BOOK
BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
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BIBLE
STUDY LESSON
For
the week beginning Sunday September 15, 2019
UNDERSTANDING
WHO JESUS IS (Part 3)
JESUS’ OFFICES
The title “CHRIST” in the New
Testament, as well as the title “MESSIAH” in the Old Testament, imply a
“threefold” official divine responsibility or function of JESUS, our SAVIOR.
They are;
·
Prophet
·
Priest
·
King
JESUS
is the only person in Scripture WHOSE ministry involves all three of these
offices.
AS PROPHET
In the biblical Greek, the word used for “messenger” is “angelos”,
and it describes one who brings news or tidings by divine order from GOD. JESUS
came to usher in a “New Covenant” from GOD. It is a Covenant that is far
superior to any before or since that time. The message of the “Good News” or
“Gospel” that was announced by John the Baptist, and, ushered in by JESUS, is
the greatest and most important fulfilled prophecy of all time.
In the Old Testament, prophets were
reformers of sort, who, not only delivered GOD’s Word, but also, at one and the
same time, challenged the people to actually serve the LORD and obey HIS Word.
They were called “men of GOD” or “seers”, and were distinguished by their holy
lifestyle before men, under GOD. They were able to see beyond that which is
natural in the eyes of man.
JESUS wholly fitted the role of the Old
Testament prophet. In fact, in the Old Testament, JESUS served in the role of a
prophet as “The ANGEL of GOD” and “The COMMANDER of the LORD’s Army” (Joshua
5:13-15). HE delivered many messages from GOD the FATHER to men such as Abraham
(Genesis 22:11-17), Moses (Exodus 3:2-3), Joshua (Joshua 5:13-15), Baalam
(Numbers 22:21-35), and to the Israelites in general at Bokim (Judges 2:1-5).
AS PRIEST
JESUS completely filled the office of priest, as it is described in
the Old Testament, and as it is taught in the New Testament, in the book of
Hebrews (Hebrews 7:1-14). HE fulfilled the “Aaronic Priesthood” type, as one
who offers up gifts and sacrifices, and as an interceder for the LORD’s people.
JESUS’ priesthood is also compared to that of Melchizedek, the historical,
obscure figure to whom even Abraham paid tithes (Genesis 15:17-20).
JESUS, like Melchizedek, is a King/Priest.
As King/Priest, JESUS heads the Christian Church, which make it a holy and
royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:5 & 9). And so, the Christian Church is a
Priesthood, whereby every believer is a priest. And the fact that the Church
itself is a Priesthood, makes CHRIST JESUS, WHO is the head of the Church, our
High Priest.
JESUS received priesthood by divine
appointment from GOD. Like Melchizedek, HE did not derive HIS priesthood from
HIS lineage, and there are no descending priests who succeeded HIM. As priests
under CHRIST, Christians must offer a fivefold sacrifice:
·
Their own bodies (Romans 12:1, Philippians 2:17, 2 Timothy 4:6,
James 1:27)
·
Praise to GOD (Hebrews 13:15)
·
The sacrifice of good works (Hebrews 13:15)
·
Sharing gifts of money and service to those in need (Romans 12:13,
Galatians 6:6, & 10, Titus 3:14)
·
Be intercessors in prayer for others (Colossians 4:12, 1 Timothy
2:1)
AS KING:
JESUS fulfills the office of King as it is foretold in the “Davidic
Covenant” (2 Samuel 7:11-13). Also see Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 1:31-33. Scripture
tells that JESUS will come again, not just as “King of the Jews”, but rather,
as “LORD of all Kings” (Revelations 19:6). Recognition of JESUS’ three offices
is paramount to Christian Theology and Faith, for they not only describe HIS
person, but also HIS work in the three spheres that man must travel through,
the past, the present, and, the future.
A Sunday
school lesson by,
Larry
D. Alexander
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
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