Christmas Devotion (Day 15) - Priest / Prophet

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
-- Hebrews 4:14-16

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
-- Hebrews 1:1

Jesus is both Priest - the One who faithfully bears us into God's presence by virtue of His self-sacrifice - and Prophet - the One who perfectly communicates God's Word to us. We are called to listen to Him, to trust in His work, and to take our places as part of a kingdom of priests who in Christ Jesus offer ourselves on behalf of others. As you pray to Jesus as both Priest and Prophet, ask Him to help you understand the deep meaning of these titles so that you can live out their truths in your life.
Prophet, priest and king - these were the three major offices in Israel, titles also ascribed to Jesus. While the king governed as God's representative on earth, the priest's role was to represent the people to God by offering sacrifices, prayers and praise on their behalf. While the primary role of the priest was to speak to God on behalf of the people, the prophet's primary responsibility was to speak to the people on behalf of God. While prophets sometimes predicted future events, like Isaiah and Daniel, more often they called people to faithfulness like Moses, Jeremiah and Elijah. But unlike the prophets who went before Him, Jesus would be the one Prophet who not only perfectly revealed God's Word but who perfectly revealed God Himself.

Discuss: Why do you think it is important that Jesus, as High Priest, is able to sympathize with our weaknesses? What about Jesus made Him able to do this? Why do you think Jesus was more effective than the priests of the Old Testament?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus. for understanding what it means to be weak and tempted, and thank you also for never giving in to temptation. You are the only one able to bring me to the Father so that my sins can be forgiven. Through Your life and through Your death you  have told me who God is and what His plans are for me. Now I pray that You will help me to imitate You, so that others might know You as both Priest and Prophet. Amen.

Songs: Joseph’s Lullaby by Mercy Me, Go Tell it on the Mountain