How does Matthew 26:31 connect with Zechariah 13:7's prophecy fulfillment? Setting the Stage - In the upper-room discourse, Jesus has just shared the Passover meal with the Twelve. - Immediately afterward, on the walk to Gethsemane, He quotes Zechariah 13:7. - By doing this, Jesus identifies Himself as the “Shepherd” of Zechariah’s prophecy and predicts the disciples’ temporary desertion. The Prophetic Word in Zechariah 13:7 “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion,’ declares the LORD of Hosts. ‘Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; then I will turn My hand against the little ones.’” Key observations: - The Shepherd is both God’s chosen leader (“My Shepherd”) and uniquely near to Him (“My Companion”). - The sword—symbolizing violent judgment—comes from God Himself (“Awake, O sword … declares the LORD”). - The immediate result of the Shepherd’s striking: the sheep scatter. - Afterward, God’s hand moves among “the little ones,” implying future refinement and restoration. Jesus Applies the Prophecy: Matthew 26:31 “Then Jesus said to them, ‘This night you will all fall away on account of Me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’” - Jesus cites Zechariah almost verbatim, affirming its direct, literal fulfillment in the events of that very night. - “I will strike” indicates the Father’s sovereign role in the cross (cf. Acts 2:23). - “Sheep of the flock” points to the disciples specifically. Key Points of Connection • Identity of the Shepherd – Zechariah: “My Shepherd … My Companion.” – Jesus: the incarnate Son, one with the Father (John 10:30), the Good Shepherd who lays down His life (John 10:11). • Divine Initiative – In Zechariah, the LORD calls the sword to strike. – In Matthew, Jesus reveals the same divine initiative in His impending crucifixion (Isaiah 53:4-6; Acts 2:23). • Scattering of the Sheep – Prophecy: sheep scatter when the Shepherd is struck. – Fulfillment: disciples flee at Jesus’ arrest (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50; John 16:32). • Restoration After Scattering – Zechariah hints at a further work among “the little ones.” – After the resurrection, Jesus regathers and recommissions the disciples (Matthew 28:10, 16-20; John 21:15-17). Why This Matters for Our Faith - Validates Scripture: Jesus grounds His prediction in a centuries-old prophecy, demonstrating the reliability of God’s Word. - Highlights Sovereign Redemption: the Father’s ordained striking of the Shepherd secures salvation (1 Peter 2:24-25). - Encourages Perseverance: though believers may stumble, the risen Shepherd restores and empowers them (Hebrews 13:20-21). |
    |