Jesus: Prophet, King, and Priest - Understanding Christ's Roles in the Old Testament

“The Lord will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you.” Deuteronomy 8:15

The Old Testament talks about the coming of a Messiah in a number of ways. It talks about him being a prophet. Moses said to the people that God will raise up a prophet like him from among the people. Isaiah said that the “Spirit of the Lord would rest upon him and enable him to proclaim good news to the poor” (Isaiah 61:1). How did Jesus fulfill this role? He did so through his teachings. He taught us so we can understand the nature, plan, and ways of God more clearly. An old catechism question asks: “Why do we need Christ as a prophet?” It answers: “Because we are ignorant.” Because we cannot understand God and his ways without guidance, God sent Christ to fulfill the role of a prophet and teach us God’s ways.

The Old Testament also talks about the coming Messiah as a king. He is to be a king in the line of David with a throne that is established forever (II Samuel 7:12-13). Isaiah foretold that the “government will be upon his shoulders” (Isaiah 9:6-7). Zechariah prophesied that the nation’s king would come to it, “lowly and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). How is Christ our king? He is Head of the church and Lord of Lords. He builds his kingdom in the world through the church. The old catechism asks: “Why do I need Christ as a king?” It answers: “Because I am weak and helpless.” We need someone to watch over us and protect us. Christ is that one whose love and faithfulness will never forsake us.

There is another image the Old Testament uses in reference to the Messiah. He is to be a priest “in the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4). That is, he will not be a priest like those from the line of Aaron, but he will be of a different order. Zechariah says that he will be a righteous Branch who will “be a priest on his throne” (Zechariah 6:12-13). Isaiah says that he will be a Suffering Servant who will make atonement for the people. He will “bear their sorrows” and “carry their griefs” (Isaiah 53:3-5). Why do we need Christ as a priest? The old catechism answers: “Because we are sinful.”

Christian theology talks about the work of Christ as that of a prophet, king, and priest. His teachings are of immense value in helping us understand God, ourselves, and the world. There are no other teachings like them in terms of their wisdom and depth. Christ serves as our king in many ways. He has promised to give us his peace and be with us in the proclamation of the gospel “until the end of the age.” He has become our great High Priest whose sacrifice on the cross makes our salvation possible.

Christ’s fulfilling of these roles is a way the New Testament understands the work of Christ for our sakes. God reveals his word and will to us. He establishes his kingdom in the world, and he mediates between God and the world. Christ came to address the urgent need of humanity. He offers salvation and grace through his prophetic, priestly, and kingly roles. These help us understand the work of God in Jesus Christ