Joshua the high priest is standing before the angel of the Lord

Let’s slow down and go deep into Zechariah 3, because this scene is one of the clearest and most comforting revelations of Jesus in the Old Testament, and almost no one is taught to see it this way.

In Zechariah 3:1–5, the prophet is shown a courtroom scene. Joshua the high priest is standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan is standing at his right hand to accuse him. This is not symbolic drama. This is legal imagery. Joshua represents God’s people, and Satan’s role is clear. He is the accuser. Joshua is clothed in filthy garments, which symbolize guilt, failure, and unworthiness. Joshua does not speak. He does not defend himself. He does not explain or promise to do better. He stands there silent under accusation.

What happens next reveals Jesus long before the cross. The angel of the Lord speaks, and instead of addressing Joshua, He addresses Satan. “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you!” (Zechariah 3:2, ESV). This is crucial. Joshua is not rebuked. Satan is. The problem in the courtroom is not Joshua’s dirt. It is the accusation. And God shuts it down immediately, not by denying Joshua’s condition, but by asserting His choice.

Then the angel gives an instruction that changes everything. He does not tell Joshua to clean himself. He does not ask for repentance speeches or vows. He commands, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And then He says something staggering. “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments” (Zechariah 3:4, ESV). This is not improvement. This is exchange. Joshua’s guilt is removed, and righteousness is given. That is the gospel before the gospel is preached.

This angel of the Lord does more than relay God’s message. He acts with God’s authority. He rebukes Satan. He removes iniquity. He oversees the clothing of righteousness. This is not how created angels behave in Scripture. This is mediator language. Advocate language. The New Testament later gives us the clarity. “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1, ESV). What Zechariah sees in shadow, we see fulfilled in Christ.

The finished work of Jesus Christ is written all over this scene. Joshua does nothing to earn clean garments. The change happens entirely because of God’s decision and God’s action. The accuser is silenced not because Joshua becomes perfect, but because God removes the charge. This is why Scripture later says there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The courtroom has already ruled. The verdict has already been given.

What makes this passage even more powerful is that God does not stop at forgiveness. He restores Joshua to service. A clean turban is placed on his head, a symbol of restored priesthood and identity. Joshua is not merely forgiven and sent away. He is forgiven and sent back in. Grace does not sideline you. Grace restores you to purpose.

For believers today, this scene is meant to bring deep rest. When you feel accused, ashamed, or disqualified, Zechariah 3 shows you what is actually happening in heaven. Jesus is not waiting for you to defend yourself. He is standing between you and the accusation. He does not argue about your failures. He removes them. You are not standing before God hoping mercy will win. Mercy already has.

The accuser still speaks, but his voice no longer has authority. The garments have already been changed. The rebuke has already been spoken. Through the finished work of Jesus Christ, the courtroom is no longer a place of fear. It is a place of freedom. And every time accusation tries to rise, this scene reminds us who speaks last.