gen-discern-and-explain-with-scripture-where-relevant-wsc-q23-ma-a8a6

Discern and explain, with Scripture where relevant: WSC Q23 ↔ Matthew

# WSC Q23 and Its Connection to Matthew's Gospel ## Westminster Shorter Catechism Q23 **Q. 23. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?** **A. Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.** ## Connections to Matthew's Gospel Matthew uniquely emphasizes all three offices of Christ throughout his narrative: ### **1. CHRIST AS PROPHET** **Matthew's Evidence:** - **Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount)** - Jesus teaches with authority: "You have heard it said... but I say to you" (5:21-22, 27-28, etc.) - **Matthew 13:57** - "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown" - **Matthew 21:11** - The crowds say, "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee" - **Matthew 23** - Prophetic denunciation of the Pharisees Jesus reveals God's will as the ultimate Prophet, superior to Moses. ### **2. CHRIST AS PRIEST** **Matthew's Evidence:** - **Matthew 20:28** - "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (priestly substitution) - **Matthew 26:26-28** - Institution of the Lord's Supper: "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (priestly sacrifice) - **Matthew 27:50-51** - At Christ's death, the temple veil is torn, signifying access to God through His priestly work ### **3. CHRIST AS KING** **Matthew's Evidence:** - **Matthew 1:1** - Opens with "Jesus Christ, the son of David" (royal lineage) - **Matthew 2:2** - Magi seek "he who has been born king of the Jews" - **Matthew 21:5** - Triumphal entry fulfills Zechariah 9:9 ("your king is coming") - **Matthew 27:11, 37** - Pilate asks "Are you the King of the Jews?" and the crucifixion sign reads "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews" - **Matthew 28:18** - "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (exalted kingship) ## Summary Matthew deliberately presents Jesus fulfilling all three mediatorial offices: - **Prophet** - teaching and revealing God's truth with ultimate authority - **Priest** - offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin - **King** - ruling as David's greater Son over an eternal kingdom This threefold office spans both Jesus's **humiliation** (earthly ministry, death) and **exaltation** (resurrection, ascension, ongoing reign), precisely as WSC Q23 confesses.