Jesus: Our Prophet, Priest, and King
Summary
In Luke 22:31-34, Jesus speaks to Simon Peter, warning him of Satan's desire to sift him as wheat. This passage reveals the profound truth that Jesus, as our Prophet, Priest, and King, is our ultimate hope and sustainer. As Christians, we often mistakenly look to others to fulfill our needs, but only Jesus can truly meet them. His role as Prophet warns us of the dangers of sin and Satan's schemes, His priestly intercession ensures our faith will not fail, and His kingly authority guides and restores us.
Jesus' warning to Peter highlights His prophetic role. He sees the spiritual battle Peter is about to face and warns him out of love. This prophetic warning is a reminder that Jesus knows our struggles and provides guidance to keep us on the right path. As our Priest, Jesus intercedes for us, praying that our faith will not fail. His prayers are powerful and effective, ensuring that even when we falter, we are not lost. Jesus' priestly role is a source of immense comfort, knowing that He continually advocates for us before the Father.
Furthermore, Jesus' kingly commission to Peter, "when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren," demonstrates His authority and power to restore and use us for His purposes. Despite Peter's impending denial, Jesus assures him of his future role in strengthening others. This kingly guidance is a testament to Jesus' ability to redeem our failures and use them for His glory.
In our lives, Jesus fulfills these roles, meeting all our needs and providing hope. As we experience His prophetic warnings, priestly intercession, and kingly guidance, we are called to be prophets, priests, and kings in our own spheres, sharing the Gospel, interceding for others, and leading with humility and love. Our hope is found in Christ alone, who is our life, our all-in-all, and our eternal Savior.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus, as our Prophet, warns us of the dangers of sin and Satan's schemes, providing guidance to keep us on the right path. His warnings are acts of love, urging us to remain vigilant and prayerful. [04:55]
- As our Priest, Jesus intercedes for us, ensuring our faith will not fail. His prayers are powerful and effective, offering comfort and assurance that we are not alone in our struggles. [16:25]
- Jesus' kingly authority is evident in His commission to Peter, demonstrating His power to restore and use us for His purposes. Despite our failures, Jesus redeems and guides us, ensuring our lives have meaning and impact. [28:30]
- Our hope is found in Christ alone, who meets all our needs as Prophet, Priest, and King. He is our life, our all-in-all, and our eternal Savior, providing us with strength and purpose. [34:56]
- As Christians, we are called to be prophets, priests, and kings in our own spheres, sharing the Gospel, interceding for others, and leading with humility and love. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of Christ's work in us. [33:07]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:34] - Scripture Reading: Luke 22:31-34
- [01:13] - The Inadequacy of Human Fulfillment
- [02:26] - Jesus' Office-Bearing: Prophet, Priest, King
- [03:36] - The Prophetical Admonition
- [04:04] - Satan's Desire to Sift
- [05:17] - Peter's Unawareness and Jesus' Triple Warning
- [06:32] - The Loving Warning of Christ
- [07:31] - Satan's Attack on Leaders
- [10:11] - The Sieve of Satan
- [13:11] - The Intercession of Christ
- [16:00] - The Power of Jesus' Prayers
- [19:19] - Jesus' Double Obedience
- [23:15] - The Imputation of Christ's Righteousness
- [28:30] - Peter's Restoration and Commission
- [34:56] - Our Role as Prophets, Priests, and Kings
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 22:31-34
Observation Questions:
1. What specific warning does Jesus give to Simon Peter in Luke 22:31-34, and how does Peter initially respond? [00:34]
2. According to the sermon, what are the three roles of Jesus that provide hope and meet our needs? [02:26]
3. How does Jesus demonstrate His kingly authority in His interaction with Peter, according to the sermon? [28:30]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' role as a Prophet provide guidance and warning to believers, and why is this important for our spiritual journey? [04:55]
2. In what ways does Jesus' priestly intercession offer comfort and assurance to believers, especially during times of struggle? [16:25]
3. How does Jesus' kingly commission to Peter illustrate His power to restore and use us for His purposes, despite our failures? [28:30]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you ignored a warning or guidance from God. How did it impact your spiritual journey, and what can you learn from that experience? [06:32]
2. Jesus intercedes for us, ensuring our faith will not fail. How can you remind yourself of this truth during moments of doubt or struggle? [16:25]
3. Consider a recent failure or mistake in your life. How can you allow Jesus to redeem that situation and use it for His glory? [28:30]
4. In what ways can you act as a prophet, priest, or king in your own sphere of influence, sharing the Gospel, interceding for others, and leading with humility and love? [33:07]
5. Identify one area in your life where you are relying on others to meet your needs instead of turning to Jesus. How can you shift your focus to rely on Him more fully? [01:46]
6. How can you actively seek Jesus' guidance and warning in your daily life to stay on the right path and avoid the schemes of Satan? [04:55]
7. Think of someone in your life who needs encouragement or support. How can you strengthen them this week, following Jesus' example with Peter? [28:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Prophetic Warnings as Acts of Love
Jesus, in His role as Prophet, warns us of the dangers of sin and Satan's schemes, providing guidance to keep us on the right path. His warnings are acts of love, urging us to remain vigilant and prayerful. In Luke 22:31-34, Jesus warns Peter of Satan's desire to sift him as wheat, demonstrating His deep understanding of the spiritual battles we face. Jesus' prophetic role is not just about foretelling events but about lovingly guiding us away from harm and towards spiritual growth. His warnings are a reminder that He knows our struggles and provides the necessary guidance to navigate them. As we heed His warnings, we are called to remain prayerful and vigilant, trusting in His love and wisdom to lead us through life's challenges. [04:55]
Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you ignored a warning or prompting from God. How can you be more attentive to His guidance in the future?
Day 2: The Power of Jesus' Priestly Intercession
As our Priest, Jesus intercedes for us, ensuring our faith will not fail. His prayers are powerful and effective, offering comfort and assurance that we are not alone in our struggles. In the face of trials, Jesus' intercession is a source of immense comfort, knowing that He continually advocates for us before the Father. This priestly role is not passive; it is an active engagement in our spiritual journey, ensuring that even when we falter, we are not lost. Jesus' prayers are a testament to His love and commitment to our spiritual well-being, providing us with the strength to persevere through life's challenges. [16:25]
Hebrews 7:25 (ESV): "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."
Reflection: Identify a struggle you are currently facing. How can you rely on Jesus' intercession to find strength and comfort in this situation?
Day 3: Jesus' Kingly Authority to Restore and Guide
Jesus' kingly authority is evident in His commission to Peter, demonstrating His power to restore and use us for His purposes. Despite our failures, Jesus redeems and guides us, ensuring our lives have meaning and impact. In Luke 22:31-34, Jesus assures Peter of his future role in strengthening others, even after his impending denial. This kingly guidance is a testament to Jesus' ability to redeem our failures and use them for His glory. His authority is not just about ruling but about restoring and guiding us to fulfill our God-given purposes. As we submit to His kingly authority, we find our true identity and purpose in His kingdom. [28:30]
Isaiah 61:3 (ESV): "To grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."
Reflection: Reflect on a past failure that you feel holds you back. How can you allow Jesus to redeem and use it for His purposes today?
Day 4: Our Hope in Christ Alone
Our hope is found in Christ alone, who meets all our needs as Prophet, Priest, and King. He is our life, our all-in-all, and our eternal Savior, providing us with strength and purpose. In a world where we often look to others to fulfill our needs, Jesus stands as the ultimate hope and sustainer. His roles as Prophet, Priest, and King encompass all aspects of our spiritual journey, ensuring that we are guided, interceded for, and restored. This comprehensive care is a reminder that our true hope and fulfillment are found in Him alone, as He meets every need and provides us with a sense of purpose and direction. [34:56]
Colossians 1:17-18 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you are seeking fulfillment outside of Christ. How can you shift your focus to find hope and satisfaction in Him alone?
Day 5: Our Calling as Prophets, Priests, and Kings
As Christians, we are called to be prophets, priests, and kings in our own spheres, sharing the Gospel, interceding for others, and leading with humility and love. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of Christ's work in us. This calling is not just a privilege but a responsibility to embody the roles that Jesus perfectly fulfills. As prophets, we are to speak truth and guidance; as priests, we are to intercede and offer spiritual support; and as kings, we are to lead with integrity and purpose. This multifaceted calling challenges us to live out our faith actively, impacting those around us with the love and truth of Christ. [33:07]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: Identify one way you can act as a prophet, priest, or king in your community this week. What specific action can you take to fulfill this calling?
Quotes
"Jesus spoke these solemn words to Simon Peter directly after He had instituted the Lord’s Supper. It’s as if Jesus said, ‘I’m seeing, Simon, that Satan is ready to attack you. Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation.’ That’s what He tells all His disciples, but especially Peter. ‘Satan wants you. He wants to attack you. He wants to destroy you.’" [00:03:40]
"You see as the Omniscient Prophet, Christ knew that Satan was trying to promote division among the disciples. Verse 24 says, they were arguing among themselves, who was the greatest. You see, the frightening truth was that the disciples didn’t realise what was happening, but the comforting truth was that Jesus did." [00:04:11]
"And because Jesus did, and Jesus warned them prophetically, instructing them about what Satan was about to do, we have life and hope in Christ. Because, if Christ wasn’t there also to warn us as a Prophet and to teach us as a Prophet, our life would also go in wrong trajectories." [00:04:40]
"And so we need these warnings – these loving, prophetic warnings – with emphasis, because Satan has declared Jihad against us, holy war against us, and particularly those of us who are leaders in church, or in ministry or fathers perhaps in our homes, or pastors in particular." [00:07:10]
"You see, Satan knows how to attack us at our weakest points. He studied our nature. He knows what makes us nibble, and one of the most embarrassing things for every Christian sitting in this room today, or standing, is how easily we can fall over even some of the worst bait of Satan." [00:07:50]
"But you see, what would become of you, what would become of me, if that was the end of our text? It would be hopeless without the life of Christ there would be no hope. Without the life of Christ as a teaching Prophet, as an interceding Priest, Satan would always be one step ahead of us." [00:13:04]
"And the beauty of His Lordship is that He is a Priestly Lord. And so, He says in verse 32, “But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” You see what’s happening here is that Jesus knows the battle of all battles is about to take place." [00:14:48]
"Because, when we come to our wits end and Satan seems too strong for us, the fact that Jesus ever lives – that means moment by moment, every tick of the clock – He’s living to make intercession for you dear believer. That fact is another great underestimated doctrine in Reformed theology." [00:16:25]
"And because He has gone into the sieve before you, and gone deeper into the sieve of Satan than you ever have to go – 40 days tempted in the wilderness, tempted in Gethsemane, Golgotha – Satan, one Puritan said, let all the traps of hell and every devil in hell came down upon Him." [00:17:37]
"And so you see, the ground of Jesus’ intercession, His Priestly intercession, is based on His Priestly obedience. John Calvin called it ‘a double obedience.’ And that’s really what we need to be saved. There is two things that we need to do that we can’t do for ourselves, or have done for us, if we are really going to be saved and really have life, and abide in life forever." [00:21:44]
"So Christ’s passive obedience – by the way the word ‘passive’ comes from the Latin verb ‘patior’, meaning to suffer, to endure – means that He redeems us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. And His active obedience means that He has perfect law-fulfilling capabilities, and actually does it." [00:24:36]
"And so, I want to ask you in closing this afternoon, have you been restored from what you lost in paradise, because we were pre-fall, of course prophets, priest and kings to God. We had a right knowledge of God – prophets. We had a right sense of righteousness – priests. We had a right sense of holiness – kings." [00:34:19]