Contrary to many people’s belief, “Christ” is not the last name of Jesus. “Christ” is actually more of a title, and it’s the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew word “Messiah.” The fact that Jesus is labeled as “the Christ” is significant because it points to Him being the Messiah, the Savior that Israel had longed for and waited for, generation after generation, ever since the Fall of man.

But this title is much more significant than one might initially realize. It also tells us about the work Jesus did during His earthly ministry and the work He continues to do today. The words “Christ” or “Messiah” translate to mean “the Anointed One.” In Israel, there were three offices of authority that were anointed with oil, and Jesus holds all three of them: prophet, priest, and king.

Jesus the Prophet

Prophets were messengers of God. They spoke the words of God to the people of Israel and reminded them of the Law that God had given them through Moses. They also foretold future events, which were often consequences of Israel’s disobedience of the Law.

During His ministry, Jesus claimed to be a prophet (Mark 6:4, Luke 13:33), and several of His disciples and followers called Him a prophet (Matthew 21:11; Luke 7:16, 24:19; John 6:14, 7:40). He repeatedly testified to the fact that the words He preached were from God and the authority He spoke with was from the Father (John 7:16, 8:28, 17:8). Jesus also foretold future events, like His own crucifixion and resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Matthew 16:21, Acts 1:8).

But Jesus is a far greater prophet (Matthew 12:41), the better prophet that Moses spoke about long ago (Deuteronomy 18:18, Acts 3:22-23). Jesus is the literal Word of God (John 1:1). The Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). God incarnate. He came to earth as God in the flesh to preach the gospel, and He continues to speak to the hearts of His people today through His Holy Spirit.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” Luke 4:18a

Jesus the Priest

Priests were mediators between God and the people of Israel. Like us, the Israelites were a sinful people, and sacrifices were required for them to be reconciled to God. Every year on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter into the tabernacle or temple and sacrifice an unblemished animal on behalf of the people to pay for their sins.

In the book of Hebrews, Jesus is described as a high priest who was appointed by God (Hebrews 2:17; 3:1; 5:5, 10). Instead of sacrificing animals, He offered Himself as a sinless, innocent, holy, unstained sacrifice when He died on the cross (Hebrews 4:15, 7:26-27). Through this sacrifice, Jesus cleansed us from all our sins and secured an eternal redemption for all who would put their faith in Him (1 John 1:7, Hebrews 9:12).

Jesus is a far greater priest (Hebrews 8:6, Matthew 12:6). While the high priests of old had to make animal sacrifices every single year to atone for the sins of the people, Jesus made a single offering—Himself—that paid for all sins (Hebrews 7:27, 10:14). No more sacrifices necessary. And Jesus continues to be our mediator today, interceding daily to the Father on our behalf.

“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

Jesus the King

Kings were the monarchs of Israel. They were called to rule the people of God justly and righteously and guide them in avoiding sin. They also warred against the surrounding nations and delivered Israel from her enemies.

According to Scripture, Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14). He is crowned with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9), and He sovereignly rules over not only Israel, but the entire universe (Hebrews 1:3). As our King, Jesus has defeated our biggest enemies—sin and death—and has delivered us from our bondage to them (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Jesus is a far greater king (Matthew 12:42). Unlike earthly kings, Jesus reigns forever (Hebrews 1:8). Unlike earthly kings, we can approach His throne boldly and confidently whenever we need Him (Hebrews 4:16). And unlike earthly kings, He will one day be exalted and worshipped by all (Philippians 2:9-11). We will all one day sing—

“Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! …Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.” Revelation 15:3b, 19:6b

Jesus the Christ

Jesus is the Christ. The Anointed One. The Prophet who brings us good news. The Priest who pays for all our sins. The King who rules and reigns for eternity. We no longer need earthly prophets because we have the Word of God. We no longer need earthly priests because our sins have been forgiven. We do still have earthly kings and rulers, but they remind us that we will one day have a King who is wise, righteous, and uncorrupt and live in a kingdom where there is no more crime, hate, or sin. Until then, let us worship this Christ and use all of our time to honor and glorify Him.

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.” Hebrews 1:1-4