The Prophet

For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses-- as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (Heb. 3:3 ESV)

Question 23: How does Christ execute the office of a prophet?
Answer: Christ executes the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his Word, and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.

The way the apostle John opens up his gospel has fascinated theologians and pastors alike for centuries.  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  Jesus is the divine logos of God--the word of God.  But why?  He then goes on to say in v.14, "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."  Then in v.18, "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known."  John's point is that God is spirit.  He is invisible.  Had God chosen not reveal himself to humanity, then no one would ever know God.  God would never be known.  Thus, God reveals himself to humanity by speaking to them through his word, through the prophets.  But as the author or Hebrew states it, "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"  (Heb. 1:1-2).  In other words, Jesus is the word of God, the final word of God, because in Christ the fulness of God is revealed to us.  In this sense he fulfills the role of prophet.  The prophets in the Old Testament could only reveal about God what God had revealed to them.  But in the person of Jesus Christ, Jesus is the full revelation of God.  Jesus is God personified.  Everything there is to know about God is found in the person of Jesus Christ.  Thus, if you want to fully know God, then seek to know Christ.