12 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.

13 It is He who shall build the temple of the LORD and shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on His throne. And there shall be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”’

15 “And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD. And you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.”

— Zechariah 6:12-13, 15

you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

— 1 Peter 2:5

9 Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,

10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

— Philippians 2:9-11

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

God’s words to His people through the prophets present remarkable promises regarding the person and work of the Messiah, who would spring up and grow “from His place.” From Jesse’s root and the lineage of King David, Messiah would come to reign and rule. Though God’s people among Israelites may build and rebuild His temple, the Messiah would “branch out… and build the temple of the Lord” – ultimately, His temple of living stones built from His own body and through His people.

God’s words recorded by Zechariah adds that the Messiah “will be clothed with majesty and sit and rule on His throne.” When Christ came to earth the first time, He willingly took the path of humiliation and rejection, dying a sacrificial death. When Jesus returns, He will come in majesty and glory that every eye will behold. At last, Jesus will receive the honor and majesty He rightfully deserves.