I Will Smite the Shepherd, and the Sheep Shall Be Scattered (Mark 14:27)

2023-05-05

And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. (Mark 14:27)

Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. (Zechariah 13:7)

The disciples fled when Jesus was being arrested even though Jesus warned them ahead of time. The Lord specifically called out Peter concerning his denial. This fleeing also led to their preservation. “Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none” (John 18:8-9).

The fulfillment in Zechariah combines a few different events. It speaks of the fleeing of the disciples, but it also speaks of a future destruction of His people and the salvation of a third of them (Zechariah 13:8-9).