Living as Priests, Prophets, and Kings in Christ

As we close out the liturgical year with the feast of Christ the King, we are invited to reflect deeply on what true kingship means in the light of Scripture and our own baptismal calling. The biblical vision of kingship is not about power or political authority as the world often sees it, but about a threefold vocation: priest, prophet, and king. From the earliest pages of Genesis, Melchizedek stands as a figure who unites these roles—offering sacrifice, speaking truth, and leading with integrity. In baptism, each of us is anointed into this same threefold mission: to offer our lives as a sacrifice for others, to be truth-speakers in our relationships, and to exercise leadership that draws others toward Christ.

This leadership is not always grand or visible. Sometimes it is as simple as a child on the playground correcting a friend, or a quiet act of service that no one else sees. True Christian leadership is marked by humility, sacrifice, and a willingness to serve others for their good, even when it is difficult or goes unnoticed. The readings for this feast day point us not to Christ’s miracles or public teachings, but to his ultimate act of leadership—his self-giving on the cross. Here, Christ shows us that real kingship is about laying down one’s life for others, leading by example, and drawing all people into unity under God.

Our lives are constantly changing, and the way we are called to lead and serve will shift with our circumstances. Yet, the constant is Christ’s kingship—his truth, his guidance, and his invitation to follow him more closely. As we prepare to enter Advent and a new liturgical year, we are challenged to reflect on how we can let Christ lead us more fully, allowing his example to shape our thoughts, words, and actions. This is a time to look back with gratitude, to discern where we need to grow, and to step forward in faith, trusting that Christ the King will guide us into deeper communion with him and with one another.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Baptism calls us to priest, prophet, and king Each baptized person is anointed to offer sacrifice, speak truth, and lead others toward Christ. This threefold calling is not reserved for clergy but is the vocation of every Christian. Living out these roles means embracing both the visible and hidden opportunities to serve, speak honestly, and guide others in love. [01:09]
• 2. True leadership is sacrificial and humble Leadership in the way of Christ is not about authority or recognition, but about self-giving love. The cross is the ultimate model: to lead is to serve, to sacrifice for the good of others, and to do so even when it is unseen or unacknowledged. This challenges us to redefine success and influence in our daily lives. [04:24]
• 3. Christ’s kingship unites and restores The promise of the Messiah was to bring unity where there was division, to restore what was broken. In Christ, we find a kingship that gathers all people into one body, transcending earthly boundaries. Our participation in his kingdom means working for reconciliation, healing, and unity in our communities. [03:50]
• 4. Letting Christ lead means ongoing conversion Following Christ the King is a dynamic journey that requires continual openness to change. As our lives and circumstances shift, so too does the way Christ calls us to lead and serve. Growth in the Christian life involves regular self-examination, repentance, and a willingness to begin again, trusting in his guidance. [07:34]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:35] - Melchizedek: Priest, Prophet, and King
• [01:09] - Baptism and the Threefold Calling
• [02:04] - Living as Priests, Prophets, and Kings
• [02:54] - Christian Leadership and Baptism
• [03:21] - David Unites the Kingdoms
• [03:50] - The Messianic Promise of Unity
• [04:24] - Christ’s Kingship on the Cross
• [05:07] - Everyday Examples of Leadership
• [05:27] - Hidden Acts of Christian Leadership
• [06:18] - Leadership Changes with Life’s Seasons
• [06:34] - Christ’s Unchanging Truth and Guidance
• [07:12] - Following Christ in Thought, Word, and Deed
• [07:57] - Preparing for Advent: Growth and Renewal
• [08:28] - Bringing Good Leadership into the Future

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Christ the King – Living Our Baptismal Calling

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### Bible Reading

1. Genesis 14:18-20 (ESV)

> And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

1. Luke 23:33-43 (ESV)

> And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” ... And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

1. 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.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Genesis 14, what three roles does Melchizedek hold, and how does he act them out in his meeting with Abram?
2. According to the sermon, what are the three roles every baptized Christian is called to live out? [01:09]
3. In the Gospel reading from Luke, what is the scene the Church gives us for the feast of Christ the King, and why is it significant? [04:24]
4. What visible and hidden examples of Christian leadership were mentioned in the sermon? [05:07]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the Church highlights Christ’s crucifixion, rather than his miracles or teachings, on the feast of Christ the King? What does this say about the kind of leadership Jesus models? [04:24]
2. The sermon says that leadership as a Christian is not always grand or visible. Why might God value hidden acts of service as much as public ones? [05:27]
3. How does the idea of being “priest, prophet, and king” challenge the way most people think about their baptism? [01:09]
4. The sermon mentions that Christ’s kingship brings unity and restoration. What does it look like for Christians to work for unity and healing in their communities? [03:50]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon describes leadership as sometimes being as simple as a child correcting a friend on the playground. Can you think of a recent moment when you had the chance to lead or speak truth in a small way? What happened, and how did it feel? [05:07]
2. In your daily life, what are some “hidden” opportunities to serve or sacrifice for others that might go unnoticed? How can you be more intentional about embracing these moments? [05:27]
3. The sermon says that our calling as priest, prophet, and king changes with the seasons of our lives. What is one area of your life right now where you sense God inviting you to lead, serve, or speak truth? [06:18]
4. Christ’s kingship is about unity and reconciliation. Is there a relationship or situation in your life where you could work toward healing or bringing people together? What would be a first step? [03:50]
5. The sermon challenges us to let Christ lead us more fully, especially as we enter a new season. What is one practical way you can let Christ shape your thoughts, words, or actions this week? [07:12]
6. Looking back over the past year, where have you seen growth in your ability to lead or serve others? Where do you sense God calling you to grow next? [07:57]
7. The cross is described as the ultimate model of leadership. What does it mean for you personally to “lay down your life” for others in your current circumstances? [04:24]