Zechariah in the New Testament: The Messiah Foretold, Fulfilled, and Returning.

A review of 6 Messianic prophecies in Zechariah fulfilled in the New Testament

INTRODUCTION — The Prophet Who Saw the Future Clearly

Thirty pieces of silver

Zechariah is the foremost of the minor prophets whose prophecies were powerfully fulfilled in the New Testament. His book is filled with visions of the Messiah: the humble King, the rejected Shepherd, the pierced Saviour, the struck Shepherd, and the returning Lord. “Zechariah helps us see Jesus more clearly — His identity, His mission, and His return.” It is all about Jesus the Messiah!

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Some scholars argue that two different authors may have authored the book of Zechariah because the tone, style, and historical setting of chapters 9–14 differ noticeably from the first eight chapters. The early chapters are dated, structured, and filled with visions from the postexilic period, while the later chapters feel more apocalyptic and lack the same historical markers. However, Jesus Himself quotes from the latter section (Zechariah 13:7) and attributes it to one Zechariah.

Zechariah ministered around 520–518 BC, during the early years of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile. The people had come home to a devastated Jerusalem, a ruined temple, and a community struggling with discouragement, poverty, and fear.

Born in exile, Zechariah was both a priest and a prophet. His ministry took place during the rebuilding of the temple under Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest.

God gave Zechariah a series of night visions, symbolic actions, and sweeping prophecies that stretch from his own day to the end of the age. More than any other minor prophet, he paints a portrait of Christ that the New Testament writers repeatedly draw upon.

Through Zechariah’s eyes, we see Jesus more clearly — the King who came, the Shepherd who suffered, and the Lord who will return. We now consider the first of six Messianic prophecies in Zechariah.

I. THE MESSIAH WHO COMES IN HUMILITY (Zechariah 9:9)

Prophecy — Zechariah 9:9 (KJV)

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

Fulfilment — Matthew 21:4–5 (KJV)

“All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.”

Fulfilment — John 12:14–15 (KJV)

“And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.”

Additional Background

Zechariah 9 announces a King unlike the rulers of surrounding nations — not a conqueror on a warhorse, but a humble, righteous King who brings salvation. This would have been startling to a people recently returned from exile and surrounded by hostile powers.

Application

Jesus still comes to us in humility. True kingship looks like servanthood.

II. THE SHEPHERD WHO IS REJECTED (Zechariah 11:12–13)

Prophecy — Zechariah 11:12–13 (KJV)

“And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price… So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver…”

Fulfilment — Matthew 27:9–10 (KJV)

“Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver… and gave them for the potter’s field…”

Additional Background

Zechariah 11 portrays corrupt shepherds exploiting the flock. Zechariah acts out the role of a faithful shepherd, only to be rejected and paid a contemptuous wage — thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave. This anticipates the rejection of the true Shepherd, the Messiah.

Application

Jesus knows what it is to be undervalued and betrayed — and He redeems what others meant for harm.

III. THE SAVIOUR WHO IS PIERCED (Zechariah 12:10)

Prophecy — Zechariah 12:10 (KJV)

“And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced…”

Fulfilment — John 19:37 (KJV)

“They shall look on him whom they pierced.”

Fulfilment — Revelation 1:7 (KJV)

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him…”

Additional Background

Zechariah 12 blends national deliverance with deep personal repentance. God Himself speaks as the One pierced — a mystery fulfilled in Christ. The crucifixion becomes the turning point for humanity’s redemption.

Application

The cross is not an accident — it is prophecy fulfilled. We must look upon Him now in repentance.

IV. THE SHEPHERD WHO IS STRUCK (Zechariah 13:7)

Prophecy — Zechariah 13:7 (KJV)

“Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered…”

Fulfilment — Matthew 26:31 (KJV)

“I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.”

Fulfilment — Mark 14:27 (KJV)

“I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.”

Additional Background

The Shepherd’s suffering is divinely permitted — part of God’s redemptive plan. The Shepherd is described as “the man that is my fellow,” indicating a mysterious closeness to God Himself.

Application

Jesus is not surprised by our weakness. He restores and recommissions His sheep.

V. THE LORD WHO RETURNS IN GLORY (Zechariah 14)

Prophecy — Zechariah 14:4 (KJV)

“And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives…”

Echo — Acts 1:11–12 (KJV)

“This same Jesus… shall so come in like manner…”

Echo — Revelation 22:1 (KJV)

“A pure river of water of life…”

Additional Background

Zechariah 14 describes a cosmic confrontation where the nations gather against Jerusalem, only for the Lord Himself to intervene. The Mount of Olives becomes the stage for divine action.

Application

We live between the donkey and the white horse. The story is not over.

VI. THE GOD WHO RESTORES HIS PEOPLE (Zechariah 8:16; 8:23)

Prophecy — Zechariah 8:16 (KJV)

“Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour…”

Fulfilment — Ephesians 4:25 (KJV)

“Speak every man truth with his neighbour…”

Prophecy — Zechariah 8:23 (KJV)

“We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.”

Echo — Romans 11

Gentiles being grafted in and drawn to the God of Israel.

Additional Background

Zechariah 8 overflows with hope. God promises to return to Zion, restore truth and justice, and make Jerusalem a place of joy and faithfulness. The nations will recognise God’s presence among His people.

Application

The church is called to be a sign of the coming kingdom.

CONCLUSIONS — Seeing Jesus Through Zechariah’s Eyes

Zechariah gives us a panoramic view of Christ:

• The humble King • The rejected Shepherd • The pierced Saviour • The struck Shepherd • The returning Lord

This is not coincidence. This is the faithfulness of God.

Takeaway Thoughts

• Look upon the pierced One. • Follow the Shepherd who restores. • Live ready for the returning King and share his Gospel everywhere we can.

Amen

Personal Prayer