Scripture teaches us that Christ, in His redemptive work, was the fulfillment of three OT offices. His resurrection is the full vindication that He was the true prophet, the eternal priest, and the triumphant king. This meal brings all three of those offices clearly into view.
As prophet, Christ teaches us. This meal instructs us in true wisdom. We’re shown words of covenant grace. We’re told that the Father, through Christ, communes with us. The prophetic word of Christ proclaimed by these symbols is that He’s our head & we’re His body. His prophetic office makes the way plain for our reconciliation with the Father: it’s only by His body & blood that we gain acceptance to the Father’s presence.
As Priest, He intercedes for us. Christ’s body broken & blood poured out satisfied the justice & mercy of Almighty God. The wrath & love of God are embodied in this meal. Your damnation & deliverance are both made visible here. Though your sins deserved death, Christ took your place, paid the price, and pleads His precious blood. His blood speaks a better word than the blood of bulls & lambs. It speaks this eternal Word: “the Church is mine, for I bought her with my blood.”
As King, He rules over us. This meal enacts the treaty which only God could make with sinful man. Our treason against Him is no longer counted against us, because Christ has turned us traitors, into His beloved friends. He now welcomes us to join His feast, the spoils of His conquest. He sits in triumph over all His, and our, enemies. He’s won an eternal kingdom, He’s received all things from His Father, and He gives it all to us by His Spirit.
The Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled all that was necessary for our redemption as a prophet, priest, and king. He now invites all who are His to partake of all He is.
So come in faith and welcome to Jesus Christ…
Leave a Reply