Our Lord’s threefold office has been described as that of prophet, priest, and king. But these are not mere titles we assign to Him, without any practical apparent meaning.
At the beginning of our service, we confess our sins. We seek a way to approach God through the blood of Jesus Christ. In the forgiveness which we receive, we see Jesus Christ exercising His priestly office. He cleanses us from all our sins. He makes a way for us to approach God.
In the ministry of the Word, we see Jesus Christ edifying and teaching His people. He gives a universal word, and He gives a particular word. And He tells us from His Word how He would have us live — tomorrow and the day after. It was on a Sunday that God first spoke, creating the heavens and earth. It was on a Sunday that God spoke again in the resurrection of His Son, recreating the heavens and the earth, in which righteousness dwells. And since that time, through His Son God has spoken again and again to His people. He is doing so again now. Behold He has made all things new. Will you come with us to be renewed still further?
And after this ministry, He invites us to sit down with Him in the kingdom, and partake of His kingly table. It is in this regal event that we rule together with Him — He has made us kings and priests on the earth. Many will come from east and west, and will join us here at this table.
And in all of this, Jesus Christ is the first and last, the priest and prince, the teacher and older brother, encouraging us in the way.