Old Testament Reading: Exodus 12:1–11

“The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, ‘This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household. And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats, and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight. Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted, its head with its legs and its inner parts. And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD’s Passover.” (Exodus 12:1–11, ESV)

New Testament Reading: Luke 12:35-48

“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’ Peter said, ‘Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?’ And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.’” (Luke 12:35–48, ESV)

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Please excuse any typos and misspellings within this manuscript. It has been published online for the benefit of the saints of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church but without the benefit of proofreading.

1. Introduction
   1. This section of Luke’s Gospel is very practical. As you will probably remember, here in Luke 12, Christ delivers a series of teachings to his disciples aimed at the mind and heart. Christ has warned us about the heart-sins of hypocrisy, the fear of man, covetousness (which is idolatry), and anxiety concerning the necessities of life. Each of these passages has been delightful to study and to preach. These texts have benefited me greatly and I pray they have encouraged your hearts too. 
   2.  The older I get, the more clearly I can see the great importance of keeping the mind and heart pure before God. If we hope to honor God with our words and deeds, our minds and hearts must be governed by the word of God and filled with the Spirit of God. To strive to honor God in word and deed, but to neglect the mind and heart, will soon result in hypocrisy. It is from the mind and heart that our behavior naturally flows. A corrupt heart will produce corrupt living. A pure heart will produce holy living.  Some will attempt to honor God in word and deed by sheer willpower alone. Their success will be merely superficial and short-lived. But Christ transforms the lives of his people by first renewing their minds and purifying their hearts. Stated differently, God enables his people to believe upon Christ and obey him by renewing them to the core of their being, by his word and Spirit. If this is how Christ saves and sanctifies his people, we should not be surprised that Christ focused so much attention on the hearts and minds of his disciples. Christ’s desire is that we would walk faithfully and serve him in the world. And so he addresses our hearts. 
   3. Here in Luke 12:35-48, Christ warns us about the heart sins of inattentiveness, slothfulness, and distractedness. To be inattentive is to fail to pay attention to something. To be slothful is to be lazy, inactive, or idle. To be distracted is to lack the ability to concentrate on something because the mind is preoccupied with something else. Followers of Jesus Christ must not be inattentive, slothful, or distracted. Instead, Christ commands us to be like servants who are always dressed for action, awake, alert, watchful, and diligent in the performance of our duties.
   4. This passage is clearly connected to the previous one. In the previous passage, Christ commanded us not to seek what we are to eat and what we are to drink, nor be worried. “For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them”, Christ said. Instead, we are to seek God’s kingdom – Matthew’s gospel adds, and his righteousness (see Matthew 6:33) – and then Christ promises, and these things – that is to say, the necessities of life – will be added to you (see Luke 12:29–31). The meaning is this: Disciples of Jesus are not to live for the things of this world. We are not to make the attainment of food or drink or any other thing the leading concern or driving force of our lives. Instead, we are to seek first the kingdom of God, trusting that God will provide for all our needs as we do. Here in Luke 12:35-48, Christ commands us to maintain this focus. 
   5. What is the Christian to be about? What is the leading concern of our lives to be? We are to seek first the kingdom of God. This means we are to live for the glory of God as we enter God’s kingdom through faith in Christ and strive to honor Christ as king in every aspect of our lives. This means that we are to seek the furtherance of God’s kingdom through the proclamation of the gospel. This means that we are to seek the flourishing of God’s kingdom through the building up of Christ’s church. This is to be the leading concern of every disciple of Jesus. We must beware of slothfulness, inattentiveness, and all that would distract us from this calling.  
2. Exposition of Luke 12:35-48
   1. Please look with me at Luke 12:35-36. Here, Christ issues a command: “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.”
      1. This is an analogy or metaphor for life in God’s kingdom. In Luke 2:31 Christ commanded his disciples to seek God’s kingdom. Here Christ commands his disciples to stay dressed for action. This means that we are to be ready, alert, and about the work that Christ has called us to do. 
      2. The scene that Christ sets is that of a very great household – a large estate, we might say. The master of the house has gone away to a wedding, perhaps his own. And in his house, there are many servants. It is expected that the servants of this great house will not be slothful, distracted, or inattentive, but will remain dressed for action while the master is gone. They will keep their lamps lit so that the house is bright. They will be about the work the master has given them to do so that the house is kept in order. And they will remain faithful in this work until the master returns home, however late it may be. 
      3. How terrible it would be for the master to return home late at night (perhaps with his new bride) to a dark and disorderly house filled with sleeping servants. Can you imagine the master standing in the dark at the door to his estate, knocking, but with no replay? And when he finally enters, he finds his servants groggy from sleep, poorly clothed, and the house in disarray. That master would not be pleased with his servants.
      4. Clearly, Christ is the master of the house in this metaphor. Christ is the master of God’s house. He is the King of God’s kingdom. He is the Lord of the church, which is where the eternal kingdom of God is manifest on earth today. The household is the church, therefore, and Christ is the master and Lord of his church. 
      5. And clearly, the servants of this great house represent Jesus’ disciples.
         1. To follow Jesus, one must turn from their sins, trust in him, and confess him as Lord (see Romans 10:9).
         2. Those who follow Jesus are to live as servants of God and Christ (see 1 Peter 2:16). 
         3. Given this teaching, it is not surprising that the apostles of Christ often referred to themselves as servants of Christ.
            1. “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,” (Titus 1:1, ESV)
            2. “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.” (James 1:1, ESV)
            3. “Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:” (2 Peter 1:1, ESV)
            4. “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:” (Jude 1, ESV)
            5. “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John…” (Revelation 1:1, ESV)
         4. Following Christ requires one to be a servant in Christ’s house, that is to say, in Christ’s kingdom and church. Here Christ commands his disciples to:
            1. “Stay dressed for action…”
               1. A more literal translation of the Greek would be let your loins be girded. In the days of Christ people wore long flowing robes. When there was physical work to be done, the robes would be tied up to allow the person to move around more freely. 
               2. When Christ commands us to stay dressed for action he means that we are to live with our hearts and minds being continuously prepared to do the work that God has called us to do as citizens of his kingdom and servants within his household. 
               3. One of the first things we do each morning is get dressed. What you put on will be determined by what you plan to do. If you plan to work in the yard, you will put on a certain kind of clothing. If you plan to go into the office, you will dress more professionally. The point is that we dress ourselves daily, and this always involves being mindful of the work to be done on that day.
               4. Christ is here commanding us to do the same thing spiritually. As his disciples, we are to clothe ourselves mentally, emotionally, and volitionally to be about the work that God has called us to do. We are citizens of his eternal kingdom and servants within his household and we are to stay perpetually dressed for action. 
               5. Stated negatively, we cannot allow ourselves to be distracted, slothful, or inattentive. 
               6. And oh, how easy it is to be distracted, brothers and sisters. How easy it is for us to be drawn away from our devotion to Christ being tempted by our own desire for ease and pleasure or by some shiny thing in the world. As disciples of Christ, we must stay dressed for action…
               7. Paul the Apostle was concerned for the believers in his day. He write to the Corinthians, saying, “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3, ESV)
               8. And so, in another place, Paul commanded Christians to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:11–13, ESV)
               9. And how is it that we stay dressed for action? It is through prayer. Paul, after listing the piece of the Christian’s armor in Ephesians 6, says, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Ephesians 6:18, ESV). It is through prayer that we daily put on the spiritual armor that God has provided for us. It is through prayer that we stay dressed for action. 
            2. Christ also commands that we keep our lamps burning.
               1. This must symbolize the light of the Word of God and the light of a life lived in obedience to the Word of God. 
               2. Christ’s house is to be well-lit. And where does this light come from? God is the source of all light. His word is a light to our feet (see Psalm 119:105). It is by the light of God’s word that Christ’s house, the church, is to be ordered. It is by the light of God’s word that we are to walk personally. And it is the light of God’s word that we are to share with the world.     
               3. “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning,” Christ commands. 
            3. And then he says, “…be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast…”
               1. The word feast is not in the Greek. A more literal translation would be wedding or wedding hall. How are we to live as disciples of Christ? Like men, or women, who are waiting for their master to come home from a wedding. 
               2. This must be a reference to the second coming of Christ. These last days, which span from the resurrection of Christ from the dead on to his second coming (see Acts 2:17, 2 Timothy 3:1, Hebrews 1:2, James 3:5, 2 Peter 3:3), may be compared to a wedding, for in these last days Christ, the bridegroom, is calling his elect bride, the church, to himself from every tongue, tribe, and nation. When all of the elect are gathered in, being called to repentance and faith, Christ will return, and then there will be the consummation and the marriage supper of the Lamb (see Revelation 19:6-9). Disciples of Christ must live with a sense of anticipation and readiness as if waiting for Christ’s return.       
               3. This could also be interpreted with our own personal deaths in view. It could be that Christ returns while we are alive. We live being ready for his return. It is more likely that Christ will come to us personally to call us home through death. We must be ready for that too.  
            4. Whether Christ comes to us in his  second coming or to call us home through death, we must be ready so that we, like good and faithful servants in his house,  “may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.”
   2. “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.” (Luke 12:37, ESV)
      1. To be blessed is to be truly happy in the Lord. Do you wish to be blessed now and for eternity? Then die to yourself and live as Christ’s servant! 
      2. What Christ says in the second half of verse 37 is truly shocking. Here it again: Truly, I say to you, he [that is to say, the master] will dress himself for service and have them [that is to say, the servants] recline at table, and he [the master] will come and serve them [the servants].”
         1. Who has ever heard of such a thing? What kind of master is this who, after arriving home late at night, will dress himself with the garb of a servant, command his servants to recline at the table, and insist on serving them? This sort of behavior is unheard of! But this is precisely the kind of master we have. Christ is a King who serves his servants. He humbled himself to lay down his life for us and our salvation. He was raised to glory and ascended to the Father’s right hand where he serves us still and our great prophet, priest, and king, the only mediator between God and man. And when he returns, he will serve us still as he welcomes us into his eternal home and ours, wipes away every tear from our eyes and preserves us in glory forever and ever.    
         2. The servant-hearted nature of Christ the King was displayed beautifully when he, on the night he was betrayed, rose from supper as he observed the last Passover with his disciples, “laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (John 13:4–5, ESV). As you probably know, Peter objected. Christ the King spoke to Peter, saying, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me” (John 13:8, ESV). Paradoxically, Christ the King is also Christ the suffering servant.  
      3. In verses 38-39, the metaphor changes. There we read, “If he [that is, the master] comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants!”
         1. The meaning here is that the servants must be diligent. The master might delay a long time and come home very late at night. Indeed, for those of us who live 2,000 years after the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, it might seem like the master is delayed and the night is growing old. Nevertheless, we must remain alert and vigilant, knowing that to the Lord a thousand years is as one day and one day is as a thousand years (see 2 Peter 3:8-13).  
      4. Christ goes on to say, “But know this, that if the master of the house, had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:39–40, ESV)
         1. The meaning is clear. Instead of allowing the fact that we do not know the hour of Christ’s return to lull us into a sense of sleepy complacency, we must be all the more vigilant. As the Scriptures say elsewhere, Christ will return like a thief in the night.  As Paul says, “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1–6, ESV)
   3. In verse 41, Peter, the leader of the Apostles, asks a good question. “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” (Luke 12:41, ESV)
      1. It must be remembered that there were twelve apostles. Around them were seventy (or seventy-two) others who followed Jesus closely. And around the seventy, there was a very great multitude. 
      2. So then, Peter’s question was, is this teaching for us, the twelve apostles, only, or is this for all who follow after you?
      3. Jesus’ answer begins in verse 42: “And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.’” (Luke 12:42–44, ESV)
         1. At first, it might appear that Christ ignored Peter’s question. In fact, he answered Peter’s question carefully and wisely. Instead of taking one of the two options that Peter gave him, saying, it is for you, or, it is for all, Jesus distinguishes between the ordinary servants in the master’s house and the servants who are managers within the master’s house.
         2. So then, Jesus’ answer to Peter’s question was, this teaching is for all my disciples. All my disciples are servants in my house who must remain dressed for action and keep their lamps burning. But in my house, there are also servants whom I have appointed as managers. You, apostles, are the managers. Later, I will appoint elders to oversee, rule, and manage the affairs of my house. While all of my servants are expected to stay dressed for action and keep their lamps burning, a special responsibility falls on my servants whom I appoint as managers.
         3. “Who then is the faithful and wise manager whom his master will set over his household,” Jesus asks. This is a reference to a servant whom Christ appoints to oversee the affairs of his household, that is to say, the church. 
         4. And what is the responsibility of the manager? One, the manager is to oversee the house. Two, the manager is to see to it that the other servants are fed and cared for.
         5. As I have said, this is a reference to the apostles, and later, the elders who would be appointed to serve within Christ’s church as managers, stewards, or overseers. In the Greek, the common word for servant is δοῦλος. The Greek word translated as manager is οἰκονόμος.
            1. This is the word that Paul uses to describe himself as an apostle in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, saying, “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards [οἰκονόμους] of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards [οἰκονόμοις] that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1–2, ESV)
            2. In Titus 1:7, elders or overseers are also called stewards. “For an overseer, as God’s steward [οἰκονόμον], must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain…” (Titus 1:7, ESV).
         6. The point is that while all of Jesus’ disciples are servants in his house who are called to remain dressed for action, a special obligation and responsibility falls on those servants of Christ who are appointed as managers, stewards, or overseers within Christ’s church – first the apostles, and later, the elders (see Titus 1:5). 
      4. Christ says that the managers who are found faithful will be rewarded. But then he issues a warning, saying, “But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.” (Luke 12:45–46, ESV)
         1. Here is a sober warning delivered to those who serve as pastors, elders, or overseers within Christ’s church. Pastors are to servants of Christ who have been appointed by Christ to serve the other servants of Christ. This authority must not be used for selfish gain. This authority must not be abused. Those who abuse the authority given to them by Christ will be judged harshly by Christ when he returns.
            1. This is what James was referring to when he said, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (James 3:1, ESV)
            2. And this is why Peter wrote to the elders of the churches, saying, “shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:2–4, ESV)
      5. In verses 47-48, Christ offers a word of clarification. “And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” (Luke 12:47–48, ESV)
         1. There is a great difference, dear brothers and sisters, between acting foolishly and sinfully out of ignorance and acting foolishly and sinfully while knowing better. 
         2. I have met many Christians (and some pastors) who are not as faithful to the Lord as they should be, but for them, it is a matter of ignorance. God and Christ look at that very differently from a situation in which the person knows better and yet disobeys. So should we. 
         3. Everyone to whom much is given, of him much will be required, Christ says. That is a sobering statement. It reminds the parable of talents that Christ told, as recorded in Matthew 25:14ff. The servant who was given five talents (a sum of money) earned five more, and the servant who was given two talents earned two more. When they reported to their master they both received the same reply: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21, ESV). But the servant who was given one talent buried it in the ground. “His master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth’” (Matthew 25:26–30, ESV).
3. Conclusion
   1. Dear brothers and sisters, how will the master of God’s house find you when he calls you home through death or when he returns on the last day to judge and make all things new? Will he find you awake, dressed for action with your lamps burning, and about the work that he has called you to do? Or will he find you sleepy and slothful, inattentive, and distracted by the cares and concerns of this world? 
   2. It is very easy to be distracted, friends. If we are not careful, even good things can draw us away from our devotion to Christ and his kingdom. But we must seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, trusting that the good things of this life will be added to us (see Luke 12:31, Matthew 6:33).
   3. So, in each arena of our lives, let us “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:11, ESV). Let us “Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” (Psalm 100:2, ESV). 
   4. Dear friends, it does not matter what your particular calling is. Are you male or female, rich or poor, old or young, married or single? Let us serve the Lord and seek his kingdom first. Are you are member of Christ church or a minister? It does not matter. What matters is that we are found faithful in Christ’s kingdom.   
   5. Each of us must trust in Christ and honor him as king. We must have him as Lord of our minds and hearts as we seek to obey his commandments in private and in public. As Paul says, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (Romans 12:9–13, ESV)
   6. And as it pertains to life in the church, we must seek to build it up according to our gifts and callings. As Paul says, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:6–8, ESV). 
   7. When Christ calls us home through death or when he returns, may he find us dressed for action with our lamps burning. And may we be blessed to hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21, ESV).

Baptist Catechism 30

Q. 30. Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist?

A. Christ’s humiliation consisted in His being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross, in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time. (Luke 2:7; Gal. 4:4; Is. 53:3; Luke 22:44; Matt. 27:46; Phil. 2:8; Matt. 12:40; Mark 15:45,46)

Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:1–8

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:1–8, ESV)

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Introduction

Q. 23. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?

A. God having out of His mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation, by a Redeemer. (Eph. 1:3,4; 2 Thess. 2:13; Rom. 5:21; Acts 13:8; Jer. 31:33)

Q. 24. Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?

A. The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was and continueth to be God and man, in two distinct natures and one person, forever. (Gal. 3:13;1 Tim. 2:5; John 1:14; 1 Tim. 3:16; Rom. 9:5; Col. 2:9)

Q. 25. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?

A. Christ, the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul; being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary and born of her, yet without sin. (Heb. 2:14; Matt. 26:38; Luke 2:52; John 12:27; Luke 1:31,35; Heb. 4:15; 7:26)

Q. 26. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?

A. Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in His state of humiliation and exaltation. (Acts 3:22; Heb. 5:6; Ps. 2:6)

*****

Baptist Catechism 30

1. “Christ’s humiliation consisted in His being born, and that in a low condition…”
   1. “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7, ESV).
2. “Made under the law…”
   1. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4, ESV).
3. “Undergoing the miseries of this life…”
   1. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3, ESV).
   2. “And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44, ESV).
4. “The wrath of God…”
   1. “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Matthew 27:46, ESV).
5. “And the cursed death of the cross…”
   1. “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8, ESV).
6. “In being buried…”
   1. “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40, ESV).
   2. “And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph” (Mark 15:45, ESV).
7. “And continuing under the power of death for a time.”
   1. “And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb” (Mark 15:46, ESV).

*****

Conclusion 

Why did the Son of God humble himself as he did? Consider what the Nicene Creed says about Christ the Son:

We believe… in one Lord Jesus Christ,

      the only Son of God,

      begotten from the Father before all ages,

           God from God,

           Light from Light,

           true God from true God,

      begotten, not made;

      of the same essence as the Father.

      Through him all things were made.

      For us and for our salvation

           he came down from heaven;

           he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,

           and was made human.

           He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;

           he suffered and was buried.

           The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures.

           He ascended to heaven

           and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

           He will come again with glory

           to judge the living and the dead.

           His kingdom will never end.

Baptist Catechism 29

Q. 29. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?

A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to Himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all His and our enemies. (Ps. 110:3; Matt. 2:6; 1 Cor. 15:25)

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1–6

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:1–6, ESV)

*****

Brothers and sisters, I’ll begin by reminding you that we are considering the work of Christ in this portion of our catechism. It was in Baptist Catechism questions 24-25 that we considered the person and natures of Christ. In other words, those questions and answers addressed the questions, who and what is Jesus? The question behind Baptist Catechism questions 26-31 is, what is the work that Christ has done to redeem us from our sin and misery? As you probably know by now, our catechism presents the work of Christ by considering the offices he has fulfilled. An office is a work to be done. Jesus Christ, the only redeemer of God’s elect, has fulfilled three offices. We have considered his prophetic and priestly offices. Today we will consider his kingly office.  

Consider, briefly, four things about Christ the Redeemer and his kingly office:  

One, Jesus Christ was not the first king of God’s people.

Under the Old Mosaic Covenant, many kings were appointed to rule within Israel.  To learn about Israel’s kings, you may read 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles.  The history of Israel’s kings is rather sad.  It did not begin well with the choosing of Saul.  Israel wanted a king like all the other nations. God allowed them to have Saul.  He was a disaster because he was worldly and faithless (see 1 Samuel 15:23).  Afterwards, David was anointed king.  David was far from perfect, but he was a man after God’s heart (see 1 Samuel 13:14).  This means he was a man of faith.  This also means that he understood the kings of Israel were to rule under God’s supreme authority.  David was the greatest of the kings of Israel.  The nation was settled and well-established under his rule.  His son Solomon enjoyed the fruits of that, but he turned his back on the LORD.  Of all the kings that descended from David and Solomon, some were faithful, but most were unfaithful.  When you read the story of Israel’s kings, you will notice this theme: As goes the king, so goes the kingdom.  Kings are to protect the citizens of their kingdom.  They are to rule over them justly.  They are to lead.  When the kings of Israel (and later Judah) honored the Lord, the nation was blessed.  When they dishonored the Lord, the nation was cursed. 

The second thing I would like you to consider is that long ago it was promised that a great King would arise in the line of David.

2 Samuel 7 is a very important Scripture text.  In it, we find a record of what is called the Davidic Covenant.  There God promises many things to King David as it pertains to his kingdom. Listen to verses 12-13.  There the Lord promises David, “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.  He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:12–13, ESV).  In verse 16 the Lord says, “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me.  Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16, ESV).

So, God promised to raise up a son from David who would rule over his kingdom forever.  This should sound familiar.  Just as God promised that the Messiah would be a priest who served forever, God also promised that David would have a son who would rule and reign forever. 

This combination of the priestly and kingly offices is also observed in Psalm 110 which we read earlier.  Here is again: “The LORD says to my Lord:  ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’  The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter.  Rule in the midst of your enemies!  Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.  The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek’” (Psalm 110:1–4, ESV).

Notice a few things about this very important text:  One, this king who would be David’s son would also be David’s Lord.  That is why David said, “The LORD says to my Lord:  ‘Sit at my right hand…” etc.  The first LORD mentioned is God.  And who is the second Lord mentioned?  He is the king who would descend from David. So, David’s son would be greater than him.  Jesus makes much of this in Luke 20:41-44.  Two, this great king would be invited to sit, not on an earthly throne, but at God’s right hand in heaven.  Three, this king would sit there until all his enemies were subdued.  Four, many will be judged by this king, being placed under his feet.  Five, his people would offer themselves freely on the day of his power. In other words, many would bow the knee to him freely and surrender to him as Lord.  It is no wonder that many were eagerly awaiting the arrival of this Anointed King or Messiah. 

This leads to our third consideration concerning Christ’s kingly office.  Though Jesus Christ was not the first king, he is by far the greatest King.  He is the King of Psalm 110.  He is the King of 2 Samuel 7.  He is the King who descended from David.  He is the King who rules and reigns forever over God’s eternal kingdom.    He is the King of kings and Lord of lords (see Revelation 19:16).

The New Testament Scriptures teach this in many different ways. Listen to the very first verse of the New Testament. Matthew 1:1 says, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”  Matthew begins his gospel by telling us that Jesus Christ is the son that was promised to David as recorded in 2 Samuel 7. 

When the angel Gabriel came to make the announcement to the virgin Mary that she would conceive and give birth to a son, he said, among other things, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31–33, ESV).

Many other proofs could be piled up in support of the claim that Jesus is the Anointed son of David, the King of God’s eternal kingdom.  I’ll present one more passage to you from the book of Revelation.  Here we find a picture of the return of Christ and the final judgment.  In Revelation 19:11 we read, “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse!  The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.  He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.  And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron.  He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.  On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:11–16, ESV).

The fourth and final thing I would like you to consider about Christ’s kingly work is that in this office, Christ the Redeemer meets our needs.

What needs does Christ meet as our king?  One, subduing us to himself.  We need him to do this because we are by nature rebels and enemies of God.  Two, he rules over us.  Those who have Jesus as Savior also have him as Lord (see Romans 10:9).  Lords rule over their people!  Christ is a most merciful and kind ruler.  Three, Christ defends his people.  Listen to the words of Christ in John 10:25: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one” (John 10:27–30, ESV).  Four, Christ restrains all of his and our enemies (see Revelation 20:1-3).  Five, Christ conquers all of his and our enemies, the last enemy to be conquered is death.  You can hear echoes of Psalm 110 in 1 Corinthians 15:25-27.  There Paul writes about Christ, saying, “For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.  The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For ‘God has put all things in subjection under his feet’” (1 Corinthians 15:25–27, ESV).

*****

I would like to conclude this little sermon by reading Second London Confession chapter 8 paragraphs 9 and 10 to you. This will serve as a nice conclusion to this sermon and to this section of our catechism. 

Paragraph 9. This office of mediator between God and man is proper only to Christ, who is the prophet, priest, and king of the church of God; and may not be either in whole, or any part thereof, transferred from him to any other. (1 Timothy 2:5)

Paragraph 10. This number and order of offices is necessary; for in respect of our ignorance, we stand in need of his prophetical office; and in respect of our alienation from God, and imperfection of the best of our services, we need his priestly office to reconcile us and present us acceptable unto God; and in respect to our averseness and utter inability to return to God, and for our rescue and security from our spiritual adversaries, we need his kingly office to convince, subdue, draw, uphold, deliver, and preserve us to his heavenly kingdom. (John 1:18; Colossians 1:21; Galatians 5:17; John 16:8; Psalms 110:3; Luke 1:74, 75)

Baptist Catechism 28

Q. 28. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?

A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in His once offering up of Himself, a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us. (1 Peter 2:24; Heb. 9:28; Eph. 5:2; Heb. 2:17; 7:25; Rom. 8:34)

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 7:11–28

“Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’ ” This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.” (Hebrews 7:11–28, ESV)

*****

Introduction

As you probably recall, we are in the middle of a section in our catechism wherein we are considering the work that Jesus Christ has done to redeem us from our sin and misery. Our catechism presents the work of Christ to us in a very helpful way, that is, through the lens of the threefold offices of Christ. An office is a work to be performed. And we are learning that Christ has fulfilled the office of prophet, priest, and king. Today, we are considering Christ’s priestly work. 

Consider four things about Christ the Redeemer and his priestly work (these observations will sound familiar): 

First, Jesus Christ was not the first priest of God.

In the days of Abraham, there was a priest of God named Melchizedek.  You may read of him in Genesis 14:l17ff.  He’s a bit of a mysterious figure, but he is very important.  We will return to him shortly.  And in the days of Moses, Aaron was consecrated to fulfill the office of priest in Israel.  From that day forward, it was the descendants of Aaron and Levi who were to hold the office of priest.

What work did these priests do?  They ministered at the tabernacle, and later, the temple.  They were to keep the temple pure.  They were to offer sacrifices and prayers to God on behalf of the people.  The priests were intermediaries and intercessors. The people of Israel were to approach God through the priesthood, at the temple, and through the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant. 

The second thing I would like you to consider is that long ago it was promised that a great priest would arise, not in the line of Aaron or Levi, but according to the order of Melchizedek.

The writer of the book Hebrews makes much of this in Hebrews chapters five through seven.  In that long passage, he quotes Psalm 110:4.  This Psalm was written by King David about 1,000 years before Christ was born.  This Psalm is about the promised Messiah.  And one of the things it revealed was that the Messiah would be a priest.  Psalm 110:4 says, “The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek’” (Psalm 110:4, ESV). 

Two things about this verse are shocking. 

One, it revealed that the Messiah would be a priest, not in the line of Aaron or Levi, but in the order of Melchizedek, that mysterious figure mentioned in Genesis 14.  The reason for this is that the Messiah would not be called to function as a priest according to the order of the Old Mosaic Covenant (see Exodus 19-Deuteronomy).  As priest, he would not offer up animal sacrifices or incense at the temple.  He would not be concerned with ceremonial washing or the holy days of the Old Covenant. No, as a priest, the Messiah would serve under a different Covenant — the New Covenant — and according to a different order.  Melchizedek lived long before Moses.  Melchizedek predated the Old Mosaic Covenant.  Melchizedek ministered in the world in a time when only the Covenant of Grace was present in the world, and then only in the form of a promise.  For this reason, Christ is said to be a priest, not in the line of Moses, Aaron, or Levi, but Melchizedek.  Just as Melchizedek served the Covenant of Grace, so to Christ would serve the Covenant of Grace.  In the days of Melchizedek the Covenant of Grace was promised.  In the days of Christ, it was fulfilled.  As it pertains to the priestly office, Jesus Christ has more in common with Melchizedek than Moses, Aaron, and Levi.  

Two, Psalm 110:4 says that Messiah will be a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. This is shocking because the priests who descended from Aaron would serve for a time but their service would always come to an end because they would die.  All of the priests of the Old Covenant order were eventually removed from office by death.  But the Messiah, Psalm 110:4 revealed, would serve as a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.  As I have said, Psalm 110 was written by King David about 1,000 years before Jesus the Messiah was born.  From that time until the arrival of the Messiah, God’s people lived with a sense of anticipation wondering when this great priest would arrive, who he would be, what work he would do, and how he could possibly serve forever, in fulfillment of this ancient prophecy (see 1 Peter 1:10-11).

A lot more could be said about how the priestly work of Christ was anticipated under the Old Covenant.  In brief, though the Messiah would be a priest, not in the order of Aaron or Levi, but in the order of Melchizedek, the priesthood of Aaron and Levi and their ministry at the tabernacle and temple under the Old Covenant did foreshadow the priesthood of Christ in many ways.  The continual offering up of the blood of bulls and goats, the perpetual need for cleansing, and the cycle of priests being ordained to the office and then being removed by death, anticipated the arrival of the one who would actually atone for and cleanse from sin, who would mediate forever and ever so as to bring us into the presence of God.  The book of Hebrews has a lot to say about these things, especially chapters seven through ten.    

This leads to our third consideration concerning Christ’s priestly office.  Though Jesus Christ was not the first priest, he is by far the greatest priest, and he is also the last.

The priests of the Old Covenant offered up the blood of bulls and goats.  This animal blood could not actually atone for human sin and make one right with God (see Hebrews 10:1-4).  These sacrifices did point forward to the sacrifice that Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, has offered up.  And what sacrifice did Jesus offer up?  He offered up his own life as a substitute for sinners.  He shed his own blood for the remission of sins.  ​​Christ said, “for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28, ESV).

The priests of old were able to cleanse the body and make one ceremonially pure according to the conditions of the Old Covenant, but they could not cleanse the conscience.  It is Christ who cleanses the conscience, for Christ actually removes the guilt of sin.  This is why the writer to the Hebrews says, “and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:21–23, ESV).

The priests of old, though they were able to intercede from on earth on behalf of God’s people, were not able to reconcile people to God, for they themselves were sinners in need of cleansing.  And though they fulfilled an important ministry for a time, their ministries were always cut short by death.  But Christ, our great High Priest, is able to bring us to God, and he intercedes for his people continuously, for he lived a sinless life, died a sacrificial death for his people, was buried, and on the third day, and was raised to life eternal and incorruptible.  He ascended to the right hand of the Father where he makes continual intercession for his people.  None of the priests of old ascended.  They served God and his people on earth.  But Christ ascended into the heavenly holy of holies. 

This is what Hebrews 10:12-14 speaks about, saying, “And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet.  For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:11–14, ESV).

I could say a lot more. The priests of old were good and even great, but Christ is much greater.  Christ was raised from the dead.  He has ascended.  His blood actually cleanses from sin.  He has the power to reconcile us to God.    

The fourth and final thing I would like you to consider about Christ’s priestly work is that in this office, Christ the Redeemer meets our needs.

Because of sin, we need to be cleansed.  We need to be made right with God.  We cannot ascend to heaven on our own.  Someone needs to take us there.  Jesus Christ is the one.  His blood cleanses (see 1 John 1:7).  He gives his righteousness to all who turn from their sins to trust in him (see Isaiah 61:10).  He reconciles us to the Father (see Romans 5:11).  He intercedes for us continually (see Hebrews 7:25). 

*****

Conclusion

Baptist Catechism 27

Q. 27. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?

A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation. (John 1:18; 14:26; 15:15)

Scripture Reading: John 15:12-17

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” (John 15:12–17, ESV)

*****

Introduction

We are entering into a wonderful section of our catechism wherein the work of Christ is considered through the lens of his threefold office. An office is a work to be done. And with the help of Baptist Catechism 26, we learned that Christ fulfilled three offices: the offices of a prophet, priest, and king. Here in Baptist Catechism 27 we turn our attention to the prophetic office of Christ.

Consider four things about the prophetic work of Christ the Redeemer:

First, Jesus Christ was not the first prophet of God.

Hebrews 1:1 says, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets…”  So, before the birth of Jesus Christ God appointed many prophets.  Moses is to be regarded as very great.  Deuteronomy 34:10 says, “And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face…”  God spoke to Moses face to face, as it were. And Moses was faithful to communicate the word of God to the people.

John the Baptist, the relative of Jesus, and his forerunner, was also a prophet.  In fact, he is to be regarded as the greatest of the prophets of old.  Why?  Because he had the distinct privilege of announcing the arrival of the kingdom of God.  He preached, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2, ESV).  He was blessed to point at Jesus and to say, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, ESV).  In a sense, this is what all of the prophets did.  In different ways, they pointed forward to Christ and his kingdom.  But John the Baptist was blessed to announce his arrival and to prepare the way for his ministry. 

What was the job of these prophets of old?  What work did they do?  In brief, they declared the word of God to the people.  Most often, they preached the law and the gospel.  They would apply the law of Moses to the people and urge them to turn from their sins and to God.  So then, the prophets were preachers.  Sometimes, they would foretell the future.  Being inspired by God, the prophets would sometimes warn of impending judgment.  And as I have just said, the prophets would also point forward to the Messiah, the arrival of his kingdom, and to the New Covenant that he would mediate.

The second thing I would like you to consider is that long ago it was promised a great prophet would one day arise from within Israel.

Deuteronomy 18:15 is important.  Here we find the words of Moses.  He spoke to the people of Israel, saying, “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers — it is to him you shall listen —” (Deuteronomy 18:15, ESV).  As I have just said, many prophets would arise within Israel from Moses’ day onward.  But in this passage, Moses speaks of “a prophet” and says, “it is to him you shall listen.”  From that day forward the people of Israel were to live with a sense of expectation and wonder as they awaited the arrival of this great prophet.  

This leads to our third consideration concerning Christ’s prophetic office.  Though Jesus Christ was not the first prophet, he is by far the greatest of the prophets.

I’ll start by reminding you of the story found in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36 about Jesus being transfigured up on the mountain in front of Peter, James, and John.  These three disciples of Jesus saw him glorified in front of them.  And who appeared with Jesus?  It was none other than the great prophets of old, Moses and Elijah.  And do not forget what God said.  In Matthew 17:5 we read, “Behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him’” (Matthew 17:5–7, ESV).  So, over a thousand years earlier Moses spoke to Israel, saying, “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers — it is to him you shall listen —” (Deuteronomy 18:15, ESV), and up on the mountain, Jesus was glorified with Moses and Elijah at his side and God said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”  The message could not be more clear.  Jesus Christ is the great prophet of whom Moses spoke (see Acts 3:22–26).  Jesus is like Moses in that he is a prophet and a mediator of a covenant — Moses of the Old and Jesus of the New.  Jesus is not like Moses in that Moses was a servant in God’s house whereas Christ is the Son of God.  Moses was a great prophet of God, but Jesus Christ is a much greater prophet. 

Listen to Hebrews 1:1-2:  “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world” (Hebrews 1:1–2, ESV).

Hebrews 3:5-6 says, “Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son.  And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope” (Hebrews 3:5–6, ESV).

Prophets speak to God’s people on behalf of God.  In other words, prophets reveal God and God’s will for our salvation.  Many faithful prophets lived during and before the time of Christ, but Jesus Christ is a prophet of a different kind.  He is not a servant in God’s house; he is God’s Son.  In other words, God did not merely give Christ the words to speak to his people; Christ is the eternal Word of God incarnate.  

Listen to John 1:1-3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:1–3, ESV).  John 1:14 then says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, ESV).  And John 1:18 says, “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known” (John 1:18, ESV).

Can you see why I have said that Jesus Christ is a prophet of a different kind?  He is no mere man speaking the words of God to the people of God.  No, he is the eternal Son or Word of God incarnate.  One of the key purposes of his mission was to reveal the Father to us and to make known the way of our salvation.  This he has done supremely and most perfectly.   

Listen to the Word of Christ in John 15:15:  “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15, ESV).  Listen to the words of Christ in John 17:6-8.  He prayed to God, saying, “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world.  Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.  Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you.  For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me” (John 17:6–8, ESV). 

The prophets of old spoke the word of God to the people of God as servants.  Jesus Christ is a prophet of a different order or kind. He speaks the word of God to us as the eternal Son who came down from the Father.  His word is the supreme word.  His word is the final word.  All prophecies uttered before and after his incarnation are from him (through inspiration) and have reference to him (he is the fulfillment).  

The fourth and final thing I would like you to consider about Christ’s prophetic work is that in this office, Christ the Redeemer meets our need.

If we are to know God truly, God must reveal himself to us.  How much more do we stand in need of God’s revelation now that we have fallen into sin?  Adam was created with true knowledge, remember?  But now that we have fallen, our minds are darkened because of sin (see Ephesians 4:18).  We need God’s word if we are to know God and the way of salvation.  Jesus Christ is the Word of God.  He reveals to us, by His Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation, our catechism says. 

The little phrase, “by His Word and Spirit”, is interesting.  By it we are reminded of another way in which Christ is greater than any other prophet.  The prophets of old were empowered by God to speak the word of God.  But they did not have the power to enable men and women to understand or believe the words they spoke. But Christ reveals to us, by His Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.  Not only does he have the power to deliver the message, he also has the power to open the minds and change the hearts of God’s elect to make them willing and able to believe his word. This he does by sending his Word and Spirit.  The little phrase, “by His Word and Spirit”, prepares us for what we will learn in Baptist Catechism 33 and 34 regarding effectual calling. 

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Conclusion