THE STORY OF JESUS: Zechariah 11-14
“They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn.” (Zechariah 12:10)
There are many allusions to the coming messiah in this reading.
Thirty pieces of silver paid for the shepherd’s life (11:12-13, Matthew 27:3-10).
Outpouring of the Spirit of Jesus in Jerusalem (12:10, Acts 2)
Grieving for the “only son” they have pierced (12:10, John 19:33-37).
The fountain of forgiveness that comes from His death (13:1, Hebrews 9:14).
The shepherd struck, and the sheep scattered (13:7, Matthew 26:31)
The final coming of the messiah with the holy ones (14:5, 1 Thessalonians 3:13).
The day of the Lord known only by God (14:7, Matthew 24:36).
Living water flowing from Jerusalem (14:8, John 7:37-39)
Messiah as Lord of all creation, the only name (14:9, Matthew 28:18).
God has been hinting about His plan from the beginning.
Jesus meets all the criteria for the kind of ‘hero’ we need and long for!
A suffering servant that is restored, and that restores everyone else.
“Hope of all the earth, dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart!”
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, our world needs You now more than ever. We are still piercing You, and we are still mourning. We need the Spirit of grace and supplication. Bring joy to our longing hearts!
Which shepherd am I following?
The sheep need a shepherd or they will be scattered.
On that day is repeated again and again showing that the Lord God is in charge and knows what will happen to His people – trials and fightings and . . . all because the people have gone their own way . . . then but also now. We still need a shepherd – a Saviour – to lead us and guide us in the way we should go. I need to serve Him in all I do and say – Holy unto the Lord.
Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the Guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.