“And say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: for he shall branch out from his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD” (Zechariah 6:12 ESV)
The Lord told the prophet Zechariah to make a crown and set it on Joshua, the high priest’s head, repeating the words He had given him concerning the “Branch.” Who is this “Branch?” Was it the high priest, Joshua? Or was he referring to Zerubbabel, the leader of the exiles who was to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem?
The words of the prophecy were for neither of these, but for the One who would unite the offices of priest and king and build the true “temple of the Lord,” which is the Church. For the title, “the Branch,” is a clear reference to Messiah as prophesied by Isaiah (Isa. 11:1). The high priest’s name “Joshua,” or “Yeshua” as it is in the Hebrew, is the equivalent of the name “Jesus,” which means “God’s salvation.” Even the phrase “Behold, the man” is a Messianic prophecy that is unconsciously fulfilled in the mouth of Pilate at Christ’s trial (John 19:5).
This prophecy was partially fulfilled at Christ’s first advent, but will not be complete until His return. For Jesus has “laid the foundation” of the Church and on that Day, He “shall also complete it” (Zech. 4:9).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we are amazed by the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus. Our faith is increased by the perfection of Your Word. Therefore, we look forward to Christ’s soon return as we celebrate His first advent, knowing with confidence that He is coming again. Until then, strengthen us to live for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.