For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
John 19
Pilate brought Jesus out before the crowd after His flogging. There stood Jesus, wearing a crown of thorns and a purple robe, and Pilate said, “Here is the man!” (Jn. 19:5). This scene fulfilled the prophecy we read just a few days ago in Zechariah 6. God had instructed Zechariah to put a crown of silver and gold on the head of the high priest, Joshua. God’s declaration over Joshua was, “Here is the man whose name is the Branch” (from Zech. 6:12). He went on to declare that this man would build the temple of the LORD and would rule as priest and king.
Zech. 13-14
In Matthew 26:31, Jesus quotes 13:7, predicting that his disciples would scatter and flee when he was arrested and killed. When have you had a chance to stand with the Lord but bailed instead? How does Jesus respond? It is difficult at best to understand timeless prophecy from a time-bound perspective. The time lines are all muddled together. To further complicate understanding, prophecies are full of poetic and symbolic language. The result is far less clear than mud. We can see bits and pieces that make sense all over the place. Jesus fulfilled so much in His short time on earth as a human, especially with His death and resurrection. But the vast majority of the prophecies leave me befuddled.
Take, for example, Zechariah 13:7b. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered”. So far, so good. It’s not hard at all to see this fulfilled at the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. But the passage goes on to say, “and I will turn my hand against the little ones.” What does that mean? Is this still prophesying about Jesus’ disciples specifically, foretelling that most of them would also be killed? Or is it prophesying the persecution of the greater Church that formed after the arrival of the Holy Spirit? Like the disciples, the Church also scattered. Or perhaps this statement applies to all of us until Jesus’ return, indicating that following Christ will not be an easy path. Then again, maybe bits of all of that are wrapped up in this one, timeless, prophetic statement. I wish I knew.
Prov. 30
Do not slander a servant to their master, or they will curse you, and you will pay for it.” (Pr. 30:10). That verse makes me think of Paul’s teachings to not judge fellow believers over disputable matters. He says in Romans 14:4, “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?” John also tells us, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.” (1 Jn. 4:20a). This is another reminder that, as part of Christ’s body of believers, we are all connected through Jesus – to God and to each other. So instead of pointing fingers at one another, let’s help each other serve God the best we can. We will all benefit from it.