Zechariah 12:10-13:9

Let’s jump in with a story; a story that begins in a place of darkness. It begins in ancient Jerusalem. Israel had left Egypt with grand hopes and a bright future. God would fulfill his promises to Abraham and make them into a great nation in a land full of “milk and honey.” He would made them the envy of all the world. And while there were moments in which that seemed possible, that dream was shattered with the exile. The Babylonians, a ruthless and wicked people, conquered them as a people, killing many and carrying many others into captivity. The prophets had spoken of this because the people deserved it. They had broken their covenant with God and he had send them into exile. For those who listened to the prophets, hope was not lost as they also spoke of an end to the exile, when they would return around a new Jerusalem.

That happened in 538 BC. The Persians defeated the Babylonians and a decree was issued to send back the Jews to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. Hope was restored! But the work was far more difficult than first imagined and it stalled. There was great opposition in the surrounding area and things grew dark. This once great city was in shambles and the few who returned were insignificant compared to the nations and cities around them. It seemed more and more headed toward utter despair, and hopelessness. That was the state of Israel when Zechariah was written. The exile was supposed to be over. Things were supposed to be better. But they weren’t. What would it take to overcome this darkness?

It would take a King. What would that king do? He would prepare them for glory. And that is the story of holy week. Just as it is the story of Zechariah.