The shepherd is struck; the flock scatters
Jesus quotes the struck-shepherd saying before the disciples' flight.
Historical context
The oracle speaks of a sword against the LORD's shepherd, scattered sheep, and a remnant refined and restored in covenant relationship.
Tradition note
Begin with each Old Testament passage in context, then examine the New Testament's wording and argument. Explicit fulfillment citations, apostolic applications, and typological comparisons carry different kinds of evidence; Protestant approaches to particular passages vary.
Avoid overclaiming
The shepherd's original identification is debated. Jesus' citation explains the disciples' impending scattering; it does not attach exact dates to every image of the oracle.
Key points
- Fulfillment citation
- Matthew 26:31–32 (Fulfillment citation) — Jesus says the written shepherd-and-scattering saying explains the disciples' falling away that night, then promises to meet them after rising.
Doctrinal connections
- Jesus says the written shepherd-and-scattering saying explains the disciples' falling away that night, then promises to meet them after rising.
Scripture
- Zechariah 13:7–9 — The oracle speaks of a sword against the LORD's shepherd, scattered sheep, and a remnant refined and restored in covenant relationship.
- Matthew 26:31–32 — Jesus says the written shepherd-and-scattering saying explains the disciples' falling away that night, then promises to meet them after rising.