Zechariah #

1:1–8
In each of these chapters, Zechariah describes visions the Lord gave him. They are messages of encouragement for the people in Jerusalem to keep rebuilding the temple. The people needed the Lord’s help. Joshua was helping to lead them. The visions show that if the people obeyed, the Lord would reward them.

2:8
The Lord’s people are very important to Him. When someone hurts one of God’s people, it’s like hurting the Lord Himself. The Lord loves and protects you. Hearty hopes you remember how important you are to God. Anyone who hurts you is hurting someone precious to the Lord. Think about how it feels to be so important to the Lord.

7:8–10
The Lord tells us how He wants us to live:

• We must be fair.
  
• We must be kind.
  
• We mustn’t mistreat people who are weak.
  
• We must be nice to outsiders or poor people.
  
• We mustn’t make evil plans against people.

Crafty suggests making a poster to help you remember these things. You can use just words or words and pictures to show how the Lord wants you to live.

9:1, 9–10
In chapters 9–14, Zechariah’s message is for all nations, not just the Jews. The Lord sees every person. He will punish those who turn away from Him and do wrong. He will bless those who serve Him and obey Him.

Hundreds of years later, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, just as Zechariah predicted. Jesus was a humble servant and King. You can read more in Matthew 21:5. Jesus didn’t go to Jerusalem to make war; He went to the cross so that people everywhere could have their sins forgiven. He brought peace to many. Read verse 10.

12:10–13:1
Zechariah tells the people of Israel that the Lord will send His spirit of grace and prayer. The Lord’s spirit will help them see their sins, and they will be sorry. Zechariah also mentions a “fountain” that forgives sins (see 13:1).

Inny wants you to know Zechariah’s message is also true for us. When you believe in Jesus, He sends His spirit of grace. You confess your sins, and He forgives you. He washes away your sin.

14:9, 20–21
Like the other prophets, Zechariah ends his book with good news. Zechariah says the people of Israel will return to Jerusalem. But the message is for us too. Verse 9 says the day will come when the Lord rules over everything. When that happens, everyone who believes in Jesus as Lord will live with Him forever.