Week 48 • Two Shepherds  (Zachariah 11:4-17)

Memory Verse: John 10:14

In each reading assignment look for a . . .

Sin to Confess • Promise to Claim • Attitude to Change • Command to Obey • Example to Follow

Personal Study Notes:

Psalm 81

Zachariah 11

Zachariah 12

Zachariah 13

Zachariah 14

Accountability Question

  • Did everyone read all five assignments?

  • What application points did you find?

Group Participation

  • Where are we on our ministry project?

  • Have someone take requests and lead prayer.

  • Have someone tell the story or paraphrase.

  • Have someone read the Bible passage.

  • Have someone facilitate the Bible study using the weekly discussion questions.

Weekly Discussion Questions  

  • The Context of the Flock (vv. 4-6): Why are the shepherds (leaders) condemned for saying, "Blessed be the Lord, for I have become rich" while slaughtering their own flock? What does this reveal about the relationship between political/religious leadership and the suffering of the people?

  • The Two Staffs (vv. 7, 10, 14): What is the significance of the two staffs, "Favor" (or Beauty) and "Union" (or Bands)? What does it mean that God broke the covenant of "Favor," and what are the consequences of breaking the bond of "Union" between Judah and Israel?

  • The Rejected Shepherd (vv. 12-13): In what ways do these verses, detailing the payment of thirty pieces of silver, directly foreshadow the actions of Judas Iscariot in Matthew 27:3-10? What does the price of "thirty pieces of silver" signify about how the people valued God's shepherd?

  • The Worthless Shepherd (vv. 15-17): What are the characteristics of the "worthless" or "foolish" shepherd that God raises up? How does the description in verse 16 (not feeding, not seeking, not healing) contrast with the role of a true shepherd?

  • How can the "worthless shepherd" traits be identified in modern leadership (religious or secular)? Based on this text, what responsibilities do leaders have to those they serve, and what is the danger of rejecting godly leadership? 

  • How does the image of the flock "detesting" the true shepherd (v. 8) reflect the human tendency to reject God’s authority and desire for spiritual freedom?

  • What does the, "...three shepherds [being] cut off in one month" (v. 8) suggest about the intensity of the judgment coming upon the leaders?

  • What is the significance of the prophet throwing the thirty pieces of silver into the "house of the Lord" (v. 13)?

  • How does the "woe" pronounced on the worthless shepherd (v. 17) show God’s concern for the vulnerable? 

Prayer: Father we give you thanks for the gift of your Son, our Good Shepherd who gives himself for his sheep.  Thank you Lord Jesus for loving us the way you do.  Help us to live our lives accordingly.