Lesson: CHRIST, THE SIMULTANEOUS PRIEST AND KING
TEXT: Psalm 110:1-4
MEMORY VERSE: Zech. 6:13
It is he who will build the temple of the LORD, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. He will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two. (NIV)
INTRODUCTION: One hundred and fifty years before the birth of Jesus Christ, the world of then was ruled by persons who bi-purposely served both as rulers and priests. Melchizedek the king and priest of Salem is an illustration (see Heb. 7:1-3). This was adopted and nearly established in Israel as an ordinance. With this historical precedence, the Christian Church leadership in the Middle Ages attempted to arrogate to itself such powers to be looked up to as both spiritual and political leaders in Europe. Professing the Christian Faith, they claimed to rule the Church and the nations simultaneously. We see that both the Jews in pre-Christ’s days and the Christian Church leadership in the post-Christ’s days failed. The reason for their failure is not farfetched: It will take a personality superior to the flesh to save and maintain humanity. Therefore, God revealed same to inspired writers of the imminent Jehovah’s Messiah Who alone will be able to bear such burden (see our memory verse) – that is the resurrected and ascended Christ (cf. Heb. 10:13; Eph. 4:7-10).
OBJECTIVE: To see the authentic emergence of the Messiah of the nations; how Jesus is He by His resurrection from the dead and His enthronement as eternal Ruler.
PRESENTATION:
Step I: THE MESSIAH WAS PREDICTED TO DESCEND FROM DAVID, POWERFUL AND MERCIFUL
(a) The long awaited age of righteousness, peace, prosperity and mercy will be visible in the days of the Messiah. (see Ps. 7:1-14)
(b) His reign will destroy the spirit of enmity by His immeasurable power. (cf. Isa. 11:1-9)
Step II: JESUS CONFESSED HE WAS/IS HE
(a) Before Pilate, He made the claim. (cf. Jn. 18:36-37)
i. He added that it was for that singular purpose that He was born as a human being.
(b) But His government was not to be followed or measured carnally, that is, according to human standards.
(c) Before now, Jesus did foretell that He will emerge with power and majesty to judge the nations. (see Matt. 25:31)
(d) The thief asked for King Jesus’ favour after understanding His eternal and God-endorsed position. (see Luke 23:42)
Step III: JESUS’ RESURRECTION IS A DIVINE CONFIRMATION OF HIS ENTHRONEMENT
(a) Jesus, after His resurrection, said that all power has been given to Him by the Father to rule. (see Matt. 28:18; Acts 17:30-31)
(b) By His ascension (ascent) from the body, He has assumed His eternal reign and ministry as an eternal Priest and King in the heavenly sanctuary from where He rules the nations.
Step IV: HE IS THE ALL-RICH AND MASTER OF ALL
(a) Jesus owns all; is in all for Whom all live and to Whom all belong. ALLELUIA! (cf. Col. 1:15-19; Eph. 1:20-21).
(b) A dependence upon Him is an invincible fortress. (cf. Matt. 28:18-20).
CONCLUSION:
‘For unto us a child is born…The government is upon his shoulder. He is named, wonderful, counselor and mighty God, everlasting father and prince of peace.’ (Isa. 9:6). The prophecy above has been fulfilled on Jesus. He is the Jewish Messiah and the Gentiles’ Christ. This is why the writer of Matthew’s Gospel makes the emphasis of prophetic fulfillment in the Hebrews’ Scriptures on the life of Christ and, in it, is replete with the phrase, ‘to fulfill that which was written…’
EVALUATION:
1. Between theocracy and democracy, which one does Jehovah endorse for Jesus’ rule?
2. Why can man not rule over man’s affairs satisfactorily?
3. What is the sole and outstanding divine testimony that Jesus is the Messiah/Christ?
4. ‘A dependence on Jesus is an invincible fortress.’ Why?
PRAYER: Thank God for His Word and pray for good leadership among us at any level looking at the perfect leadership model exhibited by Christ, our Master.