J. Barton Payne
Payne #49 — Zech 13:7
Strike the shepherd and sheep scatter; Payne notes Jesus cited this before Gethsemane (Matt 26:31)
Shepherd Struck
Zechariah prophesied that when the shepherd was struck, the sheep would scatter.
Old Testament
Zechariah 13:7
"Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!" declares the LORD Almighty. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones."
New Testament
Matthew 26:31
Then 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.'"
Why This Matters
Zechariah prophesied that when the shepherd was struck, the sheep would scatter. Jesus quoted this very passage on the night of his arrest, warning the disciples they would all flee. And they did—every one of them. Yet this scattering was not the end of the story; the risen Shepherd would gather his flock again.
Reflection
Jesus, thank You for bearing what I could never bear. Through this lesson, grow gratitude that changes how I live.
Scholar Credits
📘 Payne ✓📖 McDowell ✓
Josh McDowell
The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict • #37 Forsaken by His Disciples
Laetsch cited on Zech 13:7 as clear prophecy; Christ's own interpretation in Matt 26:31
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