Zechariah 3:1-10: The High Priest’s New Clothes

In Zechariah’s fourth vision, the prophet sees the high priest, Joshua, standing in the heavenly courtroom clothed with filthy garments. This shows his own uncleanness and the uncleanness of all the people of God. Just as Satan stands ready to accuse and condemn Joshua, the messenger of the LORD steps forward to rebuke Satan and give Joshua new garments. This is a picture of the LORD’s cleansing forgiveness of His people. Newly forgiven, the LORD promises Joshua that He will have the right of access. The LORD also promises that He will send His Servant, the Branch from Jesse’s stem and the Cornerstone of His Church. Both promises point forward to Jesus, who removes the iniquity of His people on Good Friday.  Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 3:1-10.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the preaching of these faithful men, the LORD sent His Word to His people who returned home after their exile in Babylon. Not only did the LORD encourage His people in the work of rebuilding the temple, but even more than that, He pointed them forward to the fulfillment of all the Old Testament promises in the coming kingdom of our true King and great High Priest, Jesus Christ.