A Shepherd in the Office? The Preacher as Prophet, Priest, & King

FAMILY LITURGY

Parents ask the question, and children respond with the answer

Westminster Larger Catechism, Q 41-45

Q. 41. Why was our Mediator called Jesus?
A. Our Mediator was called Jesus because he saves his people from their sins. ( Matt. 1:21)

Q. 42. Why was our Mediator called Christ?
A. Our Mediator was called Christ because he was anointed with the Holy Spirit above measure; and so set apart, and fully furnished with all authority and ability, to execute the offices of prophet, priest, and king of his Church, in the estate both of his humiliation and exaltation. ( John 3:34; Ps. 45:7; John 6:27; Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 3:21-22; Luke 4:18, 21; Heb. 5:5-7; Heb. 4:14-15; Ps. 2:6; Matt. 21:5; Isa. 9:6-7; Phil. 2:8-11.)

Q. 43. How does Christ execute the office of a prophet?
A. Christ executes the office of a prophet, in his revealing to the Church in all ages, by his Spirit and Word, in divers ways of administration, the whole will of God, in all things concerning their edification and salvation. ( John 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; Heb. 1:1-2; John 15:15; Acts 20:32; Eph. 4:11-13; John 20:31.)

Q. 44. How does Christ execute the office of a priest?
A. Christ executes the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God, to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people; and in making continual intercession for them. ( Heb. 9:14, 28; Heb. 2:17; Heb. 7:25.)

Q. 45. How does Christ execute the office of a king?
A. Christ executes the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to himself, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs them; in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, rewarding their obedience, and correcting them for their sins, preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings, restraining and overcoming all their enemies, and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory and their good: and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who do not know God, and do not obey the gospel.