This week our middle school and high school youth groups are ending a three-week mini-series seeking to answer the question, “Why Christmas?” Going beyond the explanation that Jesus is the “reason for the season,” we have been pushing them to think about why Jesus becoming a human man was necessary in the first place. More than asking, “What is Christmas all about?” we are wanting them to ask, “What is the incarnation of Jesus Christ all about?”

Our answer, over the course of three weeks, has been this:

Jesus Christ became a sinless man to become sinful Man’s perfect Prophet, Priest, and King.

The purpose of the incarnation was for Jesus to become all three of these offices for those who trust in Him. But what does it mean for Jesus to be our perfect Prophet, Priest, and King? The Heidelberg Catechism beautifully explains the significance of each office:

Question: Why is he called “Christ,” meaning, “anointed”?

Answer: Because he has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be…

our Chief Prophet and teacher (Acts 3:22; Deuteronomy 18:15) who fully reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our deliverance;

our only High Priest (Heb. 7:17; Ps. 110:4) who has delivered us by the one sacrifice of his body, and who continually pleads our cause with the Father;

and our Eternal King (Matthew 21:5; Zechariah 9:9) who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and who guards us and keeps us in the freedom he has won for us.

As our Prophet, Jesus informs our ignorance. As our Priest, Jesus atones for our sin. As our King, Jesus protects and provides for all our needs.