The Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King

The Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King

Introduction
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). This confession anchors the church. Tonight we consider what “Christ” means—the Anointed One—by tracing prophecy and fulfillment to see Jesus as prophet, priest, and king, reigning now in His spiritual kingdom.

What “Christ” Means: The Anointed One
“Christ” and “Messiah” carry the same meaning: the Anointed One (John 1:41). Anointing signifies a divine appointment to a specific task. Scripture shows that God set apart certain offices by anointing: prophets, priests, and kings—each entrusted with holy purpose.

Anointed Offices in the Old Testament
God ordered prophets to be anointed (1 Kings 19:16—Elisha). He commanded that priests be anointed, consecrated, and sanctified for service (Exodus 28:41). He had kings anointed to rule under His authority (1 Samuel 16:1–3—David). These patterns prepared Israel to recognize the coming Anointed One.

Prophecies of the Anointed One
The Psalms and Prophets foretold a singular figure:

• Psalm 2: the nations oppose “the LORD and His Anointed,” yet the Son is installed and declared (Psalm 2:2,7).

• Deuteronomy 18:15–19: a prophet like Moses who speaks all God commands.

• Psalm 110:1,4: a priest forever “after the order of Melchizedek.”

• Isaiah 9:6–7: the promised Son whose government and peace never end, seated on David’s throne.

• Psalm 45:6–7: the king with an everlasting throne, anointed with the oil of gladness.

Jesus Declares and Fulfills the Title
First-century believers anticipated the Messiah. Jesus identified Himself plainly: “I who speak to you am He” (John 4:25–26). The apostles applied Psalm 2 directly to Jesus’ rejection and vindication (Acts 4:25–27). Scripture presents Him as the promised Christ.

Christ Our Prophet: He Speaks the Father’s Words
Jesus testified that His teaching is the Father’s command: “Whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak” (John 12:49–50). He fulfills Deuteronomy 18 as the supreme spokesman of God, revealing truth with authority.

Christ Our Priest: After the Order of Melchizedek
Hebrews applies Psalm 110 to Jesus: “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 5:5–6). As High Priest, He opens the way to God through His blood and intercession (Hebrews 10:19–22).

Christ Our King: Enthroned Forever
Hebrews quotes Psalm 45 about the Son: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” (Hebrews 1:8–9). He rules in righteousness with a scepter that never fails. His reign is active and glorious.

Priest and King Together—Now
Zechariah foresaw the Branch serving as priest on His throne (Zechariah 6:13). The same person holds both offices at the same time. Since Jesus is our priest now, He is also our king now—the living Lord who shepherds His church.

The Nature of His Kingdom
Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). His rule is spiritual, holy, and universal. He governs hearts, renews minds, and commands loving obedience. Hundreds of prophecies converge in Him, confirming the inspiration of Scripture and the certainty of our faith.

Why the Title Matters Today
Calling Jesus “the Christ” is confessing that He alone bears God’s anointing to reveal truth, reconcile sinners, and reign in righteousness. He speaks—we listen. He intercedes—we draw near. He rules—we submit with joy.

The Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: Matthew 16:16—confession and foundation of the church.

• Meaning of “Christ” (John 1:41)

  • Christ = Messiah = Anointed One.

  • Anointing = divine appointment.

• Old Testament Anointings

  • Prophet: Elisha anointed (1 Kings 19:16).

  • Priest: Aaron and sons anointed (Exodus 28:41).

  • King: David anointed (1 Samuel 16:1–3).

• Prophetic Portraits of the Anointed One

  • Psalm 2—the Lord’s Anointed, declared Son (vv. 2,7).

  • Deuteronomy 18:15–19—Prophet like Moses.

  • Psalm 110:1,4—Priest forever.

  • Isaiah 9:6–7—Endless government and peace.

  • Psalm 45:6–7—Everlasting throne; anointed King.

• New Testament Fulfillment in Jesus

  • Self-revelation: John 4:25–26.

  • Apostolic witness: Acts 4:25–27 (Psalm 2 fulfilled).

• Christ Our Prophet: John 12:49–50.

• Christ Our Priest: Hebrews 5:5–6; 10:19–22.

• Christ Our King: Hebrews 1:8–9.

• Priest and King Together—Now: Zechariah 6:13.

• Spiritual Kingdom: John 18:36.

• Conclusion: Jesus is the Christ—prophet, priest, and king—and His reign calls for faith, submission, and worship.

Call to Action
Confess Jesus as the Christ, the Anointed One. Hear His word, draw near through His priestly work, and yield to His royal will. If you need to obey the gospel—repent and be baptized in His name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). If you have wandered, return to His gracious rule today.

Key Takeaways

• “Christ” means the Anointed One—equivalent to “Messiah” (John 1:41).

• God prepared Israel through anointed prophets, priests, and kings (1 Kings 19:16; Exodus 28:41; 1 Samuel 16:1–3).

• Prophecy foretold a prophet, priest, and king in one person (Deuteronomy 18:15–19; Psalm 110:4; Isaiah 9:6–7; Psalm 45:6–7; Psalm 2).

• Jesus declared and fulfilled these prophecies (John 4:25–26; Acts 4:25–27; Hebrews 5:5–6; Hebrews 1:8–9; John 12:49–50).

• He reigns now in a spiritual kingdom and calls us to faithful submission (John 18:36; Hebrews 10:19–22).

Scripture Reference List
Matthew 16:16; John 1:41; 1 Kings 19:16; Exodus 28:41; 1 Samuel 16:1–3; Psalm 2:2,7; Deuteronomy 18:15–19; Psalm 110:1,4; Isaiah 9:6–7; Psalm 45:6–7; John 4:25–26; Acts 4:25–27; John 12:49–50; Hebrews 5:5–6; Hebrews 1:8–9; Hebrews 10:19–22; Zechariah 6:13; John 18:36; Acts 2:38.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO