Jesus Christ: Prophet, Priest ,and King

The Bible has many thematic pictures of Jesus that run consistently throughout the entire text. None of these seems to be more visible than the three-fold ministry of Jesus. Jesus would serve as a prophet, or God's voice in His first appearance. After His death and resurrection He would serve as our intercessor or priest. Soon, very soon, He will return in power and glory to serve as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Over the next few weeks I will share some insights from the Old Testament that shadow these ministries. However, I'll share one or two in the next couple of posts from the New Testament that coincide with this three-fold ministry concept.

Jesus said in John 10:11, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." One of the facets of His priestly ministry that we will see is that it involved His sacrificial death. Notice as the good shepherd emphasis was placed on His atoning death. To make this emphasis sure, He restated that His first ministry involved His death. John 10:14-15 says, "I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep." That precious death was the climax of His earthly mission as a prophet.

In Hebrews, the book that outlines His priesthood as no other, we read, Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." The emphasis of the great shepherd is His ministry through His blood that perfects and sanctifies the saints. This is due primarily because of His priestly mediation. Notice that it takes place after the Resurrection? He is at the right hand of the father still to this day. It is humbling to think that Jesus is on duty for us, and that He is not currently laid back enjoying the praises of Heaven.

Finally we come to 1 Peter 5:4, "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." Here we see clearly the return of the Great King.

To sum it up, as the Good Shepherd He died for you. As the Great Shepherd He lives to make intercession for you. As the Chief Shepherd He is coming for you.

Jesus paid an awesome price for you! Is He your Savior? If not, it is as simple as asking Him to forgive your every transgression and asking for those sins to be washed eternally by the precious blood of the eternal one. Sin against God has eternal consequences; therefore, it takes an eternal sacrifice to wash it away. Jesus is that one and only acceptable sacrifice to God.