Catechism Question 27
How does Jesus fulfill the roles of Prophet, Priest, and King?
As Prophet, Jesus speaks the Word of God to us. As Priest, He sacrifices Himself for our sins and intercedes for us before God’s throne. As King, He rules over us and all of creation to accomplish the will of God.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question, we show how Jesus fulfills the roles of Prophet, Priest, and King. This helps us see the difference between prophets, priests and kings, and shows which part of Jesus’ ministry is the fulfillment of each of these roles.
Additional Questions:
How is Jesus the Prophet? How is Jesus the Priest? How is Jesus the King?
How is Jesus our Prophet, Priest, and King?
Scripture References:
Hebrews 1:1–3
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Luke 4:18–21
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Hebrews 7:15–17, 23–27
And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”…
23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
26 Such a high priest meets our need — one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
Ephesians 1:19–22
That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church…
Questions for Further Discussion:
What is the role of a prophet? What is the role of a priest? What is the role of a king?
How does Jesus fulfill the role of Prophet, Priest, and King?
What would happen if a church only focused on one or two of these roles of Christ, and rejected the other roles? Why is it important that we focus on and receive Christ’s ministry in all three of these roles?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 31 of the Heidelberg Catechism and questions 24-26 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Any resources you find on the Heidelberg and Westminster Shorter Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teachings “The Offices of Christ” (August 21, 2011), “Christ and the Prophets” (March 28, 2004); “Christ and the Priesthood” (March 21, 2004); “Christ and the Kingship” (April 4, 2004).
Suggested Worship Song:
How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds (John Newton, 1779)
How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds
in a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
and drives away his fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole,
and calms the troubled breast;
’tis manna to the hungry soul,
and to the weary, rest.
Dear Name, the rock on which I build,
my shield and hiding-place,
my never-failing treasury, filled
with boundless stores of grace!
Jesus! my Shepherd, Brother, Friend,
my Prophet, Priest and King,
my Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
accept the praise I bring.
Weak is the effort of my heart,
and cold my warmest thought;
but when I see thee as thou art,
I’ll praise thee as I ought.
Till then I would thy love proclaim
with every fleeting breath;
and may the music of thy Name
refresh my soul in death!