The Prophethood of Christ: Part 1 - Purpose

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Prophethood Of Christ: Part 1 - Purpose

The Old Testament prophet (nābî) was known as God’s servant (’ebed) or the man of God (’īs hā elōhîm).  As a servant, the prophet’s ministry was to perform any task given to him by God.  The title man of God denoted the unusually close relationship which existed between the prophet and God.  Prophets were often viewed as mediators, watchmen, and messengers.

The Hebrew term nābî, translated as prophet, derives from a root term meaning to announce.  As such, the prophet is a spokesperson for God.  As a spokesperson, they often identified their message with phrases like, “Thus saith the Lord” and “the Word of the Lord came to Me.”  As such, they spoke in God’s name and with His authority. 

God speaks through His prophets and reveals His secrets through them.

• I have also spoken to the prophets, And I gave numerous visions, And through the prophets I gave parables. - Hosea 12:10
• Surely the Lord God does nothing Unless He reveals His secret counsel To His servants the prophets. - Amos 3:7  

The prophet only proclaims those things which God commands.  

• I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. - Deuteronomy 18:18  

God’s purpose for the prophets were to lead and protect His people.  

• Yet He sent prophets to them to bring them back to the Lord; though they testified against them, they would not listen. - 2 Chronicles 24:19
• But by a prophet the Lord brought Israel from Egypt, And by a prophet he was kept. - Hosea 12:13