River Valley Campus Teachings

Prophet. Priest. King. | DT

·35 min·3 clips
How does Jesus fulfilling the roles of prophet, priest, and king redefine the entire meaning of Christmas?
The episode opens with a personal anecdote about interviewing Allie Sanchez, the new kids director, whose hidden qualities surprised the speaker, serving as an analogy for discovering deeper aspects of Jesus beyond the Christmas manger scene. The speaker introduces the Advent series 'What Child Is This?' and states the goal is to examine Jesus' mission to fulfill the Old Testament, referencing Matthew 5:17. He outlines the Old Testament system of law, sacrifice, and ritual designed for relationship with God, then introduces the three leadership offices of prophet, priest, and king that summarize the Old Testament. The core thesis is that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of all three roles. First, Jesus as prophet is explored through scriptures like Deuteronomy 18:15 and John 1:1, emphasizing he is the Word of God and his commands, though sometimes uncomfortable, are for our good, with the Holy Spirit providing conviction. Second, Jesus as priest is discussed using 1 Timothy 2:5 and Hebrews 9:26, highlighting that he both mediates and became the sacrifice, with an ongoing priestly ministry of intercession. The story of Jesus calling Matthew the tax collector from Matthew 9 is told in vivid detail to illustrate Jesus' mercy toward sinners. Third, Jesus as king is examined through passages like John 18:36 and Luke 6:46, stressing his lordship over all aspects of life, including modern examples like phones and relationships. The speaker warns against treating God as a consultant rather than Lord. The three roles are then integrated using a three-legged stool analogy: missing any one distorts understanding of Jesus—without priest, he seems cruel; without king, life remains self-run; without prophet, sin is tolerated. The episode concludes with a call to let Jesus increase in one's life, a prayer for salvation, and a benediction emphasizing wholehearted following.

As heard by us

A direct Advent teaching that frames Jesus' commands and compassion as a claim on the whole life.

Jesus is presented through the Advent frame of prophet, priest, and king, beginning with Allie Sanchez and a resume that held more surprises than expected.

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Why you'd press play

You want a Christmas message that makes prophet, priest, and king feel like the way Jesus meets you personally.

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