The Ancient Witnesses

182 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

“Does the Commentary say anything about how the roles of prophet, priest, and king relate to Jesus?” asked Cesar. Mentor replied by reading from the Commentary , “Matthew also calls him the son of both Abraham and David because Christ would have three titles: king, prophet, and priest. Abraham had two sons and two titles: he was a prophet and a priest. He is a priest, as is clear when God says to him in Genesis, ‘Bring me a heifer three years old. 20 And he was a prophet, as the Lord testified to Abimelech about him: ‘He is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you shall live…you and all that are yours.’ 21 Therefore he was called the son of Abraham and David, so that he might be understood to be a prophet and priest because he is of Abraham; and a king because he is of David. Thus, he was called the son of both, that the threefold office from each ancestor might be recognized in Christ by right of his lineage.” Signs Accompanying Christ’s Birth “What else does the Commentary say?” asked Cesar. “The signs surrounding the birth of Christ are also revealed,” said Mentor. “What about the wise men,” asked Joseph, “I’ve always been curious about them.” 22 Mentor turned in the Commentary until he found this passage:

20 Gen. 15:9.

21 Gen. 20:7.

22 Matt. 2:1-12.