Christ: Our Ultimate Mediator as Prophet, Priest, and King

 

Summary

In our exploration of Christology, we delve into the profound roles that Christ fulfills as our mediator, specifically through the offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. These roles, known as the Munus Triplex, encapsulate the essence of Christ's mediatorial work between God and humanity. As our Prophet, Christ is not merely a messenger of God's word; He is the Word incarnate. Unlike the prophets of old who spoke on behalf of God, Christ embodies the divine message, making Him the ultimate revelation of God's will and truth. His prophetic role is not just about foretelling the future but about being the focal point of all prophecy, both as its subject and object.

In His role as Priest, Christ surpasses the traditional Levitical priesthood. He is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, a higher and eternal priesthood. Unlike the priests of the Old Testament who offered sacrifices repeatedly, Christ's sacrifice is once and for all, perfect and complete. He offers Himself, sinless and pure, as the ultimate atonement for humanity's sins. His priestly work continues as He intercedes for us in the heavenly temple, ensuring our continual access to God's grace.

Finally, as King, Christ reigns supreme, not as an earthly monarch but as the divine ruler of the universe. His kingship is not limited by time or space; it is eternal and all-encompassing. He fulfills the Old Testament longing for a righteous and just ruler, a Shepherd-King who guides and protects His people. Christ's ascension to the right hand of God signifies His enthronement as King of kings, a position of ultimate authority and power. His reign is characterized by justice, righteousness, and peace, and it will be fully realized in its visible form in the future.

Key Takeaways:

- Christ as the Ultimate Prophet: Christ is not just a prophet among many; He is the embodiment of God's Word. His role as a prophet is unique because He is both the messenger and the message. This dual role highlights the depth of His revelation, as He not only speaks God's truth but is the truth incarnate. [06:05]

- The Perfect Priesthood of Christ: Unlike the Levitical priests, Christ's priesthood is eternal and perfect. He offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, once and for all, eliminating the need for repeated offerings. His priestly role continues as He intercedes for us, ensuring our ongoing relationship with God. [14:15]

- Christ's Eternal Kingship: Christ's kingship is not of this world but transcends earthly realms. He reigns as the divine ruler, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a righteous and just king. His reign is characterized by justice and peace, and it will be fully realized in its visible form in the future. [20:33]

- The Mediatorial Role of Christ: As our mediator, Christ bridges the gap between God and humanity. His roles as Prophet, Priest, and King are not separate but interconnected, each fulfilling a unique aspect of His mediatorial work. This comprehensive mediation ensures our access to God's grace and truth. [01:02]

- The Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies: Christ's roles as Prophet, Priest, and King fulfill the Old Testament prophecies and expectations. He embodies the ultimate revelation, atonement, and kingship, bringing to fruition the hopes and promises of the Scriptures. [13:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:31] - Christ as Mediator
- [01:02] - Old Testament Mediators
- [01:51] - The Threefold Office
- [02:29] - Christ as Prophet
- [03:20] - True vs. False Prophets
- [05:08] - Christ: The Ultimate Prophet
- [07:05] - Christ as Priest
- [08:42] - Psalm 110 and Priesthood
- [10:39] - Kingship and Priesthood
- [13:08] - Melchizedekian Priesthood
- [14:57] - Christ's Sacrifice
- [16:14] - Christ as King
- [17:53] - Divine Right of Kings
- [20:33] - Christ's Eternal Reign
- [22:23] - Apostles' Creed and Kingship
- [22:53] - Hallelujah Chorus and Conclusion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Roles of Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 1:1-3 - "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe."
2. Psalm 110:1-4 - "The Lord says to my lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.' The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, 'Rule in the midst of your enemies!' Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb. The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'"
3. John 1:14 - "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, how does Christ's role as a prophet differ from the prophets of the Old Testament? [06:05]
2. What is the significance of Christ being a priest in the order of Melchizedek, as mentioned in Psalm 110? [08:42]
3. How does the sermon describe the kingship of Christ in relation to earthly kings? [20:33]
4. What are the interconnected roles of Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King, and how do they contribute to His mediatorial work? [01:02]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding of Christ as the ultimate Prophet challenge or deepen one's perception of His teachings and actions in the New Testament? [06:05]
2. In what ways does Christ's eternal priesthood provide assurance to believers about their relationship with God? [14:15]
3. How does the concept of Christ's kingship influence the way believers view authority and leadership in their own lives? [20:33]
4. What implications does Christ's mediatorial role have for the believer's access to God's grace and truth? [01:02]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you have sought guidance from sources other than Christ. How can you refocus on Christ as the ultimate Prophet in your daily life? [06:05]
2. Consider the ways in which you seek forgiveness and reconciliation. How does Christ's perfect priesthood encourage you to approach God with confidence? [14:15]
3. In what areas of your life do you struggle to acknowledge Christ's kingship? How can you submit those areas to His authority this week? [20:33]
4. How can you actively participate in Christ's mediatorial work by being a bridge of grace and truth in your community? [01:02]
5. Identify a specific promise or prophecy from the Old Testament that Christ fulfills. How does this fulfillment strengthen your faith in God's plan? [13:08]
6. Think of a situation where you need to exercise leadership. How can Christ's example as a Shepherd-King guide your actions and decisions? [21:17]
7. Reflect on the interconnectedness of Christ's roles as Prophet, Priest, and King. How can this understanding shape your worship and devotion? [01:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ as the Embodiment of God's Word
Christ is not just a prophet among many; He is the embodiment of God's Word. His role as a prophet is unique because He is both the messenger and the message. This dual role highlights the depth of His revelation, as He not only speaks God's truth but is the truth incarnate. As the ultimate Prophet, Christ fulfills the prophecies of old, not merely by foretelling future events but by being the focal point of all prophecy. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate revelation of God's will and truth, providing a complete and perfect picture of God's plan for humanity. [06:05]

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:1-3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you embody the truth of Christ in your daily interactions, becoming both a messenger and a living example of His Word?


Day 2: The Eternal and Perfect Priesthood of Christ
Unlike the Levitical priests, Christ's priesthood is eternal and perfect. He offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, once and for all, eliminating the need for repeated offerings. His priestly role continues as He intercedes for us, ensuring our ongoing relationship with God. Christ's priesthood is after the order of Melchizedek, a higher and eternal priesthood that surpasses the traditional Levitical priesthood. His sacrifice is perfect and complete, providing the ultimate atonement for humanity's sins. As our High Priest, Christ continues to intercede for us in the heavenly temple, ensuring our continual access to God's grace. [14:15]

"For it is witnessed of him, 'You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.'" (Hebrews 7:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you rely on Christ's intercession today, trusting in His perfect sacrifice to maintain your relationship with God?


Day 3: Christ's Transcendent Kingship
Christ's kingship is not of this world but transcends earthly realms. He reigns as the divine ruler, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a righteous and just king. His reign is characterized by justice and peace, and it will be fully realized in its visible form in the future. As King, Christ's authority is not limited by time or space; it is eternal and all-encompassing. His ascension to the right hand of God signifies His enthronement as King of kings, a position of ultimate authority and power. His reign brings justice, righteousness, and peace, fulfilling the Old Testament longing for a righteous and just ruler. [20:33]

"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness." (Psalm 45:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you acknowledge Christ's kingship in your life today, allowing His justice and peace to guide your decisions and actions?


Day 4: Christ as the Mediator Between God and Humanity
As our mediator, Christ bridges the gap between God and humanity. His roles as Prophet, Priest, and King are not separate but interconnected, each fulfilling a unique aspect of His mediatorial work. This comprehensive mediation ensures our access to God's grace and truth. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ has made a way for us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He understands our struggles and intercedes on our behalf. His mediatorial work is a testament to His love and commitment to restoring our relationship with God. [01:02]

"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time." (1 Timothy 2:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What barriers do you feel are between you and God today, and how can you invite Christ to mediate and bridge that gap?


Day 5: Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies in Christ
Christ's roles as Prophet, Priest, and King fulfill the Old Testament prophecies and expectations. He embodies the ultimate revelation, atonement, and kingship, bringing to fruition the hopes and promises of the Scriptures. Through His life and work, Christ has fulfilled the prophecies of old, providing a complete and perfect picture of God's plan for humanity. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate revelation of God's will and truth, providing a complete and perfect picture of God's plan for humanity. [13:08]

"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27, ESV)

Reflection: How can you see the fulfillment of God's promises in your own life, and how does this encourage you to trust in His plan for the future?

Quotes


And when we look at the offices of Christ one of the key concepts that we encounter is the idea that Christ is called our mediator. Just as Moses was called the mediator of the old covenant so Christ is called the mediator of the new covenant. And what does a mediator do? A mediator is a go-between, an intermediary, somebody who stands between two or more parties usually mediating a dispute, but not necessarily. [00:00:31]

Now, when we think of mediators in the Old Testament or go-betweens or agents that function in some relationship between God and man we see three major kinds of mediators (not the only ones because you have Moses in a special category), but the three types of mediators that we meet in the Old Testament are those whom are selected by God for a specific task and then are enabled to perform their task by virtue of their being anointed by the Holy Spirit. [00:01:51]

And the three basic roles that we find there are that of the prophet, that of the priest, and that of the king. And so with respect to Jesus when we look at the offices held by Christ in the drama of redemption we say that Jesus has or is involved in what is called technically the Munus Triplex, or the threefold office that Christ fulfills all three of these Old Testament offices in one person, that Christ is our Prophet, He is our Priest, and He is our King. [00:02:29]

Now, through the prophets God gives His Word. But when we look at Christ in the New Testament, we see that He is the prophet par excellance. I want to spend a couple of moments on this because we have a tendency to underestimate this. We're so excited about His deity and His kingship and these other aspects of His ministry we tend to think that being a prophet is kind of a lesser office and not something that's very important. [00:05:08]

He not only proclaims the word of God, He is the Word of God. The author of Hebrews begins his book by saying, "In former times and divers way God has spoken to us the prophets," and so on, "but now in these latter days, He has spoken to us through His Son," who is the very incarnation of the Word of God, Who manifests fully that which the Father gives Him. [00:06:23]

Now, as a mediator in the Old Testament instead of the priest facing the people and being the spokesman for God, rather the basic posture of the priest was that the priest faced God with their back to the people, because just like the prophet the priest was a spokesman, but he spoke for the people. He was the one who came to make intercession in behalf of the people. [00:09:04]

Now we've seen that the author of Hebrews sees in Jesus a priest who is unique. We notice that in this Psalm 110 two things are ascribed to the one who is being addressed. "The Lord says to my lord sit Thou at my right hand. He will make the earth your footstool." Here is a promise of kingship that the Father gives to the Son. But in just a couple of lines later He says, "And Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." [00:10:39]

And what the author of Hebrews tells us with respect to the superiority of the priesthood of Christ is that first of all He doesn't have to make sacrifices for His own sin because He's sinless. Second of all, He doesn't have to repeat His sacrifice. The sacrifice that He offers is offered once and for all. Thirdly, the sacrifice that He offers is not that of sheep and goats, as the Scriptures tell us the blood of sheep and bulls and goats will not take away sin. [00:14:57]

And so the author of Hebrews tells us that His priesthood fulfills this text. You can see why Psalm 110 is so important because in this Psalm it declares that the Messiah would be a priest and that He would not be a Levitical priest, that He would be a priest of a different order, indeed of a higher order, namely, of the order of Melchizedek. And that higher priesthood is manifested in not only the moral perfection of Jesus, who doesn't have to make any sacrifices for His own sin before He enters into the temple. [00:13:08]

Now, you may have a difficult time thinking of the office of king biblically as being that of a mediator. But if we go back to the roots of the Old Testament it's very important for us to understand that if we ever see a manifestation of the divine right of kings, we see it in the Old Testament, because the King of Israel is not autonomous. He does not have absolute authority invested in himself, but rather he receives his office from God, and he is called to exercise a vice-regency, that is a vice regency that he is to manifest the justice and the rule of God Himself. [00:16:14]

And so when Christ comes He is heralded as the newborn king. In fact, He is crucified because of the claims to kingship, and that's what Pilate was so exercised about. You know, "What about this kingdom business?" and Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world," but that doesn't mean He didn't have a kingdom. In fact, God makes Him His King, and we see the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry as we looked at the states of Christ's life not in His resurrection but in the ascension. [00:20:33]

Again where God then elevates Him to His right hand, takes Him to His coronation, installs Him there at His right hand as the ruler of the whole universe, as the King of the kings and as the Lord of the lords whose reign shall go on forever and ever as the King who is the Shepherd-King. Isn't that an interesting idea in the Old Testament? Like David learned how to be a good king by the care that he bestowed and the protection he gave to the sheep that were put into his care, and so the king of the Messiah-King would be a Shepherd-King and He would be a Priestly-King, not to mention a Prophetic-King. [00:22:23]

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Transcript
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