Zechariah 11: Rejection of True Shepherd Jesus

Read Zechariah chapter 11

Introduction: Zechariah 11 is a chapter filled with prophetic figures and symbolism that speaks to the judgment of God on the unfaithful shepherds of Israel and the rejection of the true Shepherd, Jesus Christ. The chapter is a warning to the leaders of Israel who have failed to care for their flock, and a prediction of the coming Messiah who would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. The chapter is divided into two main sections, with the first focusing on the judgment of the unfaithful shepherds and the second on the rejection of the true Shepherd.

I. The Judgment of the Unfaithful Shepherds (Zechariah 11:1-3)
The chapter begins with a call to the cedars and oaks of Lebanon to be destroyed, symbolizing the judgment of God on the leaders of Israel. The destruction of the forest is a representation of the fall of the powerful and wealthy who have neglected their duty as shepherds of God’s people. The reference to the shepherds wailing in verse 3 is a clear indication of the judgment on the leaders who have failed their flock.
Cross reference verses:

• Ezekiel 34:2-10 speaks to the judgment of the shepherds of Israel who have not cared for their flock.
• Jeremiah 23:1-2 also speaks to the judgment of the unfaithful shepherds of Israel.
• John 10:11-13 speaks to Jesus as the true shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep, in contrast to the unfaithful shepherds of Israel.

II. The Rejection of the True Shepherd (Zechariah 11:4-14)
The second section of the chapter speaks to the rejection of the true Shepherd, Jesus Christ. The prophet is instructed to feed the flock meant for slaughter, representing the care that Jesus would show to his people. However, the people reject the true Shepherd and instead choose a worthless shepherd. The prophet is instructed to break two staffs, one called Favor and the other Union, symbolizing the broken relationship between God and his people. The thirty pieces of silver is a clear reference to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot.
Cross reference verses:

• Matthew 27:3-10 speaks to the fulfillment of the prophecy of the thirty pieces of silver.
• John 10:11-13 speaks to Jesus as the true shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep, in contrast to the unfaithful shepherds of Israel.
• 1 Peter 5:2-4 speaks to the role of church leaders as shepherds who are to care for their flock willingly and eagerly.

Conclusion: Zechariah 11 is a stiff warning of the judgment that awaits those who fail in their duty as shepherds of God’s people. It also serves as a prediction of the coming Messiah who would be rejected by his own people and betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. The chapter is a call to leaders to care for their flock with the same love and devotion that Jesus showed to his people. It is also a reminder of the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ, the true Shepherd, who laid down his life for his sheep, now that is a real Shepherd.