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Anointed
Andrew was the first person in the New Testament who mentioned
Jesus’ anointing, "We have found the Messias , (Hebrew—
mªshiyach) which is, being interpreted, the Christ (Greek—
christos) ” (John 1:41) . However, since most of us are neither Greek
nor Hebrew, we are not real clear as to what exactly Andrew meant
by the term, “the Messias.”
The first thing that one might ask is, “How can these Hebrew & Greek
words (mªshiyach — christos) have any significant relevance in our
modern world today?” Perhaps we should begin by discovering exactly
what these terms actually mean.
The English term “Messiah” is a translation of the Hebrew word (mªshiyach) ,
meaning “anointed one.” In like fashion the Hebrew word (mªshiyach) is the
equivalent of the Greek word (christos) which is used throughout two
different major ancient works: (1) the Septuagint (The Old Testament
Scriptures which were translated during the 3 rd century B.C. into the common
Greek language) ; and (2) the New Testament Scriptures .
It is important to understand that the title, "Christ" is not Jesus’ last name, as some
mistakenly seem to think! We have just observed that the English word "Christ"
comes from that Greek word (christos) ; meaning "Anointed One." The name
“Jesus” is the English word which derives from the Hebrew “yeshuw` ah” and it
means salvation or savior. Therefore, the term “Jesus Christ” literally means the
"Savior, the Anointed One!"
What is the anointing?
This Bible Study will of necessity focus at least in part on “the anointing;” however “the
anointing” is not the primary subject matter of this study. --- If you would like to know
more about the anointing, please get the Bible Study entitled, “ Anointed Son of the
Blessed .” http://www.rivkah.org/PDFs/021107.pdf You may obtain a copy from the World
Wide Web at: http://www.rivkah.org .
The actual main focus of this study is the fact that Jesus Christ was anointed into three
separate offices. He was anointed to be: (1) a Prophet, (2) a Priest, and (3) a King.
Therefore Jesus has great authority as the following passage describes, “Jesus came and
spake unto them, saying, “All power (GK – “exousia,” meaning authority) is given unto
me in heaven and in earth” (Matt 28:18). In the next passage we can examine that same
word (exousia) and see how it is used in relation Jesus’ authority, “the chief priests and the
elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority
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Anointed
(exousia) doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority (exousia) ?” (Matt
21:23). Every Christian needs to get a revelation about Jesus’ authority; after all, His final
act upon the earth was to share His own authority with His disciples, “these signs shall
follow them that believe; In my name (by my authority) shall they cast out devils; they
shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly
thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark
16:17-18).
Since Jesus shared His authority with the church, we better find out exactly what that
authority includes. We can learn a great deal about His authority by carefully examining
the three offices into which He was anointed. However, before discussing His three
primary offices, we first need to examine the anointing process.
We will begin with the first person to perform anointing in the Bible. This first occurrence
takes place after Isaac had sent Jacob away to get a bride. On his way Jacob had a special
dream from God, “Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put
for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it ” (Gen 28:18). In
the next narration of anointing Jacob is once again the individual who performs the act.
However, this second anointing takes place some twenty-two years later as Jacob returns to
the land of Israel (we will return to this 22-year period later) . We discover that the second
anointing is associated with an offering, “And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he
talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon , and he
poured oil thereon ” (Gen 35:14). We may not completely understand everything behind
Jacob’s acts as he “poured out” these elements upon the rock. However, we should
understand that both oil and wine yield their primary product only after having been
crushed. Jacob’s life had earlier been quite tumultuous; it may be wise for us to pay close
attention to Jacob’s troubles. The many crushing events of his life may have been on his
mind both while he was going and returning. The night of the second anointing was that
very night that God changed Jacob’s name to Israel (overcomer – prince with God) .
The Prophet Samuel chronicles for us the events surrounding the anointing of the first king
of Israel. Let’s take an overall look at this special event because it is so rich in symbolism.
An Israelite named Kish had lost several donkeys; as a result he sent Saul his son and a
servant to find the missing livestock. Saul and the servant passed through four different
provinces and could not find the creatures, “And when they were come to the land of
Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father
leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us . (It is not uncommon for us to “perceive
loss;” when in fact God is simply working in our lives to close one door and open another.)
6 And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God , and he is an
honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: (Clearly, they were wise to seek out
a prophet.) now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go”
(1 Sam 9:5-6). However, it is improper to seek help from a prophet without taking a gift or
an offering, “Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the
man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of
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Anointed
God : what have we? 8 And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here
at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our
way. 9(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and
let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.) 10
Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where
the man of God was” (1 Sam 9:7-10).
The next passage portrays that when one goes to see a prophet, they are essentially going
“up” or ascending to a higher plane, “And as they went up the hill to the city, they found
young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here? 12 And they
answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make haste now, for he came to
day to the city; for there is a sacrifice of the people to day in the high place : 13 As soon as
ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to
eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and
afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up ; for about this time ye shall
find him. 14 And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city,
behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place ” (1 Sam 9:11-14).
Next, we will learn that the prophet already knew that Saul and his servant were seeking
him out. The message is that a prophet of God operates in one of the gifts of the spirit
known as a “word of knowledge.” For this reason, the prophet will “pick-up in the spirit”
when someone is seeking/needing their assistance, “Now the LORD had told Samuel in
his ear a day before Saul came, saying, “To morrow about this time I will send thee a man
out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel,
that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my
people, because their cry is come unto me. 17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said
unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people”
(1 Sam 9:15-17).
Saul stayed with Samuel until the next day. Samuel reassured Saul that his father’s
donkeys had been found. He also revealed to Saul that God had determined that he would
become the king over Israel. Samuel fed Saul the shoulder portion (The shoulder portion
was usually reserved.) “the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest” (Lev 7:32). Samuel
ended his words with the advice, “but stand thou still a while , that I may shew thee the
word of God” (1 Sam 9:27). Notice how the word of God comes, “Be still, and know that I
am God” (Ps 46:10). Samuel fed Saul both spiritually and physically as if he were a priest.
The day of the anointing!
Before we review the anointing ceremony, Christians need to realize that ‘christos’ means
(anointed one;) therefore, you have been anointed too. Samuel stood above Saul and he,
“took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head , and kissed him, and said, Is it not because
the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?” (1 Sam 10:1) While
Samuel prophesied over Saul he said, “thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there
shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel , one carrying three kids, and another
carrying three loaves of bread , and another carrying a bottle of wine : (we should take note
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Anointed
of the symbols of bread and wine) 4 And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of
bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands . (after an encounter with the prophet and
getting anointed Saul begins to find favor in the eyes of others) 5 After that thou shalt come
to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when
thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down
from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and
they shall prophesy: 6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt
prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man . (after an encounter with the
prophet and getting anointed Saul was turned into another man) 7 And let it be, when these
signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee . 8 And
thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer
burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry,
till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do. 9 And it was so, that when he had
turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart : (after an encounter with
the prophet and getting anointed Saul was given a new heart from God) and all those signs
came to pass that day. 10 And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of
prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among
them. 11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he
prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is
come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets? (after an encounter with the
prophet and getting anointed Saul became a prophet) 12 And one of the same place
answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also
among the prophets? ” (1 Sam 10:3-12). Just like Saul, we Christians should learn from
the previous passage that after we have been anointed by the Spirit of God, four
characteristics should begin to manifest in us: (1) we begin to find favor in the eyes of
others; (2) we are turned into another man; (3) we receive a new heart from God; and (4)
we begin to see into the spirit realm and begin to prophesy, “For ye may all prophesy one
by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted” (1 Cor 14:31).
We have just discovered that the first anointed king over Israel also become a prophet on
the day he was anointed. On the very special day when the Ark of the Covenant was
brought into Jerusalem notice how David dressed, “And David danced before the LORD
with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod ” (2 Sam 6:14); “when God
helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven
bullocks and seven rams. 27 And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen , and all the
Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the
singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen ” (1 Chron 15:26-27). King David
dressed with some of the garments that the priests would normally wear. David was not
performing the duties of a priest ; merely having an association with priestly garments.
Prophet, Priest, and King
Lying just below the title Christ or Messiah is a rich and powerful meaning. At the risk of
becoming redundant, please remember that ‘christos’ means (anointed one). The Biblical
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Anointed
ceremony to induct a leader into a high office included anointing that person with oil by
(pouring oil upon the head) . The psalmist describes the beauty of this ceremony, “It is like
the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard:
(Reference to the anointing when Aaron became Israel’s first priest.) that went down to the
skirts of his garments” (Ps 133:2). Notice the different kinds of anointing:
Kings were anointed : A king rules, reigns and governs the nation. The spirit moves after
any anointing. As we have just read, Saul was chosen by God and anointed by Samuel;
subsequent to his anointing the Holy Spirit came upon him. David was selected by God
and anointed to be king. From that time, the Spirit of the LORD came upon David. When
Jesus (the King of Kings) was baptized the Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a
dove, as the Holy Spirit anointed Him.
The priests were anointed : A priest is someone who represents man to God and intercedes
on man's behalf. Notice what happened to priests when they were inducted into office,
“Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,
and shalt wash them with water . . . 7 Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it
upon his head , and anoint him ” (Ex 29:4&7).
The prophets were anointed : A prophet is one who represents God to man; he speaks to
men for God. A prophet's service includes both "forth-telling" (which means calling to
repentance) and "fore-telling" (which means predicting the future). God chooses His
prophets and they are anointed, “and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou
anoint to be prophet in thy room” (1 Kings 19:16). When Jesus started his ministry He
quoted from Isaiah, “ The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me ; because the LORD hath
anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the
brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them
that are bound” (Isa 61:1). Jesus used this very passage from Isaiah when He proclaimed
His anointing.
Jesus Christ our LORD had the three-fold anointing: as prophet, as priest, and as king!
John highlighted the three aspects of the Messiah, "And from Jesus Christ, who is (1) the
faithful witness (the role of a Prophet) , and (2) the first begotten of the dead (the role of a
Priest) , and (3) the prince of the kings of the earth (the role of a King) " (Rev 1:5). He
received a three-fold anointing: like Elisha, he was anointed to be a prophet; like Aaron, he
was anointed to be a priest; and like David, he was anointed to be a king. All of these
patriarchs were anointed with oil, but notice Jesus’ anointing, “ God anointed Jesus of
Nazareth with the Holy Spirit ” (Acts 10:38); as spoken by Peter.
Jesus as Prophet
The prophets were often referred to as mine anointed, “Touch not mine anointed , and do
my prophets no harm” (Ps 105:15). Moses predicted that a special prophet would arise,
“The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee , of thy
brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken” (Deut 18:15). Now realize here, this
prophet must be from the “brethren” of Israel. Obviously, to be considered among the,
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Anointed
“brethren,” required that the prophet would be a human! This prophecy left no doubt in the
minds of the children of Israel as to the characteristics of this prophet. He was to be like
Moses; therefore he would perform similar tasks. At various times Moses acted in different
capacities; he served as a prophet, a mediator, and a ruler. Therefore, Jesus must also serve
in these various functions, “like unto me.” Notice Peter’s analysis of the Messiah, “he shall
send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you . . . For Moses truly said unto the
fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto
me ; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 23 And it shall come
to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet , shall be destroyed from among
the people” (Acts 3:20-23). Peter obviously characterized Jesus as a prophet two different
times in that passage.
Notice the question of the Jewish leaders to John the Baptist: “And they asked him, What
then? Art thou Elijah? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? (This question is a
reference to the same prophet that Moses had earlier predicted.) And he answered, No”
(John 1:21). Notice what Jesus later declared of Himself, “Jesus himself testified, that a
prophet hath no honour in his own country” (John 4:44). Because He (being a prophet)
had no honor in His own country, he departed and went into Galilee.
Officers which had been sent to arrest Jesus came back without arresting Him because of
the things that Jesus told them, “Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees;
and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 46 The officers answered, Never
man spake like this man ” (John 7:45-46). Jesus spoke with the authority of a prophet; He
certainly understood the purpose of His mission from the Father, “He that rejecteth me, and
receiveth not my words , hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken , the same
shall judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken of myself ; but the Father which
sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak ” (John
12:48-49). Clearly, Jesus walked in the office of a prophet; in that passage alone He
referenced the words He was to speak six different times.
Jesus as Priest
The priests, who comprise Aaron and his sons, became the second group of ancient
Israelites anointed into their office. The most basic function of the Old Testament priest
was to offer sacrifices; in that same sense, Jesus offered Himself to atone for the sins of
humanity, “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same
sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one
sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God ” (Heb 10:11-12).
Aaron’s sons would enter into their office at the age of 30, “the LORD spake unto Moses
and unto Aaron, saying, 2 Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of
Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers, 3 From thirty years old and upward
even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the
congregation” (Num 4:1-3). Jesus likewise began His ministry at age 30, “Jesus also being
baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a
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Anointed
bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my
beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. 23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty
years of age ” (Luke 3:21-23). John baptized Jesus in water in preparation for His ministry;
likewise, Aaron and his sons were "washed" by Moses as part of their ordination service.
In the Old Testament there are only two different orders (classes) of priests: the
Melchizedek order and the Aaronic order. Indeed the psalmist referenced the first order,
“The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchizedek ” (Ps 110:4). The Book of Hebrews appears to be a New Testament revelation
concerning the new priestly office established by Jesus; however, it like Psalm 110, refers
back to an ancient priest named Melchizedek who ministered during the days of Abraham.
Who was this Melchizedek of old? The name Malchi-tzedek means "king of
righteousness." He was king of Shalem (Jerusalem) . “ Shalem ” shares the same root as
shalom , which means "peace." So one could say that Melchizedek king of Salem was the
"righteous king of peace." An interesting and exclusive characteristic of Melchizedek is
that he was both a king and a priest at the same time. He was not a son of Aaron; his
priesthood existed at least five hundred years before Aaron was even born. From Hebrews
we learn that he had no apparent beginning or end; therefore, his priesthood lasts into
eternity, “For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God . . . by
interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of
peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of
days, nor end of life ; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually ”
(Heb 7:1-3).
The Bible does not reveal much about Melchizedek; however, what little that is revealed
portrays a most interesting aspect of his special priesthood. Melchizedek focused on the
elements of bread and wine, “Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine :
and he was the priest of the most high God” (Gen 14:18). Likewise, Jesus’ ministry is
symbolized by bread and wine, “The cup of blessing which we bless , is it not the
communion of the blood of Christ ? The bread which we break , is it not the communion
of the body of Christ ?” (1 Cor 10:16). We can glean two major aspects from the ministry
of Melchizedek: (1) he was a priest at the same time that he was a king; (2) he focused his
ministry on bread and wine. Considering just these two aspects of his ministry, Jesus’
ministry is much more like Melchizedek than that of Aaron. In actual fact, Jesus was not
associated with Aaron’s priesthood. Jesus was of the tribe of Judah while those of Aaron’s
priesthood always came from the tribe of Levi. Nevertheless, the Aaronic priesthood was a
type of Jesus.
Let’s remember that Moses predicted that the future “prophet” must be from the “brethren”
of Israel. We have already noted that would obviously require the prophet would appear as
a human! Notice, Jesus in the office of a priest “ took not on him the nature of angels ; but
he took on him the seed of Abraham . 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be
made like unto his brethren , that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things
pertaining to God , to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Heb 2:16-17). Jesus
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Anointed
came in the flesh so that as a flesh and blood priest He could condemn sin in the flesh, “For
what the law (Aaron’s priesthood) could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh , God
sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh , and for sin, condemned sin in the
flesh ” (Rom 8:3). Operating in the capacity of a priest, Jesus condemned sin in His flesh!
If Jesus had possessed a nature superior to that of a human being:
• He could not have tasted death for every man;
• He could not have become perfect through suffering;
• He could not have condemned sin in the flesh.
Therefore, Jesus ruled over death because:
• Death is imposed upon humanity as the result of sin;
• Jesus committed no sin nor transgressed any law;
• Yet, He possessed human nature which had been sentenced to death by Adam;
• Therefore, He had to suffer death to condemn sin in the flesh;
• Nevertheless, since He was free from sin, death could not hold him;
• Because of these things death has no more dominion over him!
Resulting from this rationale, Jesus had the complete right to boldly claim, “I am he that
liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell
and of death” (Rev 1:18)! You will recall that we earlier read that Jesus claimed great
authority, “All power (GK – “exousia,” meaning authority) is given unto me in heaven
and in earth ” (Matt 28:18). Say, “Heaven and Earth.” Since Jesus’ victory over death and
His resurrection, notice that His domain of authority has actually been enlarged, “That at
the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven , and things in earth , and
things under the earth ” (Phil 2:10). Now we see that the “things” under the earth are also
subject to the authority of Jesus Christ our LORD! Heaven & earth represent living things;
“under the earth” are “things” which have died, “to this end Christ both died, and rose, and
revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living” (Rom 14:9)!
Jesus as King
Let’s research the Messiah with respect to the office of a king. David said when he was
speaking about King Saul, “And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do
this thing unto my master, the LORD's anointed (Once again, the Hebrew word is
mªshiyach meaning the Lord’s anointed) , to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he
is the anointed (mªshiyach) of the LORD” (1 Sam 24:6). The prophet Jeremiah recorded,
“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch ,
and a King shall reign and prosper , and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth”
(Jer 23:5). The term “branch” related to David is recognized as a direct reference to the
Messiah as a descendant coming from King David who is to reign.
Even though he did not want to prophesy good things concerning Israel, the prophet
Balaam was moved by God Almighty to say, “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold
him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre (This is by inference
mªshiyach, therefore an instrument of rulership.) shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the
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Anointed
corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth” (Num 24:17). Balaam prophesied
these things as he specifically referred to the Messiah. The following table lists just a few
of the main Scriptures that refer to the Messiah as King; all of these references have a
direct fulfillment in Jesus the Messiah:
“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his
feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be”
Isaiah 9:6-7 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government
shall be upon his shoulder : and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the
throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with
judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.”
Micah 5:2 “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands
of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in
Israel ; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting”
Zech 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem:
behold, thy King cometh unto thee : he is just, and having salvation; lowly,
and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass”
The saying goes, “it takes one to know one.” Therefore, perhaps the best witness that we
have in the scripture of Jesus being the King of Israel comes from Pilate, “they led him
away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor ” (Matt 27:2). A ruler would
recognize a ruler. Pilate was not a king but a political governor who sat in judgment, “then
led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment” (John 18:28). Now notice Pilates’
words to Jesus while He was being judged, “Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall
again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus
answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 35 Pilate
answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me:
what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom (obviously Jesus has a kingdom) is
not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I
should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate
therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a
king . To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world , that I should bear
witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (John 18:33-37).
The events which took place a little later leave us with a question, “Did Pilate believe that
Jesus indeed was the King of the Jews?” Notice, “they cried out, Away with him, away
with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? ” (John 19:15).
Further, let’s notice what Pilate placed on Jesus’ inscription, “Pilate wrote a title, and put it
on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS ”
(John 19:19).
There were individual Israelites who acted both as priests and prophets at the same time
(Ezekiel, Jeremiah). Further, at least two individuals were both a king and a prophet at the
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Genesis
49:10
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Anointed
same time (Saul, David) . Nevertheless, there is no example of an Israelite acting both as a
priest and a king (You need to realize that Melchizedek was nowhere identified as an
Israelite!) When king Saul attempted to make an offering as a priest, he was severely
penalized and his kingdom came to an end as a result. The entire event is recorded in 1
Sam. 13:8-14. Many years later another king named Uzziah acted foolishly in his attempt
to perform priestly duties, “when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction:
for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to
burn incense upon the altar of incense . 17 And Azariah the priest went in after him, and
with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men: 18 And they withstood
Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense
unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron , that are consecrated to burn
incense : go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed ; neither shall it be for thine
honour from the LORD God” (2 Chron 26:16-18). We learn that only the Messiah would
have the authority to combine these two functions, “speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh
the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH ; and he shall
grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: 13 Even he shall build
the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne;
and he shall be a priest upon his throne : and the counsel of peace shall be between them
both” (Zech. 6:12-13). The spectacle of “a priest upon his throne,” was totally unheard of
in the Israelite way of thinking (Notice that even in the USA – Separation of Church and
State are part of government!) Only the Messiah (mªshiyach) could do this thing! Beyond
those two offices, the Messiah would combine the three roles (1) of the Prophet, who
declared God’s will to humanity; (2) of the Priest, who offered a sacrifice to God for
humanity; and (3) of the King, who alone has the right to rule over humanity.
As the anointed one (mªshiyach) of the Lord, Jesus was, is, and always will be the Prophet,
the Priest, and the King. However, He functions in each of these roles at different seasons:
•
During His earthly ministry, His role as Prophet rose to the forefront, “when they had
seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come
into the world” (John 6:14); “Many of the people therefore, when they heard this
saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet ” (John 7:40);
•
Ever since His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, His duties at His Father’s right
hand focus on His role as Priest, “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right
hand , until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (Ps 110:1); “Seeing then that we have a
great high priest, that is passed into the heavens , Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast
our profession” (Heb 4:14); “ every priest standeth daily ministering and offering
oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after
he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God ”
(Heb 10:11-12);
•
Subsequent to His return, His role as King will come completely into view, “And he
hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD
OF LORDS (Rev 19:16). Jesus the Christ, (mªshiyach – the anointed one ) will not
enter into His public office as King of the earth until the beginning of the Millennium.
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Anointed
There are two powerful Old Testament examples of an “anointed one” ascending to the
throne. These two examples are: (1) Joseph and (2) David. Let’s notice the period of
elapsed time after the promise was given (or the anointing) until they fully reigned over
God’s people. Let’s consider the intervening period of time between David’s anointing (1
Sam. 16:13), until he literally became the King by sitting on the throne as Saul’s successor,
“So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with
them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel . 4 David was
thirty years old when he began to reign ” (2 Sam 5:3-4). Careful calculation will yield
that there were 22 years from the initial anointing while a shepherd boy until the last
anointing while on the throne of the whole nation.
Secondly, notice the period of intervening time beginning with Joseph’s dream of reigning
over his brethren, “Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: 7 For, behold, we
were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and,
behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. 8 And his
brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? ” (Gen 37:6-8). From that
overconfident beginning point we can calculate when Joseph literally reigned over his
family, “the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in
the land of Canaan. 6 And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to
all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves
before him with their faces to the earth ” (Gen 42:5-6). That intervening period once again
is a 22-year period! There must be some significance regarding a 22-year period of waiting
in to reign over God’s people! There are 22 letters in the Hebrew aleph-bet which begins
with an “aleph” and ends with “tav.” These Hebrew letters are equivalent to the Greek
letters “alpha” and “omega.” We all know that Jesus said, “It is done. I am Alpha and
Omega, the beginning and the end ” (Rev 21:6).
It is the spirit of Jesus that fills in that prophetic 22-year period while waiting to reign. We
have already learned through Saul’s anointing, that after the anointing with the Spirit of
God, four characteristics begin to manifest in us: (1) we begin to find favor in the eyes of
others; (2) we are turned into another man; (3) we receive a new heart from God; and (4)
we begin to see into the spirit realm. David and Joseph both experienced these same
manifestations.
The throne of David continued until the days of Zedekiah when God placed it on hold.
That throne remains in the same “hold” condition unto our day. The prophet Ezekiel
prophesied to Zedekiah, “thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when
iniquity shall have an end, 26 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem , and take off
the crown : (place the throne on hold) this shall not be the same . . . it shall be no more,
until he come whose right it is ; and I will give it him” (Ezek 21:25-27). God put the
kingdom on hold until someone worthy would come and restore David’s throne. Six
hundred years later the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, born of the line of David, and told
her, “the Lord God shall give unto him (the child to be conceived in her womb by the Holy
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Anointed
Spirit) the throne of his father David : 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for
ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end ” (Luke 1:30-32).
Jesus’ disciples understood the concept of the rulership of the Messiah; therefore they
asked a question regarding restoration of the throne, “When they therefore were come
together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom
to Israel? (Acts 1:6). Jesus’ answer did not negate their concept of a restored kingdom.
Instead, He told them that, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons ” (Acts 1:7)
(Jesus’ clear implications is that there will be a season coming when He will assume rule!)
Peter said something quite revealing, “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of
the patriarch David . . . knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of
his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ (the Lord’s anointed.) to sit on
his throne ” (Acts 2:29-30). We have already read the events of the day when the disciples
asked Jesus if he would restore the kingdom at that time. A short while later, Peter
answered that question more precisely, “And he shall send Jesus Christ , (Keep in mind,
“Christ” means the Lord’s anointed.) which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the
heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things , which God hath spoken by
the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:20-21). Jesus will remain
in heaven until this full restitution of all things. Notice how the psalmist describes this
same moment in time, “Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool”
(Ps 110:1).
The growth of Jesus’ kingdom will not simply suspend with rulership over Israel, “Behold
my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit
upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to (rulership over) the Gentiles ” (Isa 42:1); His
kingdom will rule over all of the earth! All of Biblical prophecy points to the fact that
Jesus will return to this earth and assume His position of king over Israel from David's
throne in, Jerusalem. Surely any king has the authority to create his administration. Jesus
promised to His disciples, “I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed
unto me; 30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones
judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:29-30).
Fathers need to act as a Prophet, Priest and King for their family!
Family Prophet – What is a family prophet? Any prophet performs according to the
following criteria, “he that prophesieth speaketh unto men (those of his family) to
edification , and exhortation , and comfort ” (1 Cor 14:3). This family prophet will speak
into the lives of his wife and children. However he will limit his prophetic speaking to the
building, correcting and comfort of his family!
A true prophet is a “seer.” It is his responsibility to see into the spirit realm that God’s
character is being formed in each of his family members. Armed with this information, He
then speaks the truth in love and in assurance that those under his safekeeping are, “not
conformed to this world . . . (instead that they are) transformed by the renewing of” (Rom
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Anointed
12:2), their minds. The family prophet speaks encouragement, peace, and prosperity over
that heritage of the Lord, which is under his guardianship.
Family Priest – What is the family priest? The priest knows that it is his responsibility to
instruct his family in the ways of God, which is always a normal priestly function. The
priestly function includes mediation of matters between God and the family (Simply stated,
the family priest prays for his family. He refers matters directly to the LORD, which are
too difficult for his understanding) .
Further, God desires family priests who are not inhibited from distinguishing and teaching
their families between the pure and the profane. Scripture teaches that in ancient Israel,
“priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no
difference between the holy and profane , neither have they shewed difference between
the unclean and the clean ” (Ezek 22:26). A godly priest will watch out for the family and
ensure that they are walking in the ways of the lord. The priest of God will lovingly teach,
guide and keep his family from all forms of sin and negative thinking.
Family King - What is the role of the family king? The primary directive of any governing
authority is to guarantee the security and peace of its citizenry! No role of the king is
greater than maintaining security and peace in his realm. Sometimes security and peace
requires great wisdom. To those family kings who seek God’s wisdom, He will abundantly
supply all of their need!
Secondly, the family king needs to be a positive and visible leader (role model) . If it's okay
that Father gets on his knees to pray, it's okay for everyone get on their knees and pray. If
Father will do it, then it's fine for everyone because he represents God to the family!
Finally, the family king assumes godly dominion based upon God’s word over all of those
areas within his realm, which he has the authority to control: spiritual, financial, mental,
physical, and social. Most importantly, he must rule over the family in love!
Individual Christians need to act as Prophet, Priest and King in their own lives!
Individual Prophet – What is an individual prophet? This individual prophet speaks
(confesses) peace, prosperity, health, encouragement, character and whatever he desires
into his/her own life. A true prophet is a “seer.” Therefore he/she sees (discovers) in the
spirit realm what God has placed into his/her own heart, “Delight thyself also in the LORD;
and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart,” (Ps 37:4). This process begins by
delighting “thyself in the LORD.” Armed with this information regarding his/her
assignment from God, He/she then speaks into his/her own life according to whatever God
has placed in their heart.
Individual Priest – What is an individual priest? The priest knows that it is his
responsibility to instruct himself in the ways of God. The priestly function includes prayer.
Further, individual priests must distinguish and select the pure instead of the profane,
“priests . . . have put no difference between the holy and profane , neither have they
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Anointed
shewed difference between the unclean and the clean ” (Ezek 22:26). A godly priest will
watch out and ensure that he/she is always walking in the paths of the lord.
Individual King - What is an individual king? The primary directive of any governing
authority is to guarantee the security and peace of its citizens! No role of the king is
greater than maintaining security and peace in his realm. Sometimes security and peace
requires great wisdom. To those individual kings who seek God’s wisdom, He will
abundantly supply all of their need!
The individual king takes godly dominion based upon God’s word over all of his/her
personal matters. These include: spiritual, mental, financial, physical, and social aspects of
his/her life.
Notice the order: (1) Prophet, (2) Priest and (3) King!
Jesus is the Prophet, the Priest, and the King; however, we need to realize that there has
been a specific timeframe and season for each of His roles:
• During His earthly ministry Jesus’ role as Prophet rose to the forefront;
• Ever since Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, His current duties at the
Father’s right hand focus on His role as Priest;
• Following His return to the earth, Jesus will rule as King.
Likewise, in our Christian life, we began by confessing Jesus as our LORD:
•
At that moment we became (1) a prophet of our own future , “if thou shalt confess with
thy mouth the Lord Jesus , and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him
from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto
righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation ” (Rom 10:9-10).
•
From that day forth (2) like a priest we began the process of transforming our minds
and discover out of God’s word the, “ difference between the holy and profane. ”
Eventually we became proficient at a new way of living “in the spirit.”
•
Finally, we become (3) an individual king who takes dominion over the circumstances
of our lives, “much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of
righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:17).
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