“O Come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
come and behold him born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”
Celebrating the birth of a baby is a common and joyful experience. Adoring or worshiping a baby is quite unusual. The reason we are called to worship the baby Jesus is because of His person and work. He is God incarnate – come down from heaven to accomplish the appointed offices of the Messiah. These offices of the Christ are “Prophet, Priest and King”. Jesus Christ perfectly accomplished all of these offices. It is for this reason that “ye faithful, joyful and triumphant” are called to come and worship Him!
The following lessons focus on Christ’s offices of “Prophet, Priest and King”. Begin each study by reading the account of Christ’s humble birth. Then read “the text for discussion.” The “related references” are designed to shed additional light on the office of Christ.
Schedule
- December 7th “Christ the Prophet” > Luke 2:1-20 + Deuteronomy 18:14-22
- December 14th “Christ the Priest” > Luke 2:1-20 + Genesis 14:17-24
- December 21st “Christ the King” > Luke 2:1-20 + 2 Samuel 7:1-17
The Advent Season – “The Office of the Prophet”
“Revelation” > READ: Luke 2:1-20 – the text for discussion: Deuteronomy 18:14-22
a prophet heralds the Word of God – precise, perfect and pure
a prophet communicates the truth of God
a prophet reveals the person of God
RELATED REFERENCES: Acts 3:19-24 and Acts 7:37
John 18:37-38 – the Witness to the Truth
The Advent Season – “The Office of the Priest”
“Salvation” > READ: Luke 2:1-20 – the text for discussion: Genesis 14:17-24
a priest stands between God and man – the advocate
a priest mediates to reconcile God and man – the representative
a priest offers an atoning sacrifice – the payment
RELATED REFERENCES: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Hebrews 7:1-25 … focus: 7:26 – 8:6
The Advent Season – “Christ the King”
“Kingdom” > READ: Luke 2:1-20 – the text for discussion: 2 Samuel 7:1-17
a king establishes his dominion
a king has the right to rule his kingdom
a king provides for his kingdom
RELATED REFERENCES: Isaiah 9:1-7 and Daniel 7:9-14
Revelation 19:11-16
The Discussion Questions
1) What is the revealed function of this office?
2) How do the related references relate to this office?
3) How did Jesus Christ fulfill this office?
4) How does this office affect your life and your worship?
Memory Verse: Isaiah 9:6
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
and the government will rest on His shoulders;
and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”