A prophet is one that speaks forth God’s word. He is not so much a teller of the future as an expounder and exposer of the present; he is one who reads clearly and declares the present state of things. The prophetic role is not a popular one. Jesus exposed the corruption of the religious elite; this kind of thing will get you killed. We love it when prophets expose the sins and hypocrisy of others; when they get to us, we are ready to do away with messenger. Jesus’ prophetic word was rejected at Nazareth. “And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” (Mark 6:4 ESV). Some prophets plan to be rejected, as if that somehow validates their message. Jesus spoke the truth in love, desiring that His hearers would heed the message and come to truth.
“Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’” Luke 13:33–35 (NRSV)
