1 Samuel 3 and John 1:1-2
In 1 Samuel 3, we encounter the powerful moment when God first speaks to the young boy Samuel, calling him by name in the stillness of the night. This chapter marks a transition in Israel’s history—a time when God’s voice had been rare, yet now, through Samuel, God would speak once again. This event foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, the true and ultimate Prophet who is Himself the Word of God (John 1:1-2). Jesus does not merely receive the word from God; He is the Word, speaking life, truth, and salvation to all who will listen.
1. The Silence Before the Word
“The word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.” – 1 Samuel 3:1
At the time of Samuel, Israel was in a state of spiritual darkness. The priests were corrupt, the people were distant from God, and prophetic revelation was scarce. This mirrors the 400 years of silence before Christ’s coming—when no prophetic voice had been heard between the last prophet, Malachi, and John the Baptist.
But then, God spoke. He called Samuel personally and powerfully, just as He broke the silence with the coming of Christ. Jesus was the fulfillment of all the prophets, the One who came to fully reveal God’s heart and will to His people.
Jesus is greater than Samuel because He is not just a prophet who hears from God—He is the very Word of God in flesh (John 1:14).
2. The Calling of the True Prophet
“Then the Lord called Samuel… and Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant hears.’” – 1 Samuel 3:10
Samuel’s response to God’s voice is one of humility and obedience. He listens, even when the message is difficult. God gives him a sobering prophecy about the downfall of Eli’s household due to their sin. Samuel, though young, faithfully delivers the message.
This prefigures Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, who not only spoke God’s Word but embodied it perfectly. Jesus faithfully proclaimed the truth, even when it was difficult—calling people to repentance, exposing religious hypocrisy, and ultimately predicting His own suffering and resurrection.
Jesus is the true and final Prophet who speaks only what the Father tells Him (John 12:49). Unlike Samuel, who relayed God’s message, Jesus is God’s message.
3. Jesus, the Word Who Speaks with Authority
“And the Lord let none of his words fall to the ground.” – 1 Samuel 3:19
Samuel’s words carried weight because they were from God. This verse tells us that not one of Samuel’s prophecies failed—every word he spoke came to pass.
How much more is this true of Jesus? His words are eternal, powerful, and life-giving. When He speaks, demons flee, storms are calmed, the sick are healed, and the dead rise.
Jesus’ words are:
- Living and active (Hebrews 4:12)
- Spirit and life (John 6:63)
- The very words of God Himself (John 14:10)
Unlike Samuel, who was just a messenger, Jesus speaks as God Himself. He does not merely predict the future—He controls it.
Jesus is the true and final Prophet, whose every word is fulfilled, whose every promise is kept, and whose voice still speaks today.
4. Listening to the Word Today
“Speak, for your servant hears.” – 1 Samuel 3:10
Samuel’s posture was one of humble listening, and this is the response God desires from us. The people of Israel learned to trust Samuel as a prophet, but we are called to listen to Jesus, the greater Prophet.
The danger is rejecting His voice. In Hebrews 1:1-2, we are reminded that while God spoke through prophets in the past, He has now spoken through His Son. To ignore Jesus is to reject God’s final and ultimate revelation.
Jesus speaks today through:
- His written Word, the Bible
- The Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth
- His servants, who faithfully preach and teach His Word
Like Samuel, may we say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.”
Conclusion: Jesus, the Ultimate Prophet
Jesus is greater than Samuel in every way:
- Samuel was a prophet who heard from God, but Jesus is the Prophet who is God.
- Samuel spoke words from the Lord, but Jesus is the Word Himself.
- Samuel’s words did not fall to the ground, but Jesus’ words are eternal life.
He still speaks today, calling people to Himself, offering forgiveness, and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. The question is—are we listening?
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – John 1:1
Let us tune our hearts to hear the voice of the True Prophet, Jesus Christ.
