the role of a priest (David). Such Old Testament prophecies were given to prepare the Jews for the arrival of David’s promised descendent.
In the ‘back-to-back’ parables of Matthew 21:33-45 and 22:1-10, Jesus predicted that New Testament apostles would be persecuted, just as Old Testament prophets had been. The “landowner” of chapter 21 is the “king” of chapter 22. The first parable referred to events leading up to the Cross; the second prophesied the events that followed.
Pilate’s questioning of Jesus (John 18:33-39 and 19:19-21) was centered on whether or not Jesus was “the” (definite article) long-awaited King of the Jews (v 33). Pilate was sizing up Jesus to see if he might present a problem to Rome.
Jesus did not say that his kingdom was unrelated to this world’s affairs (v 36). He said that “now” (at the time he spoke) it was not “of” or “from” this world – did not have its origin in this world. It was the kingdom “of” (from) heaven; the kingdom “of” (from) God (John 6:15; 8:15; Luke 12:13,14). “Now” did not mean never!
Pilate then asked Jesus: “Are you a (indefinite article) king then?” This shows that Pilate had assessed Jesus as being no threat to Rome, but merely a would-be king of the Jews. Jewish leaders later protested vainly at Pilate’s sign over the crucified Christ’s head: “Jesus of Nazareth, the (definite article) King of the Jews”. Obviously Christ’s regal bearing and composure in the face of Pilate’s threats had impressed the Roman ruler.
Believers are “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Jesus our Great High Priest has made us unto God “a kingdom of priests” and we shall reign with him on the earth (Revelation 1:6; 5:10).
Praise to Jesus Christ, our Prophet, Priest and King!