The disciples must have been confused. They thought Jesus was the Messiah who would deliver Israel from their enemies. Yet, after His triumphal entry on Palm Sunday, Jesus did not battle against the Romans. Instead, He cleansed the Temple and denounced the religious leadership (Matthew 23). He talked about the destruction of Jerusalem (Matt. 24:4–25). During their Passover dinner, Jesus declared that His body would be broken, and His blood spilt for the forgiveness of sins (Matt. 26:26–28). It was confusing enough for one of the disciples to give up on Him.

Jesus cited an Old Testament prophecy that predicted the events they were currently experiencing. “Jesus told them, ‘This very 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.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee” (Matt. 26:31).

Today’s reading in Zechariah 13 includes this prophecy. Zechariah declares something truly astonishing— the Messiah would be struck by God Himself (v. 7). For sin to be atoned, the Messiah would have to suffer at the hands of God. This idea of a suffering Messiah was also taught in Isaiah 53, where it says that the Lord’s chosen servant would be “punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted” (Isa. 53:4). God’s judgment and salvation would work together hand in hand.

Like many Old Testament prophets, Zechariah telescopes Jesus’ first and second coming. After describing the death of Jesus, he looks forward to His return when a remnant in Israel will repent and turn in faith to the Lord and recognize Him as Messiah (v. 9). Until that day, we can be profoundly grateful and astonished with the disciples at the grace and self-sacrificing love God has shown toward us (Rom. 5:8).

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