Apr. 3: Jesus the Prophet

Many other religions recognize Jesus as a great prophet, but Jesus claimed to be more than that. That final week He proved Himself to be the Prophet…and more. During the “Triumphal Entry”, on what is celebrated as Palm Sunday, we see this Prophet in action:

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."

Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling. "It is written," He said to them, "'My house will be a house of prayer'; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words. (Luke 19:41-48)

A few days later, as Jesus and His disciples celebrated the Passover and shared that “last supper” together, Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." (Luke 22:34)

Prophets were forth-tellers, speaking with power and authority the words God had spoken to them (“It is written!” or “This is what the Lord says!”). They were also fore-tellers, giving a glimpse into the future (“the days will come when…”). We see Jesus doing both in this short passage of scripture.

A few days afterward the Prophet would be tested and mocked:
The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" And they said many other insulting things to him.
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. "If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us." Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God." They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am." (Luke 22:63-70)

Seeing Jesus as “just a prophet” may sound very respectful, like a great honor is being bestowed upon Jesus. To see Jesus as simply a prophet is to sell Him short and to dishonor Him. He claimed to be much more than that. History proves Him to be much more than that.

Seeing Jesus as “just a prophet” will not take care of your deepest need…it will not reconcile you to God; and that’s what Jesus came to do. “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.” (2 Corinthians 5:19)

More than a prophet; He is the Son of God; He is Savior, Messiah, Lord!

~ Jesus, thank you for being obedient to the Father. Thank you for being the atoning sacrifice for my sins and for reconciling me to my Creator. I embrace You as my Savior, I submit to You as Lord. Amen.