The person and work of Christ. Jesus also occupies three main offices: Prophet, Priest, and King. In other words, Jesus functions and/or has functioned in these offices.
"You are not the boss of me!” This has been the cry of the oppressed toddler, the kid on the playground, and even some mid-level managers, though it is probably screamed only in their heads. We will always have bosses — some good, some not. Whether parents and teachers, or the guy who says our productivity is just not good enough, there is always someone telling us what to do. And for the most part, we complain because we don’t like anyone telling us what to do. What if there was a boss who was always wise, patient, gentle, kind, and faithful with promises? What if that boss always had his employees’ best interests at heart, regardless of circumstances, and was there when help was needed? What if following this boss and doing what he said turned out to be the very best job ever? Isaiah 11 tells us of such a man — not a boss to lord his position over us, but a Lord King to save us. He will be a ruler who Himself stands in awe of the Lord. He will be righteous and dispense justice to each based on obedience, not favoritism. Isaiah 11:1-10 foretells God’s plan for a king to rule His people. But more importantly, these verses are God’s announcement of a Savior. This kingdom will be different. This king will ask His subjects to follow Him, not demand obedience from them. He will draw people to Himself through love, not fear. The king whom Isaiah describes came to earth on Christmas night. His name is Jesus. The Advent season is a time to remember and prepare for the coming of our king anew — the best boss we could hope for or imagine and a king unlike any other! Reflect: If you have had to deal with a bully boss or one who simply seemed clueless about your value, how did this affect you, your work, and your family?
If you have had the opportunity to be a boss, how have you treated your employees? How has the example that Jesus set affected you, your work, and your family?
Know more in depth:
Jesus is both divine and human at the same time. Therefore, in the one person of Jesus are two distinct natures. This is called the hypostatic union, but, this isn't all we know about the person and work of Christ. Jesus also occupies three main offices: Prophet, Priest, and King. In other words, Jesus functions and/or has functioned in these offices. Let's take a look.
Christ as Prophet
A prophet of God is someone who reveals God, speaks for God, and communicates to people the truths that God wants them to know. Undoubtedly, Jesus did this when he came to do the will of the Father (Luke 22:42), to reveal the Father (Matt. 11:27), and to speak the things of the Father (John 8:28; 12:49).
Christ as Priest
The priests were the ones in the Old Testament who offered sacrifices to God in order to cleanse of sin. Ultimately, all such priests were representations of Jesus who is the True Priest who offered himself as a sacrifice (Eph. 5:2; Heb. 9:26-27; 10:12) by which he cleanses us of our sin (1 John 1:7). But, Jesus is called a priest after the order of Melchizedek. “Where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Heb. 6:20). Heb. 9:11 says, “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation." As a priest, Jesus is our mediator between God and ourselves (1 Tim. 2:5).
Christ as King
A king is someone who has authority to rule and reign over a group of people. Jesus is just such a king. He is called the King of the Jews by the Magi (Matt. 2:2), and Jesus accepts that title in Matt. 27:11, "Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, 'Are You the King of the Jews?' And Jesus said to him, 'It is as you say.'” Matt. 21:5 speaks of Jesus and says, "Behold your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey." Remember, Jesus is King in that he rules and judges. "And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war." (Rev. 19:11). The armies follow him (Rev. 19:14).
The phrase, "Kingdom of God," occurs 66 times in the NASB--most of them in the synoptic gospels. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14). Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy Kingdom come." (Matt. 6:10). Is there a kingdom of God without a King? No. Jesus is that king: "'Are You the King of the Jews?' And Jesus said to him, 'It is as you say.'" (Matt. 27:11).
GOD BLESS YOU!
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