Zechariah: Passion Week Foretold

The Book of Zechariah: A Crash Course

While the entire book Zechariah is apocalyptic in nature, it breaks down into two distinct sections.  Bear with me!  The first, 1:1-8:23, is a series of eight off-the-wall prophecies that were ultimately fulfilled in the 6^th century BC.  And while these successive visions are certainly unique, they do follow a linear path.  Starting with Israel's return from captivity and concluding with the temple being rebuilt, these prophecies are largely localized within the post-exilic community's immediate history.

The second section, 9:1-14:21, follows anything but an accessible timeline.  Contrary to the tightly woven visions of the first section, this later portion follows a more sporadic rhythm.  Zechariah's visions become more global in nature, expanding beyond the nation and borders of Israel to include every nation, tribe, and tongue.  Along with an increased national scope, the time of fulfillment is also ambiguous. 

Even so, Zechariah 9:1-14:21 remarkably gives us glimpses into the Passion.  These visions identify four central, historical events embedded within the final week of Jesus’ life.

The Book of Zechariah and Christ’s Passion

  

                                                   

1.     The Triumphal Entry of Israel’s King: Zechariah 9:9-10; Matthew 21:1-11

Zechariah anticipated a king inaugurating unparalleled, global peace.      

With shouts of “Hosanna!” Matthew indicates the masses were keenly aware of the role Jesus assumed.  Rome would soon fall.  Israel's salvation was at hand, her Golden Age would be restored. 

Expectations ran high but soon anticipation turned to angst.    

Few would learn that peace had certainly been established but it was a peace not as this world gives.  And though Rome would not fall that Passion Week, on the foal of a donkey the forces of evil were duly warned.  The kingdom of peace had come.  

And while the King, atop a beast groomed for war, will one day return in all his glorious might - let us not lose sight of the kingdom marked by righteousness, joy, and peace in the Spirit but let us grow more ever more accustomed to its' daily rule and freedoms (Romans 14:17).   

2.     The Good Shepherd Rejected: Zechariah 11:4-17; Matthew 26:14-16; 27:3-10

Amid the apocalyptic oddities of chapter 11, one message is clear.  Israel blew it.  She not only rejected the good shepherd but she failed to recognize his supreme worth.  In spite of his exemplary service, Israel paid the shepherd an absurdly meager sum.  30 pieces of silver – the amount for which a slave is valued (Exodus 21:32).

As the King of Kings is sold for 30 pieces of silver, Matthew picks up this dual theme of devaluing and rejection but he does so in the most unexpected of ways: Judas.  

For all eternity Judas' name is synonymous with betrayal.  Someone from within the circle of twelve, ultimately rejected and devalued Jesus.   Note Judas' words in 26:15.  

"What will you give me if I delver him over to you?"  

Judas' personal gain and self-interest proved far more valuable to him than the glories of Christ.  The phrase "What will you give me" is telling.  Judas never trusted in Jesus' supreme ability to grant living water and abundant joy.  He was after something else and he turned to someone else.  And like all idolatrous acts, the broken cisterns proved far more tempting.  Let us be warned, even those closest to the King weren't beyond apostasy.  
  

3.     The Piercing of God and Opportunity for Cleansing: Zechariah 12:10-13:1; John 19:31-37

Zechariah envisions a day when the house of David will look upon Yahweh, the one ‘whom they have pierced’.  On that day divine favor will pour out a spirit of conviction, revelation, and restoration.  We then drink deeply from the fountain of God's good grace, attaining the waters the cleanse from all sin.  Like the woman at the well, Jesus offers to all who come - drink and never thirst again.    

4.     The Shepherd Struck, the Sheep Scatter: Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 26:31-32

The context of Zechariah 12-13 naturally links the one pierced with the shepherd who will be struck.  With the figurehead battered, the sheep will scatter. 

Jesus seamlessly recalls this prophetic word as he predicts his disciples’ imminent distress.  Indeed, they will flee but take heart – the Messiah offers profound hope and opportunity. 

“But after I am raised up, I will meet you in Galilee” 

Jesus knew.  He knew those closest would soon desert him.  Yet even with such intimate knowledge of their greatest failure, the Master offered a second chance.  I’ll meet you in Galilee.

I am becoming more aware of my greatest failure.  I suppose in time we all do.  But even in the darkness of our betrayal, may we hear the King calling, “I’ll meet you in Galilee.”

With these four brief snapshots, Zechariah foretold notable pieces of Jesus' Passion.  My prayer as we head into Good Friday is that we sense anew the magnitude of God's grace and goodness manifested in the person of Jesus Christ.  Indeed, Sunday is coming!

Grace and Peace