Crowning Of Messiah Series

Intro

In our study of Zechariah, we have examined the eight visions God gave this prophet on February 15, 519 BC. That brings us to our text today in Zechariah 6:9-15. Follow with me as we read that passage.

“Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 10 ‘Receive the gift from the captives — from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have come from Babylon — and go the same day and enter the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah. 11 Take the silver and gold, make an elaborate crown, and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. 12 Then speak to him, saying, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts, saying:

‘Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, And He shall build the temple of the Lord; 13 Yes, He shall build the temple of the Lord. He shall bear the glory, And shall sit and rule on His throne; So He shall be a priest on His throne, And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.’

14 Now the elaborate crown shall be for a memorial in the temple of the Lord for Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah. 15 Even those from afar shall come and build the temple of the Lord. Then you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. And this shall come to pass if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.”i

We are not specifically told when this word came to Zechariah. However, it serves as a capstone and summary of the eight visions. So, it probably followed soon after the visions.

In the eight visions, God is assuring his people that the covenant promises made to them will be fulfilled. In their history, they have fallen short of the standard set by the covenant. But these eight visions are a revelation of God’s grace and faithfulness in spite of their failures. He has chastened and administered correction to the nation, but all that he promised will be fulfilled.

Here is a brief review of the eight visions.

Vision # 1 (Zech. 1:7-17) Horseman among Myrtle Trees--reveals God’s Awareness of Everything that is Going On

Vision # 2 (Zech. 1:18-21) Four Horns & Four Craftsmen--reveals God’s Faithfulness to Judge Righteously

Vision # 3 (Zech. 2) Man with Measuring Line--reveals God Will Fulfill His Promise to Bless

Vision # 4 (Zech. 3) Clean Garment for High Priest --reveals God Graciously Cleansing His People To Qualify Them

for Blessing.

Vision # 5 (Zech. 4) Golden Lampstand & Two Olive Trees--reveals God Empowering His People Through the Holy Spirit.

Vision # 6 (Zech. 5:1-4) Flying Scroll reveals God Purging the Rebels among His People so He can bless the nation

Vision # 7 (Zech. 5:5-11) Woman in a Basket--reveals God's Removal of the Evil Influences from His People

Vision # 8 (Zech. 6:1-8) Four Chariots--reveals God Will Judge the Ungodly Nations

So, the core promise in these eight visions is ultimate blessing of God’s people.

Now we come to the way this will all be fulfilled. It all depends on one person. Zech. 6:12 points him out: “Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH!” Everything depends on this Man.

We have seen him again and again in these visions.

> In vision #1 He is the Angel of the Lord on the red horse directing the surveillance.

> In vision #3 He is the Angel of the Lord who will subdue the enemies of God’s people.

> In vision #4 He is the Angel of the Lord who rebukes Satan and provides clean garments for Joshua who is representative of God’s people. He is the Branch and the chief cornerstone introduced in that vision.

> In vision #5 He supplies the priestly and kingly anointing represented by the two olive trees.

The central figure in the book of Zechariah is Messiah, the Branch, Jesus. He is revealed throughout the eight visions, typically seen as the Angel of the Lord.

Now in today’s text, the focus of all that has been said centers on the Branch, the Messiah. This focus comes through a prophetic act described in verses 9-11, explained in verses 12-13, and memorialized in verses 14-15.ii

I. The Prophetic Act DESCRIBED in verses 9-11:

“Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 10 ‘Receive the gift from the captives — from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have come from Babylon — and go the same day and enter the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah. 11 Take the silver and gold, make an elaborate crown, and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest.”

The word of the Lord came to Zechariah. That initiated this prophetic action. When God initiates something, it is far more significant than when man initiates it.