We read of many great characters in the Bible.  We read of David, the king of Israel and the prophet of the Lord (II Sam.23:2).  We read of Samuel, both prophet and priest (I Samuel).  We even come across Melchisedec, who was king of Salem and priest of the Most High God (Gen.14:17ff).  As great as these characters are, none has ever claimed the titles of prophet, priest, and king simultaneously.  However, one Bible character claimed the titles, and performed the duties required of each office–Jesus Christ.
    The Hebrews writer argues that Jesus Christ is superior to all the prophets (Heb.1:1-3).  God at one time revealed Himself to the people through the medium of the prophets.  However, in these last days (the Christian age), God has revealed Himself through His Son.  This is God’s final revelation to man.  There will be no second chance for one who rejects this revelation, for there is more revelation to come (see Jude 3; II Peter 1:3).  Since this is the final revelation of God to man, we need to heed the superior message of the Son (Hebrews 2:1-4).
    God provided a way for man to approach Him in giving the laws concerning the Levitical priesthood.  This system was perfect for its intended purpose, never having been designed to take away sins.  However, this system pointed out some things which showed man he needed something greater.  The Levitical high priest first had to offer sacrifices for his own sins before he could offer sacrifices for the people.  He was also offering animal sacrifices, which were typical of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, with the exception that they could not take away sin (Heb.10:4).  Jesus offered himself for the sins of the world once and for all (Heb.9:28).  No longer does man have to offer sacrifices for sin daily, because the blood of Christ is able to purge the conscience (Heb.10:1-3).  Christ offered no sacrifice for himself because he did no sin (I Pet.2:22).
    When Jesus offered himself as the sacrificial Lamb (Jn.1:29), he was also given a kingdom over which to reign (Dan.7:13,14; Acts 20:28). This kingdom is the church (Mt.16:16-19).  As king, Jesus exercises complete control over his kingdom.  Therefore, his subjects must look to him for authority concerning the affairs of his kingdom (Col.3:17).  Just like any kingdom, the kingdom of Jesus Christ has its terms of admission (Jn.3:5).  And just like any kingdom, the kingdom of Jesus Christ has rules which must be obeyed in order to remain in good standing with those that rule (II Jn.9-11).  But unlike all other kingdoms and all other kings, the kingdom of Jesus Christ, the King of kings (I Tim.6:15), will never be brought down (Dan.2:44).
    Thankfully, God has provided us with a better prophet, priest, and king–Jesus Christ.  He brings a superior message, offered a superior sacrifice, and rules over his superior kingdom.  Since Jesus is the superior prophet, priest, and king, we must submit to him, for there is nothing to follow which can supercede his word (Jn.12:48), his sacrifice (Heb.10:14), or his authority (Mt.28:18).  Let us heed his message, take full advantage of his sacrifice, and yield ourselves to his authority before the opportunity to do so is gone.                                                                                                                   Patrick Morrison