Jesus: King and Priest | Bible Study Notes

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Zechariah 6:11-15

I. Introduction: Zechariah pictured Jesus as a High Priest sitting on the throne. This was a perplexing thing for the Jew to consider but is understandable when we know God’s plan for Jesus.

II. Jesus is High Priest and King, Zechariah 6:11-15 (Chart 1)

A. The High Priest was crowned king to show the future role of BRANCH.

B. BRANCH

C. He would grow out and “branch out” to build the temple.

D. Jeremiah 23:5-6

E. Descendant of David Reign and prosper Would save Judah Is “The Lord our Righteousness”

F. Zechariah 3:6-9

G. Bring forth His servant, the BRANCH.He would remove sin in one day.

H. Summary

I. David’s descendant who would reign“The Lord our Righteousness” Would build the temple Would remove sin in one day

J. Jesus is BRANCH

K. David’s descendant who reigns (Chart 2)

L. Matthew 1 and Luke 3 establishes His genealogy to David Acts 2:27-32 – The descendant on the throne

M. The “Lord of Righteousness” (Chart 3)

N. Romans 5:19 – By one man’s obedience righteousness came Romans 3:21-26 – Righteousness through Jesus

O. He would build the temple (Chart 4)

P. Ephesians 2:19-22 – We are the temple1 Corinthians 3:9, 16-17 – We are the temple of God

Q. He would remove sin in one day (Chart 5)

R. Hebrews 9:28 Hebrews 10:10-12

III. Jesus could not be a high priest and king on earth (Chart 6)

A. High priest on earth

B. Priests were from the tribe of Levi, Exodus 28:1 (also ch.29 – descendants)

C. Jesus was a descendant of David, therefore, from Judah.

D. The “lion of the tribe of Judah” – Revelation 5:5

E. Hebrews 7:14 – Nothing said of Judah and the priesthood

F. God didn’t say not to. God specified Levi, therefore Judah was excluded. There were no exceptions, even for Jesus.

G. King on earth

H. He was from the tribe of Judah and a descendant of David.

I. But, Jeremiah promised that no descendant of David would rule in Jerusalem and prosper.

J. Jeremiah 22:28-30 – “none” and “any more” Passage precedes Jeremiah’s prophecy of the BRANCH who would rule as king and prosper

K. Summary: Jesus would be a high priest and king; but not on earth.

IV. Jesus as high priest and king in heaven

A. High priest (Chart 7)

B. Priesthood of Melchizedek

C. Hebrews 5:5-6 – Appointed priest by God

D. Hebrews 6:20-7:10 – Melchizedek and Abraham (Chart 8)

E. Genesis 14:18-20 – Historical account

F. Salem means “peace;” possibly was Jerusalem Came as a priest of God to bless Abraham We know nothing else of him (therefore, without genealogy; no father or mother; it is not revealed to us).

G. The priesthood of Melchizedek is superior to the priesthood of Aaron (Chart 7)

H. The superior one blessing and the inferior one tithing establish this. Hebrews 7:11-19 – change in the priesthood demands a change in the law. God replaced the Levitical priesthood with a permanent and superior priesthood, Hebrews 7:23-26.

I. King (Chart 9)

J. Could not prosper as a king on earth

K. Jesus was made king in heaven

L. Luke 1:32-33 – Reign on David’s throne Acts 2:30, 33, 36 – Jesus made king1 Timothy 6:15 – He is the King of kings1 Corinthians 15:24-26 – He is reigning now

M. Summary: He fulfilled the prophecy by becoming high priest and king in heaven

V. What does it mean to us? Chart 10)

A. We are a kingdom of priests

B. 1 Peter 2:5

C. We offer sacrifices to God

D. Spiritual sacrifices since animal sacrifices are unnecessary Hebrews 13:15-16

E. We are a royal priesthood

F. 1 Peter 2:9 – royalty, of the king’s family Revelation 1:6

G. The king’s family lived in the palace and enjoyed special privileges.

H. They ate from the king’s table just as we enjoy spiritual nourishment from Jesus. They enjoyed the riches of the palace just as we receive every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. They had special jobs within the kingdom (ambassadors, advisors) just has we have spiritual work to do for the kingdom.

VI. Conclusion: We have a high priest and king as prophesied by Zechariah. He rules from His throne in heaven. He bought us and made us a royal priesthood so we could enjoy His special care and carry out His work on earth. He will come again to judge our work in His kingdom and either reward us or punish us.