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The Righteous Branch
FOR THE HONOR AND GLORY OF GOD
John R Contreraz
ehold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a
righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute
judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved,
and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called,
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jeremiah 23:5, 6
B
“It is only when the sinner feels the need of a Saviour, that his heart goes after the One who can help him.”
– E.G. White – Review and Herald March 15th 1887
s Jesus walked among the multitudes His
heart yearned to administer healing to
every suffering soul; “he was moved with compassion on them,
because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no
shepherd” (Mat 9:36). The lame were made to walk, the sick
cured; those with withered limbs He made whole,
opened the ears of the deaf and restored sight to the
blind. Christ healed many physical maladies and His
reputation grew among the people.
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything
too hard for me?” (Jer 32:27). No illness was without remedy;
no inhibition prevented His curative touch. Even satan
and his fallen angels were compelled to obey Christ’s
commands as He banished those unclean spirits from
many afflicted souls. Not even the grave was beyond
His reach, for many who were stricken with death were
raised to life at His word.
2 The Righteous Branch
He is the promised One, the Desire of all nations, the
Prince of Peace: “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun
of righteousness arise with healing in his wings” (Mal 4:2). His
gentle touch is as warm sun rays caressing our face after a
long winter’s night. “O taste and see that the LORD is good”
sang the psalmist (Psa 34:8). Do you suppose we are now
out of His reach? Taste and see for yourself beloved—
God is still good.
Particularly relevant to our study involves the
compelling story of two blind men who cried out to Jesus
by the wayside. One of these two men was named
Bartimaeus and little else is known about him or his
companion. One day Bartimaeus heard an unusual
commotion nearing the place where he begged. As he
inquired of those around him for the meaning, someone
responded: “Jesus of Nazareth passeth by” (Luke 18:37).
Bartimaeus’ heart swelled with hope as he desperately
vied for the Healer’s attention. If only Jesus would look
upon him, surely He would heal his blindness. The blind
men knew Jesus was their only hope, and their calls fell
upon His ears as a mother alerted to the cries of her
children: “Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me” “Have mercy
on us, O Lord, thou son of David” (Mark 10:47; Mat 20:31). Not
John R Contreraz 3
even the annoyed multitudes could silence Bartimaeus’
pleas as he “cried out the more a great deal” (Mark 10:48).
Upon hearing the desperation in their pleas, the loving
Messiah stopped to call them. As the multitudes
observed Christ’s kindness, conviction overwhelmed
their hearts as He did not treat those lowly men with
disdain or indifference. His compassionate gaze caused
their hearts to soften, and now they too sympathized
with the blind men saying kindly: “Be of good comfort, rise;
he calleth thee” (Mark 10:49).
Jesus said to them: “What will ye that I should do unto you?
They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened” (Mat
20:32, 33). He desired not only to hear their plea but to
relieve their sore affliction. Christ foreknew their desire
yet still asked it of them, for their trustful plea filled His
heart with joy. Audaciously, the men asked for a great
miracle. In doing so they acknowledged their own
helplessness as well as Christ’s healing power; they fully
believed He could actually relieve their grievous burden.
These wonderful demonstrations of faith encouraged
our Lord in His mission to save humanity. So, the
Saviour “touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received
sight, and they followed him” (Mat 20:34).
4 The Righteous Branch
Many aspects of this account are central to our study of
the Righteous Branch prophecies. Such as the blind men’s
references to Jesus as “the son of David,” a title associated
with the long awaited Messiah. Though physically blind,
these two blind men could apparently see what many
others could not. Here we will begin our journey.
The ancient people of God were entrusted with the
sacred duty of proclaiming the Messiah’s arrival to the
world. Over three-hundred detailed prophecies were
revealed and recorded in the Old Testament writings.
These unambiguous descriptions disallow for vague
interpretations as they are precise, detailed, and prove to
be completely accurate.
Among other details revealed was the place of the
Messiah’s birth, the time of the commencement of His
ministry, His virgin birth, even the price for which He
was betrayed. Josh McDowell quotes an interesting
estimation of the probability of the fulfillment of a mere
eight Messianic prophecies in someone other than Jesus
of Nazareth: “Jesus perfectly fulfilled all 300 Old
Testament predictions! The odds of any other person
John R Contreraz 5
fulfilling even 8 of those predictions are 1 in
100,000,000,000,000,000.”1
To put that figure into perspective, the latest census
calculates there are nearly seven billion people alive on
earth today.2 That figure represents a sum greater than
the total amount of people which have existed in
Earth’s history. Meaning there has lived on our beloved
planet roughly fourteen billion people. As great a
number that is, it pales in comparison to one-hundred
quadrillion! Imagine the probability if we took into
account all three hundred-plus Messianic prophecies?
The legitimate candidacy as the Messiah of someone
other than Jesus is not only a mathematical
impossibility, but the idea is downright preposterous.
For today’s Bible study, we shall consider eight
Messianic prophecies specific to the “Righteous Branch.”
“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto
David a righteous Branch ...” (Jer 23:5). Let’s begin by
analyzing the word Branch. The Hebrew word is tsemach,
which means sprout, growth, branch; descendant.3
Depending on its context it could simply refer to a tree
branch or a family descendant. In this case the context
implies the latter definition – the Messiah would be of
6 The Righteous Branch
David’s lineage. This particular fact was commonly
known among the Jews, and was a quality zealously
guarded. So Bartimaeus’ allusion to Jesus as the “son of
David” must have annoyed those not willing to
acknowledge Him as the promised Messiah.
Among the religious leaders none created a more
fervent opposition to Jesus’ Christhood than perhaps
the Pharisees. Thus, Jesus challenged their
understanding of this particular facet: “What think ye of
Christ? whose son is he?” The Pharisees responded: “The son
of David” (Mat 22:42). Although they responded correctly,
deep seeded arrogance prevented a deeper, more
spiritual comprehension of the Scriptures. Attempting
to open their eyes to this vital deficiency, the loving
Saviour further probed: “How then doth David in spirit call
him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my
right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then
call him Lord, how is he his son?” (Mat 22:43-45). The
Pharisees’ lack of spiritual discernment disallowed any
further retort, for they were unable to counter the
Master’s sound reasoning. “And no man was able to answer
him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him
any more questions” (Mat 22:46).
John R Contreraz 7
Had the Pharisees asked for deeper understanding
Jesus would have willingly complied. But to do so would
be an acknowledgement of His superiority, thus their
hardened hearts preferred darkness over light. Jesus’ test
was designed to humble the prideful leaders; had they
been willing He would have expounded the Scriptures
unto them more fully. The Saviour’s intent was to
exemplify David’s humility before God – that even
Israel’s national hero acknowledged the preeminence of
his own descendant.
The Lord Jesus proclaims Himself not only as David’s
descendant but also as his source of life: “I am the root
and the offspring of David” (Rev 22:16). Obviously, David had
many descendants, so this aspect alone is insufficient to
qualify anyone as the fulfillment of the Righteous
Branch prophecy. Nonetheless, it does serve to
eliminate the great majority of alleged candidates.
8 The Righteous Branch
Isaiah’s contribution to our study provides astonishing
details: “In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful
and glorious...” (Isa 4:2). Not only would the Righteous
Branch be the Son of David, but also the Son of God.
As we consider the word ‘son’ terms like offspring, or
descendant most often come to mind. This definition
fits in Jesus’ relationship to David as His physical
forefather. Yet since “God is a Spirit” another form of
this relation must be considered (John 4:24).
The relationship between the Father and the Son
consists of intimacy, unity, and harmony. Jesus’ example
is one of complete surrender and submission to God’s
will. Inherently His Sonship also includes sovereignty
over the Father’s affairs, which commands unimaginable
authority. “All things that the Father hath are mine” declares
Christ (John 16:15). This had been Lucifer’s cause for
contention since long ago, for he vehemently covets this
prerogative for himself. For this reason, those who satan
influences demonstrate the same fervent contentions
against Jesus’ supremacy. These disputations were found
especially among the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, and
generally continue in similar forms today.
John R Contreraz 9
Nonetheless, Jesus fulfills this prophecy also. He is the
“Branch of the LORD,” the Son of God: “I came forth
from the Father, and have come into the world” (John 16:28). Not
even blind arrogance could obscure the Messiah’s divine
Sonship, for even Caiaphas the haughty high priest
recognized this fact during the mockery of his
interrogation: “I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us
whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God” (Mat 26:63). We
often consider the term ‘Christ’ as a surname, yet its
significance is equivalent to Jesus’ Sonship. Among the
numerous descendants of David this quality is unique to
Jesus as the Son of God. Let us place all our hope in
Jesus as Martha proclaimed: “Yea, Lord: I believe that thou
art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world” (John 11:24).
The LORD promised to restore the Earth to its Edenic
form “for them that are escaped of Israel.” The inhabitants of
this renewed world must also be purified: “And it shall
come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in
Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written
among the living in Jerusalem (Isa 4:2-3).
10 The Righteous Branch
God often referred to His faithful people by the
names “Israel” “Jerusalem” or “Zion” as in the
following example: “say unto Zion, Thou art my people” (Isa
51:16). These titles have nothing to do with race or
ethnicity, neither are God’s people limited to the
geographical boundaries surrounding physical Israel.
Thus says the LORD: “thou, Israel, art … the seed of
Abraham” (Isa 41:8). Paul understood the redeemed
people of the Earth to be spiritual Israelites: “And if ye be
Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed…” (Gal 3:29). Therefore,
if we are Christ’s then we are Israel. This principle is
important to remember as we begin to consider its
relevancy to the end-time Church. Also notice how
God’s people are described: “escaped of Israel,” “left in
Zion,” and “remaineth in Jerusalem.” These
characteristics are all synonymous with the term:
REMNANT.
Webster’s dictionary defines ‘remnant’ as:
“a: a usually small part, member, or trace remaining.
b: a small surviving group —often used in plural.”4
John R Contreraz 11
These passages refer to the very same group which
satan mercilessly attacks in the last days: “the remnant ...
which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of
Jesus Christ” (Rev 12:17). The remaining faithful of Earth’s
final days are greatly beloved of God and receive
protection of heaven’s mightiest angels. They are God’s
“peculiar” people, a special “treasure” unto Himself. At
last, these surviving souls overcome every fierce satanic
assault “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their
testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Rev
12:11). They survive the scorn of all the forces of
darkness, for they are the little company of God’s
radiant light.
Unbeknownst to themselves, all of heaven is
observing their utter devotion, admiring their unfailing
loyalty despite overwhelming opposition. They possess
no advantage over the rest of humanity, yet are
victorious by their dependence of God’s strength. They
endure the absolute worst assaults hell’s forces can
muster, yet their trust in God proves inextinguishable.
With abiding devotion they follow along the Saviour’s
path having received His character as their own.
12 The Righteous Branch
Who is to comprise this special group? A warm
welcome is extended to anyone who would but believe
in Jesus Christ’s power to separate them from sin. There
exists no exclusion unto any member of the human
family, for all may unite unto Him. The weak are made
strong, the poor are made rich, and the sinner is made
holy in the power of the Lord. “I will call them my people,
which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto
them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children
of the living God” (Rom 9:25, 26).
Sadly, such faith is uncommon even among the many
professed followers of Christ, as it is written: “Though the
number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a
remnant shall be saved” (Rom 9:27). Yet there are a remnant
people close to the Lord’s heart whom having escaped
sin’s bondage are left standing amid the onslaught, for
they remain in Christ. Along with every faithful person
throughout history, these champions’ names are written
“among the living in Jerusalem” “in the Lamb’s book of
life” (Rev 21:27).
John R Contreraz 13
“And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he
that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy ...” (Isa 4:3).
“For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify
yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy” (Lev 11:44). Our
heavenly Father expects holiness in His people, yet not
by their own might but by His. God declares His people
holy as Himself, they are clothed with the garments of
righteousness; yea, they are cleansed from all their
selfishness taking the character of their Saviour.
Isaiah was allowed to foresee the time of cleansing:
“When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters
of Zion” (Isa 4:4). This was a time yet future to Isaiah’s
days, since animal sacrifices had no redemptive property
but were mere symbols of Jesus’ true sacrificial death: “it
is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take
away sins” (Heb 10:4).
“I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day,” said the
LORD God (Zec 3:9). Again, the time of purification is
delineated in a time yet future, to the blood offering of
the sinless Lamb of God. As Jesus approached the
14 The Righteous Branch
waters of Jordan, John the baptist announced: “Behold the
Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John
1:29). The day that God promised to remove the
“iniquity of that land” arrived on the day of Christ’s
crucifixion. All people, past and future, who place their
hope on the Messiah, are now grafted into a spiritual
Israel, and the sins of “that land” are removed for all
time:
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be
partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,
and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
In whom we have redemption through his blood,
even the forgiveness of sins”
– Colossians 1:12-14
John R Contreraz 15
“Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall
grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the
LORD” (Zec 6:12).
The temple in Jerusalem had been the pride of the
Jewish nation while it served its sacred purpose as the
earthly sanctuary. Yet the ‘temple’ to be built by the
Righteous Branch was not literal but a “spiritual house”
for God’s presence within His people (2Pe 2:5).
Solomon’s temple was wonderful as it was splendid in
that God’s presence was manifested there as in the
portable desert sanctuary. The light emanating in the
Most Holy Place was a sign of the LORD’s dwelling with
Israel. That temple was destroyed by the Babylonians
during one of Israel’s instances of apostasy. Yet as
splendid as it was, Solomon recognized its utter inability
to house the eternal God: “But will God indeed dwell on the
earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain
thee; how much less this house that I have builded?” 1Ki 8:27.
16 The Righteous Branch
After Israel’s liberation from Babylon a second temple
was constructed, though it had not reached the
splendidness of the first. Absent was the pillar of fire
and the Shekinah Glory that once shone from the Most
Holy Place. God said to the elders: “Who is left among you
that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is
it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?” Hag 2:3.
Great sorrow filled the hearts of those who had
formerly witnessed God’s presence among them as they
feared this great privilege was forever lost.
Yet the merciful Father encouraged them with
promises of the coming Messiah: “the desire of all nations
shall come: and I will fill this house with glory ... The glory of this
latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of
hosts: and in this place will I give peace” (Hag 2:7-9). The glory
of the latter was indeed greater than the former, for in it
entered the Desire of all Nations, the Prince of Peace.
Jesus Himself had entered the temple claiming it as “my
Father’s house” (John 2:16).
Sadly, this magnificent temple was also destroyed.
Nonetheless, Jesus did “build the temple of the LORD.”
Those faithful people in times past who believed on the
John R Contreraz 17
coming Messiah, as well as those who believe on Him
since, presently form the everlasting Temple of the
Living God. Said the apostle: “Know ye not that ye are the
temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1Co
3:16. God purposed to create a “spiritual house” for
Himself, a living temple not made of stone or wood but
comprised by His children: “so my spirit remaineth among
you” “for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I
will dwell in them, and walk in them” (Hag 2:5; 2Co 6:16).
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners,
but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an
holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for
an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
– Ephesians 2:19-22
18 The Righteous Branch
“Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH ... shall sit and
rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne” (Zec 6:12, 13).
In Jesus Christ the kingdom of heaven has its King
and the Temple of God has her Priest. As David’s
descendant, Christ fulfills the LORD’s promise: “David
shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of
Israel” (Jer 33:17). That is to say, David shall never lack a
man to sit upon the throne – his royal lineage would
never be severed.5 The priestly line would also remain
unbroken: “Neither shall the priests the Levites want a man
before me” (Jer 33:18).
During his interview, Pilate asked Jesus: “Art thou a
king then?” Jesus answered unambiguously: “Thou sayest
that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came
I into the world” (John 18:37). Jesus’ cause was to reclaim the
human family from the bondage of sin and to reign as
Earth’s rightful King; “To this end was I born, and for
this cause came I into the world.” Those imprisoned in
slavery are in need of a Mediator, one who could
accomplish their full liberation and intercede on their
John R Contreraz 19
behalf. Our cause lies in Jesus’ most capable hands: “we
have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1Jn
2:1). Yes beloved! We have a righteous Advocate in Jesus
who is not ashamed to present His own blood before
the Father on our behalf; “we have a great high priest, that is
passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God” (Heb 4:14).
In a monarchy, the king’s judgment is supreme.
Although many unjust kings have abused this royal
authority, rest assured that both King Jesus’ Law and
Judgment are absolutely fair and just. “I will raise unto
David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and
shall execute judgment and justice in the earth” God promised
(Jer 23:5). Jesus has reclaimed dominion over this once lost
planet with His defeat over sin and satan at the cross;
with this decisive victory our King established God’s
eternal Kingdom. At His wonderful return Christ will
complete the overthrow of Earth’s oppressor once and
for all, for He will “set up a kingdom which shall never be
destroyed ... and it shall stand for ever” (Dan 2:44).
The Righteous Branch will “reign and prosper”
forevermore: “Of the increase of his government and peace there
shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom,
to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from
20 The Righteous Branch
henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will
perform this” (Isa 9:7). Tyranny and oppression will fade
into oblivion and Christ’s Kingdom will “stand for
ever.” Jesus’ reigns with truth and integrity: “the spirit of
the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and
understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of
knowledge and of the fear of the LORD” (Isa 11:2).
“Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH ...”
Jesus rules not only as God but as a member of the
human family, one who understands our burden having
personally experienced sin’s oppression: “For we have not
an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities” “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he
is able to succour them that are tempted” (Heb 4:15; 2:18).
“In those days, and at that time,” says the LORD, “will I
cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he
shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land” (Jer 33:15).
We may confidently trust that our lives are judged by
impartial standards free from corruption, for Christ has
earned the indisputable right to judge all. “For the Father
judgeth no man,” says the Messiah, “but hath committed all
judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22).
John R Contreraz 21
By coming to Earth in the flesh of men, the divine
Son of God negated all contentions against the Father’s
holy requirements. Otherwise one might argue,— Since
God is not human, perhaps His standards are
unattainable; and therefore unreasonable. In a moment
of weakness, Job entertained this idea as he thought to
question God: “I will say unto God ... Hast thou eyes of flesh?
or seest thou as man seeth?” Job 10:2, 4. Yet this form of
allegation was answered when Jesus left heaven’s
majesty of to be born in a humble manger: “the Word was
made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and
blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same” (Heb 2:14).
Jesus became a man like us partaking in our infirmities
and weaknesses, suffering our temptations. He had no
inherent advantage over the rest of humanity; His pure
spirit was victorious over His own body’s carnal
inclinations. When God purifies our mind and spirit, He
will have enabled us also to overcome every carnal
propensity. This is Jesus’ example, that we should “follow
his steps” (1Pe 2:21). If holiness is not attainable for the
human race, then satan’s accusations are valid, and
God’s requirements would be considered unreasonable
22 The Righteous Branch
and unfitting— and therefore unnecessary. At its core,
this false accusation accuses God of being as
unnecessary as His Law.
“Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his
brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in
things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the
people” (Heb 2:17). By Christ’s own victorious life, these
accusations prove groundless. Jesus never once
benefitted from utilizing His own divinity; He depended
on the Father who is also accessible to us. “For we have
not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities” said Paul, “but was in all points tempted like as we
are, yet without sin” (Heb 4:15).
Jesus suffered the temptation of the flesh in every way
we do, yet without sin. There was no trace of rebellion
in Him, for His selfless heart was filled with love and
compassion, for the Spirit of God rested upon Him.
Because He knows what we suffer being that “he himself
hath suffered being tempted,” Paul concluded: “he is able to
succor them that are tempted” (Heb 2:18).
John R Contreraz 23
“Satan had pointed to Adam’s sin as proof that God’s law was unjust, and could not be obeyed. In our humanity, Christ was to redeem Adam’s failure. But when Adam was assailed by the tempter, none of the effects of sin were upon him. He stood in the strength of perfect manhood, possessing the full vigor of mind and body. He was surrounded with the glories of Eden, and was in daily communion with heavenly beings. It was not thus with Jesus when He entered the wilderness to cope with Satan. For four thousand years the race had been decreasing in physical strength, in mental power, and in moral worth; and Christ took upon Him the infirmities of degenerate humanity. Only thus could He rescue man from the lowest depths of his degradation. “Many claim that it was impossible for Christ to be overcome by temptation. Then He could not have been placed in Adam’s position; He could not have gained the victory that Adam failed to gain. If we have in any sense a more trying conflict than had Christ, then He would not be able to succor us. But
24 The Righteous Branch
our Saviour took humanity, with all its liabilities. He took the nature of man, with the possibility of yielding to temptation. We have nothing to bear which He has not endured.”6
Although Jesus partook in our temptations as the Son
of man, we could never partake in His as the Son of
God. Christ’s temptations far exceeded ours, for if He
could have been swayed to relieve His own suffering,
satan could have successfully nullified God’s entreaties
to holiness. If Jesus would have turned those stones into
bread,7 or climbed down from the cross,8 satan would
take occasion to accuse God of a great injustice. He
would allege that only God could be sinless, and
therefore not only excuse humanity’s rebelliousness but
even his own. Those who believe they are justified
cannot sense their need for the Saviour.
Only Jesus has ever overcome sin and the world it has
infested, only He has climbed that insurmountable
mountaintop. For this reason God had entrusted Jesus
with the right to sit as humanity’s Judge: “God shall judge
the secrets of men by Jesus Christ” “for we shall all stand before
the judgment seat of Christ” (Rom 2:16; 14:10).
John R Contreraz 25
Thus, “the Father judgeth no man, but hath
committed all judgment unto the Son” “And hath given
him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of
man” (John 5:27). Despite every disadvantage Christ the
man overcame as God, yet never once took occasion to
glorify Himself, but always the Father. Tell me beloved
reader: Who could legitimately oppose Jesus’
qualifications as Judge, or argue against the righteous
scales by which we are weighed?
So King Jesus reigns justly, intercedes compassionately
as High Priest, and judges “with righteousness” (Isa 11:4). “I
can of mine own self do nothing” says Christ, “as I hear, I judge:
and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the
will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30). Only in
Jesus can humanity “be saved” and “dwell safely,”
“Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other
name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved”
“... and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD
OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” 9 (Acts 4:12; Jer 23:6).
26 The Righteous Branch
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a
name which is above every name” (Php 2:9).
The Saviour concealed His divinity in order to meet
humanity in our fallen condition, and justly secure our
salvation without the possibility of contention. By this
name Christ is to be called: ‘Jehovah is our
righteousness.’ This name implies a most basic yet
overlooked principle— During His earthly ministry
Jesus was to depend completely on God in every single
aspect. Our most valiant Lord and Saviour not only
deprived Himself of the might of Godhood, but in
assuming the form of fallen humanity, divested also was
His own inherent righteousness. Just as a single leaf
grows on a great tree by God’s provision, Jesus
depended on God to sustain Him in every single
moment of His life on earth.
How little we realize the depths to which the Son of
God descended to save us, oh beloved! In heaven Jesus
had been revered as Creator and Royal Commander.
Truly, He is the eternal Son of God, majestic, holy, and
righteous. Yet the “Word became flesh” on earth, and
John R Contreraz 27
stripped Himself of every advantage divinity might
otherwise render. Christ did not confront satan in the
form of Heavenly splendor, but as a mere human being:
“Christ took upon Him the infirmities of degenerate
humanity...” “For verily he took not on him the nature of angels;
but he took on him the seed of Abraham” (Heb 2:16).
“Christ in the weakness of humanity was to meet the temptations of one possessing the powers of the higher nature that God had bestowed on the angelic family. But Christ’s humanity was united with divinity, and in this strength He would bear all the temptations that Satan could bring against Him, and yet keep His soul untainted by sin. And this power to overcome He would give to every son and daughter of Adam who would accept by faith the righteous attributes of His character.”10
In itself, meeting this controversy as God would have
been a wonderful feat, yet Jesus met it not in glorious
divinity but dressed in the garbs of humanity. How
much more astounding was His victory?! The “tried
stone” was proven more than reliable (Isa 28:16). The key
28 The Righteous Branch
element of His victory is shared with us: “Christ’s
humanity was united with divinity...” For clarity, let us
define whose “divinity” Mrs. White referred to in this
quotation:
“He was able to resist the temptation of Satan through His dependence upon the divine power of His heavenly Father...”11
Jesus’ victory resulted from relying solely upon the
Father’s sustainment; the same supernatural strength is
made available to all who believe on the Son of God.
This is true righteousness by faith. Supported by the
Father, Jesus has climbed the proverbial mountaintop,
and prepared the way for you and me to follow. Apart
from Christ, we could never attain such lofty heights
even by innumerable good deeds: “all our righteousnesses
are as filthy rags” (Isa 64:6). That is to say, our good deeds
are all together useless for cleansing away sin. Our
transgressions may only be removed by the blood of the
sinless Lamb of God.
Only true righteousness is acceptable before God.
Jesus was tried during His life and proven worthy, thus
He is called of the Father: “my righteous servant” (Isa 53:11).
John R Contreraz 29
That old serpent viciously attacked the Saviour
attempting to provoke Him to respond with divine
might, which under the circumstances would render
such an act self-reliant. Oh beloved, the “Tried Stone”
the “Root of David ... hath prevailed” (Rev 5:5). Yet Jesus
silences the accuser and by trial proves beyond question
His true merit. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain” was
shouted at His triumphant return to heaven (Rev 5:12).
For by trial, Christ’s true character was revealed:
“From the desert to Calvary, the storm of the enemy’s wrath beat upon the Saviour; but the more mercilessly it fell, the more firmly did the Son of God cling to the hand of His Father, and press on in the blood-stained path. All the efforts of Satan to overcome Him only brought out in a purer light His spotless character.”12
Jesus, “the image of the invisible God” once said: “he that
hath seen me hath seen the Father” (Col 1:15; John 14:9). He is
the express image of Jehovah, for Christ and the Father
are One, united in purpose and character. God sustained
Him through it all, and kept Him from falling. By fully
30 The Righteous Branch
depending upon the Father’s care, Jesus demonstrates
the fullness of righteousness. Thus, Christ’s is called
forevermore: “The Lord Our Righteousness.”
“Jesus had shown in what righteousness consists, and had pointed to God as its source.”13
Righteousness is not derived from right-doing, good
works, or even by omitting sin. Righteousness is the
genuine virtue, the tree which cultivates right-doing,
good works, and sinlessness. If right-doing deemed a
man righteous, then every man could earn moral virtue
for himself independently from God. Says the LORD “I
will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not
profit thee” (Isa 57:12). To believe in the ability to earn
moral virtue by good works is essentially legalism, self-
righteousness, and artificial virtuousness.
A man who would declare himself morally upright is a
man of twisted discernment, for he thinks to position
himself equal to God in matters of judgment. It is the
outright denial of the need for a Saviour. In satan’s
ongoing campaign to negate God’s authority many have
John R Contreraz 31
fallen prey to delusional doctrines such as self-
righteousness.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man
should boast” (Eph 2:8, 9). God’s fairness is fully displayed
in Christ’s subjection to the same scrutiny of heaven’s
righteous standard that all men will be judged. It was
not the many acts of mercy, nor the great distances He
walked from town to town that deem Christ righteous.
It was an intimate relationship with His Father that
molded His character since infancy; a life of selfless
servitude was the fruit of this bond. Far be it from
Jesus to boast: “the words that I speak unto you I speak not
of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the
works” (John 14: 10).
32 The Righteous Branch
God Imprints His Character upon Us
What a truly amazing example we have in Jesus! It is
significant that the Saviour never specifically declared
Himself as the Righteous Branch despite fulfilling every
aspect of the prophecy. As we have seen earlier, the
odds of these prophecies finding fulfillment in someone
else are astronomical.
Why wouldn’t Jesus openly claim to be the Righteous
Branch? Christ made no such declaration in order to
avoid even the slightest appearance of self-
righteousness. The Messiah is our preeminent example.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, because the
righteousness of the promised Branch was to be
affirmed God Himself – being completely surrendered
to the Father’s will, Jesus would not have circumvented
His approval. Jesus says: “If I honour myself, my honour is
nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me” (John 8:54).
Allow me please to reiterate this point: Jesus proclaims
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me” (John 14:6). He is humanity at its highest
potential, the pattern which God can reproduce in us.
“Jesus had shown in what righteousness consists, and
had pointed to God as its source.”
John R Contreraz 33
With this in mind, let’s consider another yet fulfilled
aspect of the Righteous Branch prophecy: “In those days
shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is
the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our
righteousness” (Jer 33:16). This version of the same
prophecy is similar to the earlier, yet with one immense
difference: God’s name is bestowed upon the people. The
Righteous Branch was first to bear the LORD’s sacred
name: “this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD
OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jer 23:6). In the later version it is
written: “this is the name wherewith she shall be called,
The LORD our righteousness.” First, “he” (the
Righteous Branch), then “she” (the people recipients of
salvation) “shall be called” by the Father’s sacred name.
“Of the church of Christ it is written, “This is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our Righteousness” (Jer. 33:16). This name is put upon every follower of Christ. It is the heritage of the child of God. The family are called after the Father. The prophet Jeremiah, in the time of Israel’s sore distress and tribulation, prayed, “We are called by thy name; leave us not” (Jer. 14:9).”14
34 The Righteous Branch
“And it shall come to pass” says the LORD God, that He
will perform that “good thing which I have promised” (Isa 4:3;
Jer 33:14). The remaining faithful “shall be called holy” (Isa
4:3). God does nothing halfway, this is no simulated
holiness, for the child who bears God’s name becomes
as He is: “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1Pe 1:16). This is His
promise, and He is faithful to perform it. Not that God
expects us to randomly achieve holiness, for this is
absolutely impossible. Our loving Father expects us to
live pure and holy lives based on His provisions, having
first cleansed us and then imparting unto us the power
to overcome.
“When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own.”15
John R Contreraz 35
“And I will pray the Father,” says Christ, “and he shall give you
another Comforter” (John 14:16). The Holy Spirit is here to guide
us to all truth and to be our supernatural source of
strength: “ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come
upon you” (Acts 1:8). The “good thing” God has promised is
the act of claiming us by Christ as children of His own
household: “to them gave he power to become the sons of God” “For as
many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (John
1:12; Rom 8:14).
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that
pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath
called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great
and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine
nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
– 2nd Peter 1:3, 4
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” Paul
conceded (Php 4:13). Surrender completely to Jesus oh
beloved, for only He “is able to keep you from falling, and to
present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding
joy” (Jude 24). Said the psalmist: “For thou hast delivered my soul
from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may
walk before God in the light of the living?” Psa 56:13. God does
nothing halfway. He has delivered our souls from death by
Christ, and will maintain our purity by the Holy Spirit.
36 The Righteous Branch
“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more
they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of
righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:17).
The bitter reign of sin and death came to an end with
the Saviour’s death and resurrection. In death, Christ
had vindicated God’s holy requirements and in life He
forced dominion away from satan. In Jesus we may
partake in His glory, character, and grace. Mrs. White
penned this inspired description: “Christ was treated as
we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He
was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share,
that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which
we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours,
that we might receive the life which was His. “With His
stripes we are healed.” ”16
Although we had no share in Jesus’ righteousness, we
are invited to partake in it by His “abundance of grace.”
By this abounding grace we are saved through faith;
“and that not of yourselves” Paul advised, “it is the gift of God”
(Eph 2:8). Abiding in Christ we are more than forgiven,
we are changed like unto Him: “But we all, with open face
beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the
John R Contreraz 37
same image from glory to glory” not by our own doing, “by the
Spirit of the Lord” (2Co 3:18).
If we have not been changed, if we have not
experienced true conversion, it is because we simply lack
the desire for a genuine encounter with Jesus. We
cannot be freed from the consequence of sin unless we
are truly converted – until we have looked upon Him
hanging on a cross in agony and then forfeiting His own
life. The loving Saviour could have cast us off, yet He
was determined to die that we might live; “He suffered
the death which was ours, that we might receive the life
which was His.”
To behold Christ is to impress His image upon the
heart. To abide in Him is to surrender completely. Just
as Bartimaeus willingly cast “away his garment” as he drew
nearer to Jesus, we must also willingly forsake our
deeply imbedded self-sufficiency, as it is so repugnant to
God that it is symbolized by “filthy garments” (Mark
10:50). “Take away the filthy garments from him” says the
LORD, “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee,
and I will clothe thee with change of raiment” (Zec 3:4). Only
then may we receive His life as our own— only then
may we be truly Christlike and thus worthy of heaven.
38 The Righteous Branch
“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath
not seen him, neither known him” (1Jn 3:6).
“God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning.”17
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee,” says the Lord, “Except a
man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
Rebirth in baptism is to be born again and to repent is
to forsake sinfulness. Correspondingly Jesus said: “Verily
I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little
children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Mat 18:3).
Jesus promises all Christians: “ye shall receive power, after
that the Holy Ghost is come upon you” the same power “to
become the sons of God” (Acts 1:8; John 1:12).
John R Contreraz 39
The Holy Spirit and the sustainment He provides, is
also given to us freely with but one requirement: “Repent,
and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for
the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost” (Acts 2:38). God does nothing halfway. He is able
to complete both the purification as well as the
conversion of the soul: “A new heart also will I give you, and
a new spirit will I put within you ...” He also provides for
our continual abiding in Him: “And I will put my spirit
within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall
keep my judgments, and do them” (Eze 36:26, 27).
We have previously seen that Jesus’ “humanity was
united with divinity, and in this strength He would bear
all the temptations that Satan could bring against Him,
and yet keep His soul untainted by sin.”18 The “divinity”
was further explained as “the divine power of His
heavenly Father...”19 A further description of this divine
power is given in the following quote. Notice the same
phrase written here: “Christ’s humanity was united with
divinity” followed by another description of that divine
power: “He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling
of the Holy Spirit.”
40 The Righteous Branch
“The prince of this world cometh,” saith Jesus, “and hath nothing in Me.” There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan’s sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ’s humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character.20
Do you see beloved? Our Father takes care of every
aspect of our redemption. “God ... gave his only begotten Son”
to wash away our sins (John 3:16). Then He endows us with
supernatural power to remain pure by “the gift of the
Holy Ghost.” Thus, in receiving the divine gifts of the Son
and the Spirit, we receive all that is required to actually
become righteous, “sin has no more dominion over us”
and in Christ “we may attain to perfection of character.”
For we are saved by grace, costless to us, through faith:
“and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Eph 2:8).
John R Contreraz 41
Christ healed so many physical maladies such as
blindness, leprosy, paralysis, even death. Is He not capable
of healing our addiction for sin and carnal tendencies? Just
as Jesus had compassion on those suffering souls, He also
opens His arms for us. Christ will relieve us of every one
of our grievous burdens and also heal our spiritual
maladies. Only earnestly and persistently call out to Him
like those blind men, for He yearns to heal you of every
affliction. Cry out as Paul did: “O wretched man that I am! who
shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through
Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 7:24, 25). Paul’s Deliverer also
listens for our cries, even at this very moment.
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin;
for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin,
because he is born of God.” – 1st John 3:9
42 The Righteous Branch
“And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the
kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the
saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting
kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him” (Dan 7:27).
As the Saviour partook in our sufferings, the
redeemed must partake in His, for they are tried and
proven. They have followed their Shepherd through the
valley of the shadow of death, fearing no evil. They are
persecuted until death, suffering the bitterest disdain of
men, yet like their Shepherd before them they held more
firmly to His hand. Oh beloved, they are tried and
found whole, for they too have trusted completely on
their Sustainer.
Severe trials reveal their Christlike characters; they will
“reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” As fiery as our trials
are, oh beloved reader, they serve an indispensable
purpose. It is written: “we must through much tribulation enter
into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Our characters must
be severely tested that we might be proven worthy of
heaven. That is to say, that God may trust us with
John R Contreraz 43
eternal life. Unless we are proven, God risks more
Lucifers and more rebellions. “If we suffer, we shall also
reign with him” (2Ti 2:12).
If we are proven faithful in our current fallen
condition, how much more faithful shall we become
when sinful propensities are taken away? We must go
through trials beloved of the Lord. God’s love for you
and me is immeasurable, please don’t be convinced He
has set us up to fail: “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to
be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation
also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1Co
10:13). There is a way out of every temptation— by
holding on to Christ. The trial will soon pass and you
will have overcome in the name of the Lord.
“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father
in his throne” promises the Saviour (Rev 3:21). By Jesus
Christ we are made “priests and kings” in the Kingdom
of heaven. Jesus is the High Priest and the King of
kings. God has not set us up to fail, on the contrary...
44 The Righteous Branch
Our loving Father has done everything possible to
ensure that you and I may overcome in this life. That
Jesus may present a victorious people; “a glorious church,
not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should
be holy and without blemish” (Eph 5:27).
We have only to believe Him.
“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness,
and the first begotten of the dead,
and the prince of the kings of the earth.
Unto him that loved us,
and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
And hath made us kings an d priests unto God and his Father;
to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.
Amen.” – Revelation 1:5, 6
The Righteous Branch
John R Contreraz True_Obedience@hotmail.com
1.0
Scripture Index
Old Testament
Leviticus Ezekiel
11:44..............................13
1st Kings
8:27..................................15
Job
10:2, 4..........................21
Psalms
34:8.....................................2
56:13..............................35
Isaiah
4:2.........................................8
4:2, 3...............................9
4:3..............................13, 34
4:4....................................13
9:7....................................20
11:2...............................20
11:4...............................25
28:16..............................27
41:8..................................10
51:16.............................10
53:11.............................28
57:12.............................30
64:6..................................28
Jeremiah
23:5.............................5, 19
23:5, 6..................Intro
23:6..........................25, 33
32:27................................1
33:14..............................34
33:15..............................20
33:16..............................33
33:17.............................18
33:18.............................18
36:26, 27...............39
Daniel
2:44.................................19
7:27.................................42
Haggai
2:3.....................................16
2:5.....................................17
2:7-9..............................16
Zechariah
3:4.....................................37
3:9.....................................13
6:12.................................15
6:12, 13...................18
Malachi
4:2......................................2
New Testament
Matthew 2nd Corinthians
9:36......................................1
18:3..................................38
20:31.................................2
20:32, 33...................3
20:34................................3
22:42................................6
22:43-45....................6
22:46................................7
26:63................................9
Mark
10:47................................2
10:48................................3
10:49................................3
10:50..............................37
Luke
18:37................................2
John
1:12.........................35, 38
1:14..................................21
1:29..................................14
2:16..................................16
3:3.......................................38
3:16..................................40
4:24.....................................8
5:22..................................21
5:27..................................25
5:30..................................25
8:54..................................32
11:24................................9
14:6..................................32
14:9..................................29
14:10..............................31
14:16..............................35
16:15................................8
16:28................................9
18:37..............................18
Acts
1:8.............................35, 38
2:38..................................39
4:12..................................25
14:22..............................42
Romans
2:16..................................24
5:17..................................36
7:24, 25.....................41
8:14..................................35
9:25, 26.....................12
9:27..................................12
14:10..............................24
1st Corinthians
3:16..................................17
10:13..............................43
3:18..................................37
6:16..................................17
Galatians
3:29..................................10
Ephesians
2:8..............................36, 40
2:8, 9..............................31
2:19-22......................17
Philippians
2:9.......................................26
4:13..................................35
Colossians
1:12-14......................14
1:15..................................30
2nd Timothy
2:12..................................43
Hebrews
2:14..................................21
2:16..................................27
2:17..................................22
2:18..........................20, 22
4:14..................................19
4:15.........................20, 22
10:4..................................13
1st Peter
1:16..................................34
2:21..................................22
2nd Peter
1:3, 4..............................35
2:5.......................................15
1st John
2:1.......................................19
3:6.......................................38
3:9.......................................41
Jude
1:24..................................35
Revelation
1:5, 6..............................44
3:21..................................43
5:5.......................................29
5:12..................................29
12:11..............................11
12:17..............................11
21:27..............................12
22:16................................7
1 “The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict” Josh McDowell, Nelson, Nashville,
1999
2 http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/popclockworld.html
3 Strong’ Concordance Hebrew 6780 – sprout, growth, branch;
descendant.
4 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remnant
5 Strong’s Concordance Hebrew 3772 – to cut, cut off, eliminate
6 “The Desire of Ages” E. G. White, p. 117
7 Luke 4:3
8 Matthew 27:42
9 Strong’s Concordance from 3068 and 6664, Hebrew 3072 –
Jehovah is our righteousness
10 “The Review & Herald” January 28, 1909, E. G. White
11 “Sons & Daughters of God” E. G. White, p. 128
12 “Signs of the Time” October 29, 1902, E. G. White
13 “The Desire of Ages” E. G. White, p. 312
14 “God’s Amazing Grace” E. G. White, p. 94
15 “The Desire of Ages” E. G. White, p. 324
16 “The Desire of Ages” E. G. White, p. 25
17 “The Desire of Ages” E. G. White, p. 311
18 “The Review & Herald” January 28, 1909, E. G. White
19 “Sons & Daughters of God” E. G. White, p. 128
20 “The Desire of Ages” E. G. White, p. 123
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