Amazing and awe-inspiring are the descriptive illustrations set forth of Jesus Christ in Scripture. He is the Savior of the world (Luke 19:10), the Son of God (John 9:33-37), the Son of Man (Matthew 16:13), the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), Emmanuel (Matthew 1:23), Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8,11), the true Vine (John 15:1-8), and the Teacher come from God (John 3:2). Many and manifold are these designations with regard to His personality, purpose, propagation, and product. Found also, though, are three more designations that together are applied to no other person in all of the Bible; and they are the roles filled as Prophet, Priest, and King.
Prophets are multitudinous in both the Old Testament and the New. The earliest of mention was Noah who was God’s “preacher of righteousness” to the wicked antediluvians who were wholly given to evil (II Peter 2:5). Moses was God’s prophet to the chosen nation of God’s people, and from that nation came a whole host of others such as Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and each of the minor prophets. Priests, too, are found throughout the Bible, prominent especially following the bestowment of the Levitical priesthood through Mosaic mandate (Exodus 28-29). Aaron and his four sons served in that capacity at the beginning, but countless others served through history. Kings, as well, are found throughout the Bible. The heathen nations had long since established monarchal governments directed and lead by kings. Eventually Israel followed in suit eventually having three men reign over the united nation and thirty-nine combined over the two divided kingdoms. Additionally, there are some mentioned in Scripture that filled dual roles at the same time. Melchisidec, for instance, filled the role of both king and priest in Genesis 14. Abraham served as both a prophet and a patriarchal priest. Samuel served in the same capacity as prophet and priest, only after the Mosaic order. But yet, through the span of history, no man served in the capacity of all three—except Christ.
Christ served in the capacity of prophet in two ways. Prophets as described in the Bible filled dual roles of being forth-tellers and foretellers. By this is meant that these Divine spokesmen both told of things past and present as preachers, as well as of things to come as speakers of future events. Christ, too, involved Himself in both. Christ preached the marvelous gospel as a “forth-teller” during the course of His earthly advent in countless places and to countless people. But He also foretold of future events including the destruction of Jerusalem, the end of the world, and even His own death and the manner thereof (Matthew 24, John 12:32, etc.). Additionally are the multiple passages that refer to Christ as a prophet. Moses spoke of the coming prophet who would come out of Judah that God would raise up like unto him (Deuteronomy 15:18-19). Christ’s contemporaries and even Jesus Himself referred to His prophetic nature in a number of verses (Acts 3:22-23; John 6:13; Luke 4:16ff). So it is clearly evident that Jesus served in the marvelous role as Prophet as He lived and worked on earth.
Christ served, and serves, also, as the great High Priest for all servants of God. Speaking of Jesus in just such a role, the Hebrews’ writer said, “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17). It was Jesus who entered into the Most Holy Place of Heaven and offered one sacrifice for sins forever filling that role that was so desperately needed (Hebrews 10:12). Other passages that depict the Lord in this way are Hebrews 3:1; 4:14; and 5:1-10. Without a doubt did and does Jesus fill this role as the great High priest for all children of God.
Christ serves as the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15). Even that day of His birth was He recognized in that Supreme position as men of the east went searching for “he that is born King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). According to the inspired prophecy spoken hundreds of years earlier by Zechariah, Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly as King (Matthew 21:5; Zechariah 9:9). Three times to Pilate did Jesus Himself refer to His “kingdom” as He stood in judgment of the Roman procurator (John 18:36). Still does Jesus reign as King of our lives sitting at the right hand of the throne of God, as the one in whom all authority resides, and the one to whom we are subject. Yes, Jesus is not only Prophet and Priest, but also King.
Only Jesus Christ could supremely and succinctly fill each of these roles in perfection and in prominence. And what would life be if He had not? Man would be hapless, hopeless, and helpless in his pursuit of the eternal blessing. May we forever recognize Jesus as Prophet, Priest, and King.