Zechariah 12:10-13:1
The Gospel According to Zechariah - Silver City Church
Sermon Overview
In “The Gospel According to Zechariah,” based on Zechariah 12:10–13:1, God’s grace unfolds in a divine courtroom. The sermon presents humanity’s treason against God, piercing Him through rebellion, yet receiving a fountain of mercy. God Himself, the Shepherd-King, is struck, fulfilling His sovereign plan to cleanse His people. Zechariah’s prophecy, woven through the Old Testament and fulfilled in Christ’s crucifixion, reveals the gospel: Jesus, pierced for our sins, opens a fountain of forgiveness for Jews and Gentiles alike. This message calls believers to mourn their sin, repent, and be transformed by grace, living as God’s cleansed people who proclaim His peace to the nations, awaiting His return.
Key Takeaways
Zechariah 12:10 delivers a shocking truth: God’s people pierce Him, their Creator, in an act of rebellion. This unthinkable crime—slaying God Himself—leads to profound mourning, like losing a firstborn child. Yet, this piercing is the heart of God’s grace, as it awakens His people to their sin, prompting repentance and transformation.
From God’s metaphorical death in Zechariah 13:1 flows a fountain of cleansing, washing away sin and uncleanness. This divine act of mercy reconciles humanity to God, offering forgiveness not just for Jerusalem but for all nations, fulfilling His promise of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice.
Five hundred years later, Jesus embodies Zechariah’s prophecy, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, betrayed for 30 pieces of silver, and pierced on the cross. His death and resurrection open the fountain of grace, cleansing believers and empowering them to live as God’s people.
The sermon urges believers to weep over their sin, recognizing its cost in Christ’s death, and to wash in His fountain of grace. This is not mere remorse but a transformative act, leading to a life of repentance and proclamation of God’s peace.
Weekly Devotional
Day 1: Mourning Our Sin
Scripture: Zechariah 12:10
Devotional Idea: Recognize the gravity of our sin in piercing God’s heart, leading to mourning and repentance.
Zechariah 12:10 reveals the shocking truth that we, through rebellion, have pierced God Himself. This image of mourning, as for an only child, invites us to reflect on our sin’s cost. Consider the ways your actions have contributed to this piercing—pride, selfishness, or neglect of God’s call. This mourning isn’t despair but a step toward grace, awakening us to God’s love. Reflect on a recent moment of failure: how does it feel to know Christ bore that sin? Let this truth stir a contrite heart, drawing you closer to His mercy.
Day 2: The Fountain of Grace
Scripture: Zechariah 13:1
Devotional Idea: Embrace the cleansing fountain opened by Christ’s sacrifice, transforming us from sin’s filth.
Zechariah 13:1 promises a fountain to cleanse sin and uncleanness. This points to Christ’s blood, shed for our forgiveness. Reflect on areas of your life where sin lingers—perhaps hidden habits or attitudes. The sermon emphasizes that this fountain is open to all, Jew and Gentile. How does it feel to know Christ’s death washes you clean? Consider what it means to be transformed, not just forgiven. Spend time today thanking God for His grace, asking Him to reveal areas needing cleansing and to renew your heart.
Day 3: Christ the Shepherd-King
Scripture: Zechariah 13:7
Devotional Idea: See Jesus as the Shepherd-King, struck for our sake, guiding us to salvation.
The sermon connects Zechariah 13:7’s struck Shepherd to Jesus, betrayed and crucified. Despite rejection, He fulfills God’s plan, scattering His sheep only to gather them through His resurrection. Reflect on times you’ve felt scattered or lost. How has Christ, the Good Shepherd, guided you back? His sacrifice shows His commitment to you, even in your rebellion. Consider how His leadership shapes your daily choices. Ask God to help you trust His guidance, following Him as the King who laid down His life for you.
Day 4: Repentance and Transformation
Scripture: Zechariah 12:10
Devotional Idea: Repentance leads to transformation, turning from sin to live for God’s glory.
The sermon calls us to weep over sin and wash in Christ’s fountain. Repentance isn’t just sorrow but a turning from “empires of dirt” to a transformed life. Reflect on a sin you struggle with—perhaps anger or dishonesty. How can you turn from it today? The manuscript emphasizes that Christ’s grace enables new birth. Consider one practical step to align your life with God’s will, like forgiving someone or serving others. Ask God to transform your heart, making you a vessel for His glory.
Day 5: Proclaiming His Peace
Scripture: Zechariah 8:16-17
Devotional Idea: Live as cleansed people, proclaiming Christ’s peace to others.
Zechariah’s gospel calls us to proclaim God’s peace to the nations. Having been cleansed, we’re to live as God’s people, sharing His love. Reflect on how Christ’s sacrifice has brought you peace. Who in your life needs to hear this gospel? The sermon urges us to act now, not wait for the final Day of the Lord. Consider one way to share Christ’s love this week—perhaps a conversation or act of kindness. Ask God for boldness to proclaim His peace, living as His ambassador.
Reflection and Application Questions
- Reflection: How does Zechariah 12:10’s image of piercing God challenge your understanding of sin’s seriousness?
- Reflection: In what ways does the sermon’s portrayal of Christ’s death deepen your appreciation for His grace?
- Reflection: How does Zechariah’s prophecy connect to the gospel accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion?
- Application: What is one specific sin you can weep over this week, seeking repentance through Christ’s grace?
- Application: How can you practically “wash” in Christ’s fountain by turning from a specific sin in your daily life?
- Application: Who can you share the gospel’s message of peace with this week, and how will you do it?
Scripture References and Cross-References
- Main Scripture: Zechariah 12:10–13:1
- Cross-References: John 19:34 (piercing of Jesus’ side), Matthew 21:1–11 (triumphal entry), Matthew 26:15 (30 pieces of silver), John 10:11 (Good Shepherd), John 7:38 (living water), 1 John 1:7 (cleansing blood), Hosea 2:23 (God’s people)
Westminster Confession Connection
Zechariah 12:10–13:1’s depiction of Christ’s piercing aligns with the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 8, which describes Christ as the Mediator who, by His perfect obedience and sacrifice, purchased reconciliation for His people. The sermon’s emphasis on God’s death and the fountain of cleansing reflects Christ’s propitiatory work, satisfying divine justice (Chapter 8, Section 5). This shocking act—God pierced by His people—fulfills His covenant of grace, offering forgiveness to all who repent. The call to weep and wash echoes the Confession’s teaching on faith and repentance, urging believers to embrace Christ’s redemptive sacrifice and live transformed lives for His glory.
Westminster Confession Citation
Chapter 8, Section 5: The Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself, which He through the eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, has fully satisfied the justice of His Father; and purchased, not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for those whom the Father has given unto Him.
Catechism Connections
Shorter Catechism, Q. 25: How doth Christ execute the office of a priest? Christ executeth the office of a priest, in His once offering up of Himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God; and in making continual intercession for us.
Larger Catechism, Q. 48: How did Christ humble Himself in His death? Christ humbled Himself in His death, in that having been betrayed by Judas, forsaken by His disciples in their fear, scorned and mocked by His enemies, in the most accursed death of the cross, He underwent all this for the redemption of His people.
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