The Uniqueness of ChristSample

4/Unique in his prophesying

Jesus is not often thought of as a prophet, although he most certainly was.

Moses foretold that one day God would send a prophet greater than he (Deut 18:15-22) who would have several distinguishing features—

· He would be of Hebrew origin

· God would put words in his mouth

· He would speak what God commanded

· His words would be true

All these were fulfilled through Jesus. 

If we take the term ‘prophet’ in its broader sense of someone who speaks God’s Word, then this is what Jesus claimed to be. His words were the Father’s words (John 8:47; 14:24; 17:8), spoken by the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:34). They were both spirit and life (John 6:63). 

In fact, he said, heaven and earth would pass away, but his words would never pass away (Matt 24:55; Mark 13:31). Moreover, if we are ashamed of his words this day, he will be ashamed of us on ‘that day’ (Mark 8:38; 13:32; Luke 9:26;).  

People everywhere acknowledged that there was a divine quality about the utterances of Jesus. No demonised person could speak as he spoke (John 10:21). Jesus’ disciples were amazed at his words (Mark 10:24) and people generally marvelled at them (Luke 4:22).

In the more narrow sense of foretelling the future, Jesus prophesied his own death and resurrection (Matt 17:22-23; Mark 8:31; 9:31). His disciples had trouble believing it, but as the whole world now knows, his predictions proved to be true. 

He spoke extensively of Jerusalem being surrounded by armies (Luke 21:20-24) and specifically described the huge stones of the temple being thrown down (Matt 24:2; Luke 21:6), which seemed an impossibility, so immense were they. 

But within a few years of his death, people could verify these events—they all happened just as he said. This is the test of a true prophet (Deut 18:22).

Of course, his foretelling of his second coming in the clouds in power and great glory (Matt 24:27-31; Mark 13:24-27; Luke 21:21-27) has not yet been fulfilled, but there is no reason to believe it will not be. In fact, on the basis of his other prophecies, there is every reason to believe they will be.

Jesus was unique in his prophesying. We do well to heed his words and to be prepared. Such warnings encourage both hope and holiness (1 John 2:28). John puts it succinctly: ‘Everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself’ (1 John 3:3). 

And as the Reformers used to teach, we work as if he will not return for ages and we live as if he will come before we finish reading this page.

What next?

If Jesus were to return right now, would you shout with joy or shrink with shame?