“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet from among you …” (Deuteronomy 18:15, NASB).
The nation’s religious leadership sent a contingent of soldiers to arrest Jesus. They sought to silence Him because the throngs were “hanging on his words” (Luke 19:48). Enraged by their failure, the leadership demanded an explanation. “Why did you not arrest him?” The reply was as simple as it was startling! “Never did a man speak the way this man speaks” (John 7:46). While His appearance may not have been particularly unique, the depth of His words was penetrating. The people pondered whether or not Jesus was the prophet, the One promised centuries ago by Moses? “This is certainly the Prophet (John 7:40),” they exclaimed.
Indeed, He is the prophet promised centuries past and His words ring with relevancy today. Have you heard His words? “Let not your heart be troubled; believe also in me” (John 14:6). “I will never leave you as orphans, I will come to you” (John 14:18). His words are as insightful as they are comforting. He is the prophet promised long ago; His words have greater importance, relevance, and comfort than those of any other speaker in all of human history. Why, you may ask? The answer is that He was not merely a voice about heaven; He alone was from heaven. He, alone, spoke from a perspective that no human has ever experienced. He is the Word of God that has come to live among us (John 1:14).
The words from God the Father about Him at the transfiguration are pertinent for all of us this Christmas season. “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him” (Mark 9:7). Are you listening to the greatest of all prophets? Do His words enchant you?