The Old Testament contains well over 300 prophecies about the Anointed One (Messiah) who was promised. For one person to match all these descriptions — meeting the qualifications to be the Messiah — would be nothing short of miraculous.
What criteria did the Jewish people of Jesus’ time examine to determine whether Jesus was the One they were expecting? Some believed He was the Messiah; others did not. Can these criteria still help people today to decide who Jesus is? And do we have enough evidence to be confident that the prophecies that haven’t been fulfilled yet will actually take place?
Zerubbabel (heir to the throne) and Joshua (high priest) were privileged to be part of these prophecies, as “symbols” of the Anointed One.
“Listen, High Priest Joshua, you and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch . . . and I will remove the sin of this land in a single day.” (Zechariah 3:8-9)
“. . . make a crown, and set it on the head of the high priest, Joshua . . . And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two.” (Zechariah 6:11b-13)
As I continue digging through the king-priest prophecies, it helps to keep in mind:
– the “rules” regarding which families were eligible for kingship or priesthood, and
– the promises specifically about the Anointed One as king and priest.
