5 The Liberator Zechariah 9:9-12 This Week’s Focus One of the most famous World War I photographs depicts the British Gen. Sir Edmund Allenby, after defeating the Turks, walking through the Jaffa Gate into a recaptured Jerusalem at noon on Dec. 11, 1917. Allenby was the first Christian in centuries to control Jerusalem. While Allenby’s entry does not even begin to compare to the Messiah’s entry of Jerusalem, this picture leads us to Zechariah’s prophesy that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem, not riding brazenly on a powerful warhorse, but humbly entering in on a donkey. Zechariah (and other prophets) preached that this Messiah would save people (not just the Hebrews) from every part of the world. Zechariah encouraged his hearers to rejoice greatly at the thought of this promised Messiah. © LifeWay 2014 28 Explore the Bible | Students Begin by reading through the passage two times. Zechariah 9:9-12 9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace u to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. 11 As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit. 12 Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you. List the last positive comment or word of encouragement you received that gave you hope. How did this comment encourage you or motivate you to keep pushing forward? Session 5 29 © LifeWay 2014 Prophecy of the coming King: - erse In 9,v we see that he would ride a donkey, signifying humility. - his Tprophecy was recognized by early Christians as signifying Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:5 ; John 12:15). Verse 9 What is the reason or cause for the people’s rejoicing? How is the King described? Who is this referencing? Verse 10 What does this verse say the Divine Warrior will accomplish? What is the extent of the coming King’s reign? 30 Explore the Bible | Students © LifeWay 2014 Verse 11 On what basis will the prisoners receive their freedom? Verse 9 Read Mark 14:24. How does this relate to verse 11? What is the reason or cause for the people’s rejoicing? How is the King described? Who is this referencing? Verse 12 How could they be prisoners and still have hope? Verse 10 How is “prisoners who have hope” a fitting description for believers today? What does this verse say the Divine Warrior will accomplish? What is the extent of the coming King’s reign? © LifeWay 2014 Session 5 31 Central Truth Jesus is the King who sets the prisoners free. Now What? When was the last time you shared an encouraging message with someone? How did the person you shared with respond to your encouragement? When was the last time you shared the message of Jesus with someone (if ever)? List the names of 3 people you know who need to hear that Jesus is their Liberator. 32 Explore the Bible | Students © LifeWay 2014 Personal Challenge Dwell: Much like Zechariah in his day, we have a great message to share in a world that is far from Christ. Zechariah was able to motivate and encourage the Israelites to continue to rebuild the temple that had been destroyed in one of their darkest hours. How did he encourage them? By preaching that the Liberator was coming! He has come and His name is Jesus. Share this good news with someone this week. Memorize: Zechariah 9:9 Pray: As you pray today, thank the Lord for sending someone your way with a message of salvation. Pray for that person Keep on Digging today and ask the Lord to Read the Book of Zechariah this give you the same boldness week. It is an encouraging story in to share the gospel with the a difficult time of Israel’s history, three people you listed in Now and it will give you a better grasp What? Pray for them by name and understanding of the message and then share the gospel of Zechariah. with them. © LifeWay 2014 Session 5 33.