Apr. 13, 2025

Zechariah 9

Moving Back In

“It is in there [the Old Testament] that we learn what the human problem really is, and how God intends to solve that problem. It is also there that we learn what the human character is and what God’s character is.” John Oswalt, Called to Be Holy

1. The Victory Over Israel’s Foes (vs. 1-8)

A. Hadrach and Damascus (vs. 1, 2a)

Jeremiah 49:23-27

B. The LORD’s global concern (v. 1b)

C. The Commercial Centers (v. 2b-4)

D. On Down the Way of the Sea (v. 5, 6)

E. Stopping their Religious Practices (v. 7)

Leviticus 17:10-14

Joshua 15:63

2 Samuel 24:18-25

F. Keeping Watch From His House (v. 8)

1b begins this vigilance of the Lord. The work that is being completed is like the Exodus.

Joshua 2:8-11

That character of God:

Romans 11:22

Zechariah 1:3

2. The Return of the King (vs. 9-13)

A. A Time to Rejoice (v. 9)

Philippians 4:4

B. The King is Coming

Psalm 2:7-9

Jacob’s blessing on each of his sons- Judah was not a good guy.

Genesis 49:10-11

2 Samuel 16:1-2

1 Kings 1:33, 38

C. No Need for the Advanced Weapons of War (v. 10a)

D. World Peace Promised (v. 10b)

Shalom

Isaiah 9:6-7

Micah 5:4-5a

3. Somebody Cares (vs. 11-17)

A. Because of the Blood of my Covenant (v. 11)

Genesis 15

Genesis 15:12, 17-21

B. Looking Back to Joseph?

Genesis 37:23-24

C. Prisoners Restored! (v. 12)

The language of restitution

Exodus 21:33-34

D. Speaking of Ephraim (v. 13)

E. All Out Victory (vs. 14, 15)

F. One Who Cares (vs. 16, 17)

The Shouts of Palm Sunday and Our Reality

Mark 11:10

Luke 19:38

John 12:13

Reflection:

1. How does Zechariah’s prophecy give greater understanding to you about the coming of the King?

2. What impact is there on your life now knowing we have a God who is personal and keeps His promises?

Follow UP in the Word through the Week…

Monday:

Read: Mark 11

What are some of the details of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem that stick out to you? We are offered a perspective from the Gospels of an insider, someone close to Jesus. In what ways can that help you be closer to Jesus today?

Tuesday:

Read: Mark 12

What ways does Jesus challenge his hearers in this chapter? What ways was Jesus challenged and how did He respond? In what ways does this help you follow Him today?

Wednesday:

Read: Mark 13

Jesus speaks of His return in this passage. What warnings and promises does Jesus give? What do you find to be most encouraging for you in where you are in following Jesus?

Thursday:

Read: Mark 14

This is a long day in Jesus’ life, the life of His disciples, and in history. What details does Mark include? Which part of Mark’s account challenges you most today?

Good Friday:

Read: Mark 15

The mock trial, the whippings, the torture, all of the jeering of those in the streets: Consider all that Jesus went through to keep the promises of God and to save you.

Saturday:

Read: Genesis 15

This passage may seem quite odd to be inserted here at first. But remember it was this promise to Abram that we see fulfilled in Jesus. If Abram’s descendants broke the covenant, then God Himself would pay with His own blood.