BibleTalk with Jeff Asher

Zechariah 14:1-21

With this chapter Zechariah ends the second cycle of visions and closes his book. These are his last words to Jerusalem and Judah concerning the Shepherd-King, Messiah. In this chapter he pictures yet another assault against the heavenly Jerusalem. It is a mistake to think this passage has in view the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Read carefully what the prophet says and compare his words with those of Jesus in Matthew 24 and the parallels. neither is this end of time language, the prophet does not foresee the Second Coming of Jesus. Rather, this is a picture of the church of Christ assailed by all her enemies, but protected and exalted by the Christ. It is the picture of an eternal city with foundations built by God into which all that are cleansed by the blood of Christ through the faith of the Gospel enter. It is the holy city where nothing unclean or defiled shall be.   

Zechariah 13:1-9

In Chapter Thirteen the prophet announces the completion of redemption. The fountain for cleansing is opened. Idolatry is cut-off, the false prophet and the unclean spirit are overthrown by sending forth the Gospel. Truth is victorious. However, it is not without a very high price, the Good Shepherd is slain.  

Zechariah 12:1-14

Having announced in Chapter 11 judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem for rejecting the Messiah, the prophet now announces a message of hope. The imagery is that of the world in opposition to the Messiah in an incredible battle (cf. Psalm 2). It is not a battle of carnal weapons because the redeemed remnant have no horses, no chariots, no bows and arrows (Zechariah 9:10). Rather, it is a spiritual war between Messiah and Satan; it is the war between truth and error. God will reveal that Jesus is His Christ and draw all men unto Himself (John 6:44-45; 12:30-33). 

Zechariah 11:1-17

This chapter lays the foundation for much of what Jesus says about Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10. It also explains the ultimate judgment revealed in Daniel 9:24-27 which ended with the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The prophet assumes the roles of two shepherds. The first is the Shepherd-King, a good shepherd who comes to reprove and remove the evil shepherds over the flock. However, the flock rejects the Good Shepherd. Therefore, God delivers them over to a foolish, an  impious unbeliever, the Idol Shepherd, for destruction.  

Zechariah 10:1-12

In Chapter Ten, Zechariah continues to announce the bright prospects for the remnant as they await their Messiah. Through repentance and faith the nation shall be restored to full fellowship with God. The remnant will be recovered from the world as will the Gentiles who believe on the Christ.  

Zechariah 9:1-17

The prophet opens the chapter announcing the rise of the Greek Empire and the ultimate destruction of Tyre by Alexander the Great. This judgment will pass upon the Philistines as well, all of whom have been blood-eating idolaters. However, God will defend Jerusalem because Messiah is coming (9:8). In the latter half of the chapter, Zechariah describes the assent of the Messiah to His throne in righteousness and peace bringing salvation. Not by means of war, but through the blood of Messiah's Covenant, the New Testament. Judah and Ephraim go forth as an arrow from God's bow, as lightening and whirlwinds from the south subduing the nations in salvation.    

Zechariah 8:1-23

Zechariah completes this first cycle of visions with a promise from Jehovah to complete His plans for Jerusalem in preparation for the Messiah. There is no doubt in God's mind; six times He says, "I will..." (8:7-8,11-12, 21). Now, it is time for Judah to repent and do the first works. The implication is God will do it, with or without them (Zechariah 8:9-13; cf. Deuteronomy 1:38-40).

Zechariah 7:1-14

Zechariah instructs on fasting. Why do men fast and why should they fast. Though the prophet is concerned with the voluntary fasts offered under the Law, a very import principle concerning all worship is taught. Zechariah addresses the real issue, transformation of heart through repentance and faith. Fasting may be an appropriate response and expression of genuine contrition (Matthew 5:3-4). It may even be helpful in learning to discipline oneself (Colossians 2:23; 1 Timothy 4:7-8). However, it is the fruit and not the means to righteousness. God never wanted a people who needed to offer sacrifice, what He wanted was a people of His own possession in righteousness. 

Jesus Answers Thaddeus (John 14:22-31)

Thaddeus, here called "Judas, not Iscariot," is puzzled with all this talk of coming and going. How could Jesus go to heaven, manifest Himself to the Eleven, but not to the world. He had been listening and pondering what Jesus says here in connection to what He had said about Jerusalem and the end of the ages. He must be wondering: "How does all this fit together?"

Jesus Answers Philip (John 14:8-21)

Philip's question reminds us of faithful Moses who only wanted to see the Father. It seems that he was closer to understanding what Jesus was saying than any of the others. The Lord's answer gives a glimpse of the great work that was ahead for these disciples of Christ.