Jesus Christ: Prophet, Priest and King

1.   Jesus Christ: a Superior Prophet

      a.   Deuteronomy 18:18-20

      b.   John 8:26-29; 12:48-50

      c.   Acts 3:21-24

      d.   Acts 7:37

      e.   The work of a prophet: prophet = “bubble forth”

            i.   Call people back to God - Matthew 3:2; 4:17

            ii.  Reveal what is hidden - Matthew 26:68

            iii. Speak for God - Luke 24:19

            iv. Edify the brethren - 1 Corinthians 14:3-4

2.   Jesus Christ: a Superior Priest

      a.   Jesus could not serve as a priest under the Old Law:

            i.   Only the sons of Levi could be priests - Numbers 3, 18

            ii.  Only the sons of Aaron could be high priests - Numbers 17

            iii. Jesus came from the tribe of Judah - Hebrews 7:14

      b.   Purpose of the Priesthood

            i.   Minister in the things of God - Numbers 1:47-54

            ii.  Offer sacrifices - Leviticus 1-7

      c.   Jesus: a priest “after the order of Melchisedec” (6 times in Heb)

            i.   Both King and Priest - Hebrews 7

            ii.  Note the order of Hebrews 7:2

                  (1) first a King of Righteousness:

                        (a) Isaiah 55:11 – “my righteous servant”

                        (b) Numbers 18-19 - blood applied to high priest first before offering of sacrifices for the people

                  (2) then a King of Peace

                        (a) 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

                        (b) Ephesians 2:11-16

                                         iii. Without father or mother, without descent

                                               (1) genealogy was vital to service in tabernacle, more so to serve as high priest

                                               (2) without descent = no one followed him in his office

                                         iv. No beginning or ending of days - Number 8:24-25

                                         v.   Made like unto the Son of God - note the order - it was Melchisedec who was made in the likeness of Christ, not the other way around.

3.                                 Jesus Christ: a Superior King – 1 Timothy 6:13

                                   a.   A Superior Name - Hebrews 1:4

                                         i.   Isaiah 9:6

                                         ii.  Psalm 24:7 - king of glory

                                         iii. Philippians 2:9-10

                                         iv. Acts 4:12

                                   b.   A Superior Kingdom – Daniel 2:44, 7:13-14

                                   c.   A Superior Law:

                                         i.   Galatians 5:1

                                         ii.  James 1:25

                                         iii. Hebrews 8:6-13

                                   d.   A Superior Citizenship

                                         i.   Matthew 11:11

                                         ii.  Philippians 3:20