the righteous branch...2 the righteous branch he is the promised one, the desire of all nations, the...

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).


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

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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


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).

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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.


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.

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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).


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.


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


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.


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


“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


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


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


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).


“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


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


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).


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


“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.


“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.


“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.”


“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


“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...


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 [email protected]

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


14 “God’s Amazing Grace” E. G. White, p. 94




18 “The Review & Herald” January 28, 1909, E. G. White

19 “Sons & Daughters of God” E. G. White, p. 128


the righteous branch...2 the righteous branch he is the promised one, the desire of all nations, the...

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