What does it mean that Jesus is a prophet, priest, and king?

from the old testament

• Prophets like Moses, Elijah, and Isaiah spoke God’s truth to His people, sometimes foretelling future events and calling people to repentance (Deuteronomy 18:18; Isaiah 9:6). These examples illuminate Jesus’ prophetic role since He perfectly communicated God’s will and foretold the future with divine authority.
• The Levitical priests, particularly the high priests, mediated between God and humanity through sacrifices and intercession (Exodus 28:1; Leviticus 16). This foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate High Priest who offers Himself once for all, providing a perfect, eternal atonement for sin.
• Kings like David and Solomon ruled God’s people under His authority and established justice, order, and worship (2 Samuel 7:12-16; 1 Kings 3:3-14). These kings point to Jesus as the promised Messiah who reigns eternally with perfect justice and authority, fulfilling God’s covenant promises.

from the new testament

• Jesus called Himself a prophet and even made connections between Himself and the great prophets Elijah and Elisha (Mark 6:4; Luke 4:24-27). He spoke with authority and frequently taught the Word of God through parables (Mark 1:22; 4:34). He performed healings and miracles (Matthew 8:1-17; 9:18-33; Mark 1:32-34; 2:1-12; Luke 17:11-19; 18:35-43; John 2:1-11; 6:1-24).
• Jesus foretold what was to come many times, similar to the prophets of the Old Testament. He told His disciples of His coming death and resurrection (Matthew 17:22-23; 20:17-19), how Peter would deny Him (Matthew 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-30; Luke 22:61; John 13:36-38), and that Judas would betray Him (Matthew 26:20-25; John 13:18-30). He foretold the persecution of those who follow Him (John 16:1-4, 33), the arrival of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-15; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5), and the forthcoming destruction of the temple (Matthew 24:1-2). We are still awaiting the fulfillment of His prophecy that He will one day return to earth (Matthew 24:30-31; John 14:3).
• After Jesus paid the ultimate price and was crucified for the payment of the sins of the world, He became the only priest we need for all of eternity (1 Timothy 2:5). Hebrews 4—10 contrasts the two priesthoods and how Jesus is the ultimate High Priest for all of us. He is the perfect High Priest for mankind because as the incarnate Christ, He had the same struggles, yet still lived a sinless life. He is our perfect Advocate, giving us confidence to approach God the Father, knowing we will find favor with Him (Hebrews 10:19-23).
• The angel Gabriel told Mary, the mother of Jesus, that Jesus would have "the throne of his father David" and that "of his kingdom there will be no end" (Luke 1:32-33). Jesus the Messiah was the fulfillment of these promises. He was called the "Son of David" and was born in the lineage of David (Matthew 1:1; Revelation 22:16). As the Son of David, Jesus was to be the deliverer and ruler of God's people. He freed all humanity from the power of sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Jesus has ultimate authority and prestige (Matthew 28:18; Philippians 2:9-11) and will come to rule and reign as king in the future (1 Corinthians 15:24-28).

implications for today

The roles of prophet, priest, and king are the primary leadership roles described in the Old Testament, and when Jesus came, He fulfilled all three of them. Prophets were known to say what God was saying and prophesying about future events. Sometimes they performed healings and miracles, as well. They also foretold the story of Jesus, and those who were alive during Jesus' lifetime frequently referred to Him as a prophet (Matthew 21:11; Luke 7:16; John 4:19). Just as with Old Testament prophets, many of the Jews did not believe Jesus or heed His words. Peter and Stephen each proclaimed that Jesus was the prophet whom Moses talked about, and He is to be listened to (Acts 3:17-23; 7:37-38, 51-53). Indeed, Jesus was a prophet, as shown through His proven authority and foreknowledge. Additionally, He is the Word of God (John 1:1), not a mere human prophet who speaks God's Word. The role of priests in the Old Testament was to act as mediators between God and humans. Throughout Jesus’ ministry on earth as well as His current position in Heaven, He has taken this position. Priests were also known to offer sacrifices to God on behalf of people for the pardon of sins, yet we know that Jesus became the sacrifice for our sins so that we could receive salvation. In terms of Kingship, Jesus was and is a king, although His earthly ministry in the past was focused more on His servanthood. When He returns, He will rule and reign as king (1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Psalm 110:1). He is the "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16). As a prophet, priest, and king, Jesus is the ultimate leader. He is whole and complete within Himself. He is our perfect authority figure, our guide, and the empathetic advocate that we need.