Don Stewart :: In What Ways Did Jesus Fulfill the Prophetic Ministry?

A prophet had a twofold function. They spoke forth the word of God as well as foretold the future. Jesus, in his prophetic ministry, fulfilled the role of a prophet. The New Testament says the following about the prophetic ministry of Jesus.

Jesus Spoke God's Words

The words of Jesus were prophetic - they spoke forth God's Word.

Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying (Matthew 5:2).

The crowds were amazed at His teaching.

Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes (Matthew 7:28,29).

Jesus testified to the power of His words.

It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. (John 6:63).

Jesus' words were like the sound of a trumpet.

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, saying, "Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea" (Revelation 1:10,11)

The Extent Of His Prophetic Ministry

The prophetic ministry began when Jesus began His public ministry at the river Jordan when the Holy Spirit came upon him at his baptism. His prophetic ministry ended when he offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world upon Calvary's cross.

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then his fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them. Great multitudes followed him-from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan (Matthew 4:23-25).

Jesus Performed Miraculous Deeds

While not all of God's prophets performed miraculous deeds, many of them did. Jesus performed miracles as part of his prophetic ministry.

But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given me to finish-the very works that I do-bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me (John 5:36).

Jesus emphasized His miraculous deeds.

Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of me (John 10:25).

Jesus said.

If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both me and my Father (John 15:24).

Peter said.

Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves also know (Acts 2:22).

He Was A Matchless Example

Jesus was a spokesman for God by His matchless example.

For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you (John 13:15).

Peter wrote.

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps: "Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth"; who, when he was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:21-23).

He Was Silent When Necessary

Jesus not only spoke forth the Word of God, He was also silent when necessary.

Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?" (Matthew 27:13,14).

Peter wrote.

Who, when he was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23).

Jesus Sent The Holy Spirit

Jesus also fulfilled the role of a prophet by sending the Holy Spirit.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you (John 14:26).

Jesus also said.

But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify of me (John 15:26).

Peter wrote.

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when he testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow (1 Peter 1:10,11).

John wrote.

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things (1 John 2:20).

John also wrote.

But the anointing which you have received from him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in him (1 John 2:27).

Peter said.

Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves also know- him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death (Acts 2:22,23).

The writer to the Hebrews stated.

He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, he has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation (Hebrews 9:26-28).

Summary

Jesus fulfilled the prophetic ministry in a number of ways. As a prophet He publicly spoke the words of God to the people. His prophetic ministry extended from the time of His baptism at the Jordan River until He died on Calvary's cross.

Unlike some prophets, Jesus also performed miraculous deeds. His words and His life give a matchless example to all. While Jesus was God's spokesman while He was here on the earth, there were times when He was remained silent. Today, the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sent, carries on the prophetic ministry of Jesus.