The title "Prophet" ascribed to Jesus Christ is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where He is recognized not only as the Messiah and the Son of God but also as the ultimate Prophet through whom God has spoken to humanity. This entry explores the prophetic role of Christ, emphasizing the divine command to listen to Him.

Biblical Foundation

The prophetic office of Christ is foretold in the Old Testament and affirmed in the New Testament. In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses prophesies, "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him." This prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus, as confirmed in Acts 3:22-23, where Peter declares, "For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to everything He tells you.'"

The Transfiguration

A pivotal moment that underscores the command to hear Christ is the Transfiguration, recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. In Matthew 17:5 , during the Transfiguration, a voice from the cloud declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" This divine pronouncement elevates Jesus above the law and the prophets, represented by Moses and Elijah, affirming His supreme authority as the ultimate Prophet.

Christ's Teaching and Authority

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus spoke with unparalleled authority, often prefacing His teachings with "Truly, truly, I say to you" (John 5:24), indicating the divine origin and truth of His words. His teachings, parables, and discourses reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God and the path to eternal life. In John 6:68 , Peter acknowledges this, saying, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

The Great Commission

The command to hear Christ extends beyond His immediate audience to all nations and generations. In the Great Commission, Jesus instructs His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 , "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This mandate underscores the enduring authority of Christ's words and the necessity for all believers to heed His teachings.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling believers to hear and understand the words of Christ. In John 14:26 , Jesus promises, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." The Spirit illuminates the teachings of Christ, guiding believers into all truth and empowering them to live according to His word.

Eschatological Implications

The command to hear Christ carries eschatological significance. In the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27), Jesus emphasizes the importance of not only hearing His words but also acting upon them. Those who hear and obey are likened to a wise man who built his house on the rock, withstanding the storms of life and the final judgment.

Conclusion

The prophetic role of Christ as the one whom God commands us to hear is central to the Christian faith. His words are life-giving, authoritative, and eternal, demanding a response of faith and obedience from all who hear them.Deuteronomy 18:15
The LORD your God will raise up to you a Prophet from the middle of you, of your brothers, like to me; to him you shall listen;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 17:25
He said, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What think you, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 3:22
For Moses truly said to the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up to you of your brothers, like to me; him shall you hear in all things whatever he shall say to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 7:37
This is that Moses, which said to the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up to you of your brothers, like to me; him shall you hear.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lastly, Let us Hear the Lord Himself Delivering Most Plain ...
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The Right Understanding of the Law
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/.../watson/the ten commandments/1 4 the right understanding of.htm

Christmas Day.
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risen"to make us feel that we may live with God daily upon ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xxii christmas day.htm

The Judicial Severity of Christ and the Tenderness of the Creator ...
... which, having been alienated [4887] by the prophet Ahijah, [4888 ... it would be idle,
if we believed that God had predicted ... or even the glory, of any Christ at all ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxxv the judicial severity of.htm

Proofs from the Apostolic Writings, that Jesus Christ was one and ...
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hear: Do not err, [he says to all:] Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is one ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi proofs from the apostolic.htm

Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known
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the glory of God the Father ... a majesty about all the laws of Christ, and all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/christ is gloriouslet us make.htm

"Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the ...
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/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii hear the word.htm

Festal Letters.
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figure, to the prophet blowing the ... not all those who call upon God, hallow God ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/i festal letters.htm

Answer to Objections: Signal Instances of Prayer
... belly and complete his interrupted prophet's mission to ... in our members which had
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/.../origen/origen on prayer/chapter viii answer to objections .htm

Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath ...
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Christ (1 Corinthians ... but the moral and perpetual law of God perfected; so ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the true manner.htm

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20)? | GotQuestions.org

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What does it mean "to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21)? | GotQuestions.org

Christ: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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