How does mourning for "the One they have pierced" relate to repentance? The Prophetic Picture in Zechariah 12:10 “Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the residents of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication, and they will look on Me whom they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over Him as one weeps for a firstborn son.” • God Himself promises to act: He pours out “a spirit of grace and supplication.” • The people literally “look on” the One they pierced—an unmistakable confrontation with their own guilt. • Mourning follows, pictured as the deepest family grief imaginable. Who Is “the One They Have Pierced”? • John 19:37 applies the verse to Jesus on the cross. • Revelation 1:7 foresees every eye seeing Him, “even those who pierced Him.” • The prophecy is therefore literal, fulfilled in the crucifixion and to be climactically fulfilled at His return. Why Mourning? • The cross exposes personal responsibility for sin (Acts 2:36). • The piercing shows the cost of redemption—innocent blood shed. • When the Holy Spirit grants “grace and supplication,” hearts are softened to feel godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10). Mourning That Leads to Repentance 1. Revelation: Eyes open to who Jesus truly is. 2. Conviction: The Spirit presses home guilt—“whom you crucified” (Acts 2:23, 37). 3. Sorrow: Genuine grief over sin, not merely its consequences. 4. Turning: “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). 5. Restoration: Forgiveness, cleansing, and renewed relationship (1 John 1:9). Repentance Illustrated in Scripture • David’s tears after Nathan’s rebuke (2 Samuel 12; Psalm 51). • Nineveh’s sackcloth and ashes leading to God’s mercy (Jonah 3). • The prodigal’s brokenness before returning home (Luke 15:17-20). Practical Takeaways for Us Today • Look steadily at the crucified Christ; let the reality of His wounds confront personal sin. • Welcome the Spirit’s conviction—He brings both “grace and supplication.” • Allow mourning to do its full work; godly sorrow is a gift, not a punishment. • Repent decisively: confess, turn, and obey. • Live in gratitude; the One we pierced also purchased our pardon. |
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