Zechariah was a prophet during the same time as Ezra and Nehemiah. Zechariah’s words were an encouragement to the people of God as they rebuilt the temple.
Zechariah reminded people that they were building a temple to not only be a place of worship, but a temple that would serve as a reminder of God’s everlasting promises. Zechariah prophesied about the coming of the Messiah. He reminded people that God’s kingdom will last forever and that the coming Messiah will reign eternally.
More specifically, Zechariah prophesied that the Messiah would come to them humbly, riding on a donkey. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy on Palm Sunday when He entered Jerusalem to crowds carrying palm branches, declaring Him to be the one who comes in the name of the Lord. As Jesus entered the town that day, He came riding on a donkey. Jesus knew the prophecy from Zechariah would declare boldly and publicly that He is the Messiah.
Another prophecy in Zechariah 6:12-13 declares: “You are to tell him: This is what the Lord of Armies says: Here is a man whose name is Branch; he will branch out from his place and build the Lord’s temple. Yes, he will build the Lord’s temple; he will bear royal splendor and will sit on his throne and rule. There will also be a priest on his throne, and there will be peaceful counsel between the two of them.” In this prophecy, Zechariah reminded the people that the temple they were building was a foreshadowing of one who would come and bring the presence of God to us. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, He made the way to bring people into God’s presence forever. Jesus is now seated at the Father’s right hand, exalted to reign forever.
The book of Zechariah reminds us that Jesus is fulfillment of God’s plan to send a Messiah who would save people from sin. As you teach, remind kids that Jesus invites them to trust in Him to be saved, and that one day, He will return to establish His kingdom forever.
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