The Message of Zechariah: The Lord Will Be King

The Message of Zechariah: The Lord Will Be KingText: Zechariah 14:9-11

In this series, we are going to do an overview of the Minor Prophets. The goal is to (1) understand the overall theme of each book and (2) see what lessons there are for us. In this lesson, we are going to see what we can learn from the book of Zechariah.

Historical Context

  • In the eighth month of the second year of King Darius (1:1) – began two months after Haggai (Haggai 1:1); during the days of the Medo-Persian empire
  • After the Babylonian captivity – however, some Jews were still in Babylon (2:6)
  • The foundation of the temple had been laid (Ezra 3:10) – Haggai encouraged them to complete it (Haggai 1:2-14); Zechariah further encouraged them to complete the work (1:2-6); finished in four years (Ezra 6:15)

Overall Theme: The Lord Will Be King

  • There is a lot in the book of Zechariah – “most difficult of any of the OT books to interpret” (Homer Hailey); but if you’re familiar with the NT, one thing that jumps out are the Messianic prophecies
  • Messianic prophecies – triumphal entry, king riding on a donkey (9:9; cf. Matthew 21:1-5); betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (11:12-13; cf. Matthew 26:15; 27:5-10); crucifixion, they would look on Him whom they had pierced (12:10; cf. John 19:32-37); arrest, strike the Shepherd and the sheep will be scattered (13:7; cf. Matthew 26:31, 56)
  • Jesus would rule “over all the earth” (14:9) – from Jerusalem; not an earthly headquarters, but a starting point; this was why Jerusalem was going to be defended by the Lord (1:16; 2:12; 8:13)

Main Points

  • They needed to serve the Lord – including their their commitment to complete the temple (1:4-6; 4:9); they also needed to live up to a certain standard as wickedness would be cast from the land (5:2-3, 6-11; 13:2)
  • A greater temple would be built (2:1-5; 6:12-13) – this is similar to what we saw in Haggai (Haggai 2:6-9; Hebrews 10:26-28); the “Branch” would rule (3:8) as both king and priest (6:12-13); many nations would come (2:10-11; 8:20-22)
  • God would cleanse sins – this was the symbolism of changing the high priest’s garments (3:1-5); He would remove iniquity from the land (3:9); a fountain opened to cleanse sin (13:1)
  • God was aware of worldly affairs (1:8-11; 6:1, 5-7) – He would judge the wicked, those who were opposed to His people (12:8-9; 14:2-3) and those who rejected the Lord (14:16-19)

Lessons for Us

  • We need to fulfill our commitment to the Lord (Romans 12:1) – as part of His body, the church (Ephesians 4:16); He will not tolerate wickedness to remain with Him (1 John 1:5-6; Matthew 7:23)
  • Forgiveness is only in/through the Lord (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 3:24) – others may still accuse us (3:1; 1 Peter 2:12); yet the Lord judges/justifies us (Romans 8:33)
  • Judgment will come (2 Corinthians 5:10) – nothing is hidden from Him (Hebrews 4:13)

Conclusion

  • Zechariah shows us God’s plan to have Christ be king over all
  • We need to humbly submit to Him and serve Him in His kingdom today