As we continue our series, Beholding Christ, we are going to look at the Threefold Office of Christ (Prophet, Priest and King). Today we will focus on Christ as Prophet and while we could look in many places in the Bible, we will fix our attention on the Gospel According to John for the sake of brevity.
Read through John and take note of John chapter one where he refers to Christ as the Word and light (John 1:1, 7, 9, 14). Look for the numerous statements about Jesus’ authority and the importance of His words (John 5:19-29; 6:66-69; 8:17-19; 12:44-50; 17:6-8). It is clear that Christ (God the Son) has come to reveal God the Father (John 1:18; 14:8-10). Jesus is Himself the messenger and the message. In fact, in what is probably the most ironic statement in all the Bible, Pilate says before Jesus; “What is truth?”, while he is staring Truth in the eyes (John 18:38; 14:6). Last, notice the promise of the Holy Spirit for the continuation of the proclamation of Christ, the truth (John 7:39; 14:25-26; 15:26-27; 16:12-14; 17:14-21).
What is unique about Jesus and His Office as Prophet is what was said above. He is the messenger and the message. Alistair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson said it this way: “Ultimately Jesus must be recognized, not merely as a messenger of revelation from God but as the very source of that revelation. Jesus is not only the revealer; he is the revelation!”
Jesus’ exchange with the woman at the well in John chapter four makes clear that He is greater than a prophet. During their discussion when Jesus exposes her sin the woman says; “I perceive that you are a prophet” (4:20). She then turns the conversation to a discussion of right worship. When Jesus replies to her, she says; “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things” (4:25). She expects that the Messiah will be greater than a prophet! Jesus’ response; “I who speak to you am he” (4:26).
Let me conclude with the following from Robert Letham:
Jesus transcends prophetism, however, for he himself is the truth to which the prophets bore witness. He is greater than a prophet, for he is the Son of God incarnate ‘for us…and for our salvation.’ That is how the writer of Hebrews sees him. He is the chief prophet, for God who spoke in many different ways in the Old Testament by the prophets has definitively spoken to us by his Son. At the same time, he is also the last prophet beyond whom there can be no other. The whole history of God’s revelation to the fathers in the prophets existed so as to lead up to his definitive speech in the Son. He is the culmination of God’s speech and the completion of his salvation…” (The Work of Christ, pgs. 94-95)
Written by Matt Baker