The Connection to the Messiah

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 113 views

Why Does Jesus Quote Zechariah 13:7 in Matthew 26:31?

Understanding the Context of Jesus' Quote

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus quotes Zechariah 13:7 in Matthew 26:31, saying, “Then Jesus said to them, “This night you will all fall away because of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered’” (Matthew 26:31, NIV). This quote is a pivotal moment in the narrative, as it highlights Jesus' understanding of his impending betrayal and the consequences that will follow. But what does this quote from Zechariah 13:7 mean, and why does Jesus use it in this context?

The Prophecy of Zechariah 13:7

To understand Jesus' quote, we need to examine the original prophecy in Zechariah 13:7. This verse is part of a larger section in the book of Zechariah, which contains a series of prophecies and visions given to the prophet Zechariah during the post-exilic period. Zechariah 13:7 reads, “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!” declares the Lord of Hosts. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; and I will turn my hand against the little ones” (Zechariah 13:7, NIV).

The Meaning of Zechariah 13:7

In this prophecy, the Lord of Hosts is speaking about a future event in which the shepherd, or the leader of God's people, will be struck or killed. This event will have a devastating impact on the people, causing them to scatter and become dispersed. The phrase “I will turn my hand against the little ones” suggests that the Lord will also turn his hand against the vulnerable members of the community, such as the young and the weak.

Jesus' Use of Zechariah 13:7 in Matthew 26:31

When Jesus quotes Zechariah 13:7 in Matthew 26:31, he is applying this prophecy to himself. He is saying that he is the shepherd who will be struck, and that the scattering of the sheep will occur because of his betrayal. This quote is a powerful statement of Jesus' understanding of his own destiny and the consequences of his death.

The Significance of Jesus' Quote

Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 in Matthew 26:31 has significant implications for our understanding of the Gospel narrative. It highlights Jesus' awareness of his own mortality and the consequences of his death. It also underscores the idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and that his death is a necessary step in the plan of salvation.

The Connection to the Messiah

The quote of Zechariah 13:7 also highlights the connection between Jesus and the Messiah. In the Old Testament, the Messiah is often referred to as the shepherd who will lead God's people and protect them from harm. Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 suggests that he is the Messiah who will be struck, and that his death will be a sacrifice for the sins of the people.

The Use of Hebrew Bible in the New Testament

The quote of Zechariah 13:7 in Matthew 26:31 is just one example of the many ways in which the New Testament authors use the Hebrew Bible. The New Testament authors often quote and allude to the Hebrew Bible in order to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy and the connection between the Old and New Testaments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 in Matthew 26:31 is a powerful statement of his understanding of his own destiny and the consequences of his death. It highlights the connection between Jesus and the Messiah, and underscores the idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. As we reflect on this quote, we are reminded of the significance of the Hebrew Bible in the New Testament, and the ways in which the authors of the New Testament use the Hebrew Bible to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy and the connection between the Old and New Testaments.

The Significance of Jesus' Death

The quote of Zechariah 13:7 also highlights the significance of Jesus' death. Jesus' death is not just a tragic event, but a necessary step in the plan of salvation. It is a sacrifice that will atone for the sins of the people, and bring about the forgiveness of sins.

The Connection to the Gospel Narrative

The quote of Zechariah 13:7 is also connected to the Gospel narrative. Jesus' death is a pivotal moment in the narrative, and it sets the stage for the events that will follow. It is a moment of great significance, and it highlights the idea that Jesus is the Messiah who will bring about salvation and forgiveness.

The Use of Prophecy in the New Testament

The quote of Zechariah 13:7 is just one example of the many ways in which the New Testament authors use prophecy. The New Testament authors often quote and allude to the Hebrew Bible in order to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy and the connection between the Old and New Testaments.

The Significance of the Hebrew Bible

The Hebrew Bible is a significant part of the New Testament narrative. The New Testament authors often quote and allude to the Hebrew Bible in order to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy and the connection between the Old and New Testaments.

The Connection to the Messiah

The quote of Zechariah 13:7 highlights the connection between Jesus and the Messiah. Jesus is the Messiah who will bring about salvation and forgiveness, and his death is a necessary step in the plan of salvation.

The Significance of Jesus' Quote

Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 is a powerful statement of his understanding of his own destiny and the consequences of his death. It highlights the connection between Jesus and the Messiah, and underscores the idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

The Use of Hebrew Bible in the New Testament

The New Testament authors often quote and allude to the Hebrew Bible in order to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy and the connection between the Old and New Testaments. The quote of Zechariah 13:7 is just one example of this use of the Hebrew Bible.

The Significance of the Gospel Narrative

The Gospel narrative is a significant part of the New Testament. It tells the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and it highlights the connection between Jesus and the Messiah.

The Connection to the Plan of Salvation

The quote of Zechariah 13:7 highlights the connection between Jesus' death and the plan of salvation. Jesus' death is a necessary step in the plan of salvation, and it brings about the forgiveness of sins.

The Significance of the New Testament

The New Testament is a significant part of the Christian Bible. It tells the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and it highlights the connection between Jesus and the Messiah.

The Connection to the Old Testament

The New Testament authors often quote and allude to the Old Testament in order to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy and the connection between the Old and New Testaments. The quote of Zechariah 13:7 is just one example of this use of the Old Testament.

The Significance of Jesus' Death

Jesus' death is a significant part of the Gospel narrative. It is a necessary step in the plan of salvation, and it brings about the forgiveness of sins.

The Connection to the Messiah

The Significance of the Hebrew Bible

The Connection to the Gospel Narrative

The Gospel narrative is a significant part of the New Testament. It tells the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and it highlights the connection between Jesus and the Messiah.

The Significance of Jesus' Quote

The Use of Prophecy in the New Testament

The Significance of the New Testament

The New Testament is a significant part of the Christian Bible. It tells the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and it highlights the connection between Jesus and the Messiah.

The Connection to the Old Testament

The Significance of Jesus' Death

Jesus' death is a significant part of the Gospel narrative. It is a necessary step in the plan of salvation, and it brings about the forgiveness of sins.

The Connection to the Messiah

**The Significance of the Hebrew Bible
Q&A: Understanding Jesus' Quote of Zechariah 13:7 in Matthew 26:31

Q: What does Jesus mean by quoting Zechariah 13:7 in Matthew 26:31?

A: When Jesus quotes Zechariah 13:7 in Matthew 26:31, he is applying the prophecy to himself. He is saying that he is the shepherd who will be struck, and that the scattering of the sheep will occur because of his betrayal.

Q: Why does Jesus use Zechariah 13:7 in this context?

A: Jesus uses Zechariah 13:7 in this context to highlight his understanding of his own destiny and the consequences of his death. It underscores the idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and that his death is a necessary step in the plan of salvation.

Q: What is the significance of the shepherd in Zechariah 13:7?

A: The shepherd in Zechariah 13:7 is a symbol of the leader of God's people. In this context, Jesus is the shepherd who will be struck, and his death will have a devastating impact on the people, causing them to scatter and become dispersed.

Q: What is the connection between Jesus' death and the plan of salvation?

A: Jesus' death is a necessary step in the plan of salvation. It brings about the forgiveness of sins and is a sacrifice that will atone for the sins of the people.

Q: How does Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 relate to the Gospel narrative?

A: Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 is a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative. It highlights the connection between Jesus and the Messiah and underscores the idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Q: What is the significance of the Hebrew Bible in the New Testament?

A: The Hebrew Bible is a significant part of the New Testament narrative. The New Testament authors often quote and allude to the Hebrew Bible in order to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy and the connection between the Old and New Testaments.

Q: How does Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 relate to the concept of the Messiah?

A: Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 highlights the connection between Jesus and the Messiah. Jesus is the Messiah who will bring about salvation and forgiveness, and his death is a necessary step in the plan of salvation.

Q: What is the significance of Jesus' death in the context of the Gospel narrative?

A: Jesus' death is a significant part of the Gospel narrative. It is a necessary step in the plan of salvation, and it brings about the forgiveness of sins.

Q: How does Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 relate to the concept of prophecy in the New Testament?

A: Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 is just one example of the many ways in which the New Testament authors use prophecy. The New Testament authors often quote and allude to the Hebrew Bible in order to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy and the connection between the Old and New Testaments.

Q: What is the significance of the Gospel narrative in the context of the New Testament?

A: The Gospel narrative is a significant part of the New Testament. It tells the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and it highlights the connection between Jesus and the Messiah.

Q: How does Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 relate to the concept of the plan of salvation?

A: Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 highlights the connection between Jesus' death and the plan of salvation. Jesus' death is a necessary step in the plan of salvation, and it brings about the forgiveness of sins.

Q: What is the significance of the New Testament in the context of the Christian Bible?

A: The New Testament is a significant part of the Christian Bible. It tells the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and it highlights the connection between Jesus and the Messiah.

Q: How does Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 relate to the concept of the Old Testament?

A: Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 is just one example of the many ways in which the New Testament authors use the Old Testament. The New Testament authors often quote and allude to the Old Testament in order to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy and the connection between the Old and New Testaments.

Q: What is the significance of Jesus' death in the context of the plan of salvation?

A: Jesus' death is a significant part of the plan of salvation. It brings about the forgiveness of sins and is a sacrifice that will atone for the sins of the people.

Q: How does Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 relate to the concept of the Messiah?

Q: What is the significance of the Hebrew Bible in the context of the New Testament?

Q: How does Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 relate to the concept of prophecy in the New Testament?

Q: What is the significance of the Gospel narrative in the context of the New Testament?

A: The Gospel narrative is a significant part of the New Testament. It tells the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and it highlights the connection between Jesus and the Messiah.

Q: How does Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 relate to the concept of the plan of salvation?

Q: What is the significance of the New Testament in the context of the Christian Bible?

A: The New Testament is a significant part of the Christian Bible. It tells the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and it highlights the connection between Jesus and the Messiah.

Q: How does Jesus' quote of Zechariah 13:7 relate to the concept of the Old Testament?