2318 Jesus Christ, as prophet

Jesus Christ was acclaimed as a prophet by those who witnessed his miracles and heard his teaching. They recognised him as a bearer of the word of God, who spoke with authority concerning the nature and purposes of God.

Examples of those who recognised Jesus Christ as a prophet

People anticipating the coming prophet Jn 6:14 The reference is to the promised prophet, who, like Moses, would see God face to face (see Dt 18:15,18). See also Jn 1:21; Jn 7:40,52

A Samaritan woman Jn 4:17-19

Witnesses of Jesus Christ’s miracles Mt 14:1-5 pp Mk 6:14-15; Mt 16:13-14 pp Mk 8:27-28 pp Lk 9:18-19

The crowd as Jesus Christ approached Jerusalem Mt 21:10-11,46

Two of Jesus Christ’s disciples after his death Lk 24:19

The apostles Peter and Stephen Ac 3:20-23; Ac 7:37; Dt 18:15-18

Indications of Jesus Christ being a prophet

He announced coming blessing from God Jn 7:37-40 See also Mt 5:3-12 pp Lk 6:20-23; Mt 13:16-17 pp Lk 10:23-24; Jn 20:19-21,29

He announced coming judgment and woe Ac 3:23 See also Mt 11:20-24 pp Lk 10:13-15; Mt 23:13-39; Lk 6:24-26

He possessed supernatural knowledge and insight Jn 2:24-25 See also Mt 9:4 pp Mk 2:8 pp Lk 5:22; Lk 7:39-43; Lk 9:47; Jn 4:16-19

He performed mighty works and miracles Lk 7:12-17; Jn 9:17

Jesus Christ’s own understanding of himself as a prophet

As a rejected prophet Lk 13:31-35 See also Mt 13:57 pp Mk 6:4; Lk 4:24-27; Jn 5:46

As a prophet anointed by God’s Spirit Jn 3:34 See also Lk 4:16-21; Isa 61:1-2

As a prophet who speaks with authority Mk 1:22; Mk 3:28; Jn 7:16; Jn 14:10

The place of Jesus Christ in relation to other prophets

Jesus Christ is greater than other prophets Mt 12:41 pp Lk 11:32 See also Jn 1:15 John the Baptist was accepted as a prophet (e.g., Mt 11:9).

Jesus Christ is the Messiah and Son of God Mt 16:13-17 See also Heb 1:1-2

The exalted Christ is the source and essence of all prophecy Rev 19:10

See also