Sword, awake against My shepherd, against the man who is My associate – this is the declaration of the Lord of Hosts. Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, I will also turn My hand against the little ones. Zechariah 13:7 HCSB
Sheep are dependent on their shepherd to show them where to go and what to do. The shepherd helps the sheep find food and water. If a shepherd were to desert his sheep, the sheep would wander the hillside looking for food and water. Many would scatter in different directions.
This verse was quoted by Jesus when the Roman soldiers came to arrest Him in the garden (see Matthew 26:31-32). He knew that His disciples would desert Him. Jesus was pointing out that He was the fulfillment to the Scriptures of the promised Messiah. When Jesus was arrested, the disciples scattered and ran in fear that they would also be arrested. Some followed in the distance to see what was going to happen to Him.
Challenge: Which character in the story would you most relate to? Would you see yourself as one of the disciples who ran and did not even follow to see what was going to happen to Jesus? Or would you see yourself as one of the disciples who did not completely desert Jesus but followed in the distance? We all are guilty of deserting and denying our Lord at times in our lives. Regardless, Jesus continues to love and care for us. Jesus is the perfect Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep, His disciples. As believers we are His sheep. Thank Him for dying for you and for being your perfect Shepherd who is constantly watching over you and caring for you.