The end of Zechariah's third vision leads us to expect the fourth vision to begin with the Lord plundering the nations in judgment. However, as his fourth vision begins it is not the nations being judged. It is Joshua, the high priest of Israel who stands before the judgment seat of God.

In the late afternoon on the day of His resurrection Jesus has a conversation with two disciples on the way to Emmaus. They are kept from recognizing Him until He interprets for them everything Moses, the Prophets and all the Scriptures taught concerning Himself.

Palm Sunday signaled the beginning of the end of Jesus’ mission. He came not to receive a crown of gold, but to receive a crown of thorns. His coronation would not happen in a palace. It would take place on a hill of execution. Rather than ascend to a throne, He would be nailed to a cross: for us and our salvation.

Zechariah’s third vision points forward to the ministry of Jesus Christ.

As the glory of God incarnate full of grace and truth, Jesus is Son and Servant, Savior and Lord.

As the glory of God incarnate full of grace and truth, Jesus will forever surround and protect His church.

As the glory of God incarnate full of grace and truth, Jesus is the glory of God in our midst.

As the glory of God incarnate full of grace and truth, Jesus fulfills all the promises of God.

Zechariah’s third vision points forward to the ministry of Jesus Christ. He is living embodiment of the temple of God. He is the ark of God’s glory-presence. He is glory incarnate full of grace and truth. One

Beginning in Zechariah 1.8, the prophet sees a series of eight visions. Each vision is connected by a unifying theme: the restoration of God's people through the fulfillment of His promise to be their rock and their salvation. Simply put, each vision fulfills a single pastoral purpose: God will keep His promise to eliminate evil forever and to establish His reign and rule on earth through a people who bear His name.

Despite His anger toward their fathers God had not abandoned their children. He is still their God. They are still His people. Three times He calls Himself the LORD of hosts. No matter who is king, governor, or president: the LORD God the Almighty reigns. He is in charge. And He speaks through Zechariah to declare a simple message: "I AM still here. I AM always here. I AM with you and I will be with you now and forever. I will never leave you nor forsake you."

According to Luke, Jesus is the true Hero who offers true hope because everything we've heard about Him is true, all true, every word of it true. So if Jesus is the hero of the story, why is Luke so interested in telling us about the ministry of John the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth? The answer is simple: every story needs a role player.