The Good Shepherd Pierced

Zechariah 12-13

April 27, 2003

 

Prophetic literature, especially that of apocalyptic genre, presents far too many interpretive problems when placed under a microscope.  But they were not given to view under a microscope but to gaze far ahead as in a telescope.  A telescope brings the future closer, so to speak.  It does not fill in every detail but it sets forth broad strokes that give shape to future events.  It sees the trees but cannot tell if they are oak, sycamore, or hickory - just that they are trees.  It sees mountains but cannot tell the height or breadth - just that mountains of some form lie ahead. 

 

Hence we see telescopic images that the Shepherd was "pierced" (12:10) and struck (13:7) without the fine detail of crucifixion explained.  Yet the New Testament writers embraced these prophecies as pointing to events related to Christ.  At the cross John surveys, "And again another Scripture says, 'They shall look on Him whom they pierced' (John 19:37).  Jesus told the disciples that they would be scattered from Him because of His arrest and impending execution.  "Then Jesus said to them, 'You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, 'I will strike down the Shepherd and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered'" (Matthew 26:31). 

 

So as we consider this portion - the last section of Zechariah 12-14 - of the prophecies, let us be careful not to pull out the historic microscope but view these passages through the telescopic lens that points to the Shepherd, Jesus Christ. 

 

I. The Lord is Still Lord 12:1-9

 

As I contemplated this pericope, it seems that the main emphasis was not on Jerusalem or Judah or even the Jews as a whole.  But the stress is laid on God as God, and His faithfulness to accomplish His purposes.

 

In this time of rebuilding Jerusalem, a time without defenses, a time in which the people of God felt like insignificant pawns in the mighty Persian Empire, the chief thing they needed was to get their eyes off of areas of self-pity and on to the Lord.  The prophet does not fill in answers to their questions of when, how or what.  Rather he sets forth God in His mighty power and purpose. 

 

That same lesson is vital for us.  We've been looking in the Wednesday night class on how often we venture into anxiety because we've really lost sight of the Lord.  Like the ancient Jews, we must set our meditations upon the Lord as He has revealed Himself, rather than God as perceived by defeated people. 

 

1. Reminder of divine power  v. 1

 

What bothered the rebuilders?

- Fear of attack

- Fear of failure

- Fear of failed resources and strength

- Fear exacerbated by focusing upon self


So he reminds all of us of Whom we are dealing with:  the Lord of creation.  Acts 4:23-31 shows how early believers were encouraged in prayer as they contemplated God's might in creation and purpose in redemption.  We are to think often and deeply upon this truth. 

 

2. God accomplishes His purposes  vv. 2-5

 

The question that many commentators wrestle with is when and how this prophecy on Jerusalem and Judah is fulfilled.  Does it refer to a yet future date at the consummation of the ages?  Is it a reference to a future time of war or even awakening among Jews?  Is it a pointer to the success that this group of Jews would have in rebuilding Jerusalem in the face of great odds?

 

I'm not sure if anyone can be completely definitive.  There are strengths and weaknesses in each of these interpretations.  Since prophecy is telescopic and not microscopic, I lean in the direction that it points to that present group's struggle to rebuild.  They had no defenses and no assurances beyond God's promises.  And that was precisely where God wanted them!  They had so long trusted the arm of the flesh.  But now He was teaching them to trust Him.

 

Is there a more difficult lesson for us to learn?  We are so moved by circumstances and influenced by the flesh that trusting the Lord proves hard to do.  And yet the promises of God stand as motivations to trust Him.

 

3. God's initiative with His people  vv. 6-9

 

"In that day" likely refers to an epoch in their lives rather than a single day.  It was an unfolding of God's purposes and the assurance that He had taken initiative to secure a people for Himself. 

 

John Calvin considers Jerusalem to be a metaphor for the church in this case.  Others, such as Walt Kaiser, would point to a yet future time when the Lord returns, and the Jews are brought to Christ, and an earthly Kingdom is established.  T. V. Moore suggests that it has reference to a future ingathering of Jews in a time of great spiritual awakening.

 

With such variety of interpretation, how do we know the interpretation of this text?

 

(1) God shows initiative with a people that had been defiant and rebellious, so the emphasis is again on God's

     mercy.

(2) God chooses specific people so that at least a hint of the doctrine of election is metaphorically set forth.

(3) God's electing grace is not according to one's high station in life but according to His mercy.  The result is

     that even the feeblest prosper under God's grace (v. 8).

(4) Election distinguished God's people from the rest of the world (v. 9).

 

II. The Lord Shows Grace  12:10-13:6

 

It is quite obvious that Messianic intentions are set forth in this pericope.  The emphasis is again on God's actions, here that of grace given.  He describes what God gives and the resulting effects.

 

1. Regeneration  12:10

 

Since John 19:37 uses this verse as Messianic, it is clear that we must interpret it in light of Christ and the gospel.  There is a threefold chain in this verse, with each linked to the other, describing gospel work.

 

(1) Regeneration: "I will pour forth..." Regeneration precedes conversion. It is divine birthing taking place, the

     renewing of darkened understanding, the quickening of those dead in trespasses and sins.

     (a) God is the initiator.

     (b) Regeneration comes as a gift.

     (c) The Spirit is given and once He is given there are results. This is not merely conviction but a distinct

          work of God's Spirit.

(2) Faith: Looking to Christ, seeing not only that He was crucified but that I crucified or pierced Him with my

     own sin. So there is both deep consciousness of sin and trust in His death.

(3) Repentance and sorrow over sin, and supplicating God for His mercies.

 

2. Repentance  vv. 11-14

 

The reference in verse 11 is to the death of the godly reformer and king Josiah, at the hands of Pharaoh Neco and the plains of Megiddo. 

 

The detail of mourners shows that repentance takes place among the high and the low, among the royal and priestly.  It is an encompassing idea.

 

3. Fountain of cleansing  13:1

 

"In that day" must point to the cross in this case for there is no other "fountain" for cleansing.  It is for the very ones that "pierced" Messiah that the fountain opened.  The fountain metaphor in an arid land pictures a source of cleansing and refreshment.

 

4. Deliverance from sin  13:2-6

 

At the heart of Israel's fall was idolatry and attention to false prophets.  But the cross ends the enchantment with idols and closes the ears to false prophets.

 

III. The Lord Gives the Deliverer  13:7-9

 

This is the last poetic verse in Zechariah.  The Shepherd theme started earlier in chapter 11 is continued.

 

1. Divine purpose and human culpability  v. 7

 

(1) God calls for the sword - or the redemptive death of the Shepherd.

(2) Shepherd identified as both man and God's "associate," which puts Him on par with God. So there's

     Incarnation set forth.

(3) The Shepherd's death will appear to wreak havoc in the flock - Matthew 26:31; yet it is a refining by God's

     hand that takes place. Even in suffering God shapes His people.

(4) The "sword" that strikes the Shepherd is culpable. 

 

2. Remnant refined  vv. 8-9

 

(1) Verse 8 is language of the remnant.

(2) Divine purpose found in purifying a people for His own possession (Titus 2:11-14). The refining and testing

     proves the value of the metal and purifies it for nobler use.

(3) Assurance of answered prayer - relationship developed.

(4) Covenant people:  my people, my God.

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