Day 14: They Will Look on Him — Zechariah 12:10

Welcome to Day 14 of our Lent series, "From Promise to Resurrection." Today, we reflect on a poignant prophecy from Zechariah 12:10, which finds its profound fulfillment in the New Testament. This verse speaks volumes about the depth of God's plan for redemption, a central theme as we journey from the Old Testament into the heart of the Gospel of John.

"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son." This prophecy, delivered through Zechariah, sets a scene of deep mourning and realization among God's people.

Fulfillment in the New Testament

• Event: The Crucifixion of Jesus Status: Fulfilled
• Scripture: John 19:37 — "They will look on the one they have pierced." Status: Fulfilled
• Response: The mourning at the cross, especially noted in the accounts of Mary and John. Status: Fulfilled

The piercing mentioned in Zechariah directly correlates to the crucifixion of Christ, where Jesus was literally pierced by nails and a spear. John 19:37 explicitly references Zechariah’s prophecy, confirming its fulfillment. This connection is vital as it underscores the intentional design of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus, from prophecy to realization.

Moreover, the mourning described by Zechariah mirrors the sorrowful reaction of those who witnessed Jesus' crucifixion. This mourning is not just a reaction to death but a deeper, transformative realization of Jesus' identity and the enormity of what His death meant for salvation. It's a mourning that leads to repentance and hope, a key theme in both the Lenten season and our journey toward understanding Christ's resurrection.

This prophecy and its fulfillment also encourage us to reflect on our own response to Jesus' sacrifice. Zechariah speaks of a "spirit of grace and supplication" — a gift that enables us to recognize and mourn our part in the sins that led to Christ’s crucifixion, yet also to receive the grace He extends.

As we continue our Lent journey, let us ponder the depth of God's love and the profound sorrow of that pivotal moment. Let it remind us of the cost of our redemption and the grace that flows so abundantly because of it. In our reflection and mourning, may we also find the hope and joy of the resurrection that awaits us, just as it awaited Christ.

Today, as we remember the words of Zechariah and their fulfillment in the Gospel of John, let us embrace the fullness of this season. It is a time for deep reflection, yes, but also a season to prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter, the ultimate victory of life over death.