Jesus Christ was the only New Testament figure to have held all three offices of Prophet, Priest and King. The mysterious figure of Melchizadek [tr. Righteous King], King of Salem [tr. peace], in the Old Testamant also fulfilled these three offices. We might stretch the point and say that David, who was Prophet and King might have occasionally acted as Priest. However, Jesus is the only One who also fulfilled the prophesies and performed all duties related to all three offices.

 We know, of course, of Jesus' anointing as Prophet, discerning and applying the scriptures in light of the times (Luke 4:18-21, 7:16, 39). The focus here is on Priest and King. "Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest [Jesus] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool" (Heb. 10:11-13). The verse is very interesting because there was no chair or stool in the temple for the priest to sit down while on duty, and this verse verifies that the priest stood while he worked, yet after Jesus was crucified, He sat down. Psalm 110 foretells this: " The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet.' The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies . . . The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek'" (vs.1-2, 4). The offices indeed are melded in the words of the prophet Zechariah: "Take the silver and gold and make a crown, and set it on the head of the high priest, Joshua, son of Jehozadak. Tell him this is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the Lord. 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. And there will be harmony between the two [offices that have often struggled in opposition]'" (vs. 11-13).

So now we see Jesus the Prophet, after Calvary, after the brutal Priestly sacrifice that bought our forgiveness, the last sacrifice, sitting at the right hand of God--sitting because, in His words, "It is finished" (John 19:30). The great work is done, and He sits at the right hand of His Father, the place of highest honor, to claim His Lordship.

However, Jesus did not retire from the priesthood. Stephen, as he prepared to be martyred "looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God'" (Acts 7:55-56). Jesus still stands to fill His office of Priest: "therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them" (Heb. 7:25); and Jesus still sits on the throne to fill His office of King: "On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Rev. 19:16); and from heaven He still prophesies "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true'"(Rev. 21:3-5).

When this last prophesy is fulfilled, He will once again speak the words "It is done" (Rev. 21:6), and we will be with Him! Amen. Hallelujah. Praise Prophet, Priest and King, Jesus Christ!