Chapter 1-8: Through return to restoration…
The message of Zechariah is perhaps the most Messianic in nature of all of the prophets. The prophet’s name is significant. It means “The Lord (Yahweh) remembers”. “Yahweh” is the personal, covenant making name for God. That gives us an immediate “heads up” that we’re dealing here with the unbroken continuity of God’s ways towards His people, and them to Him. The message of Zechariah focuses on the absolute sovereignty of God in the past, present and future. Like with the message of Haggai, encouragement is a central theme as God’s people are called to “Return to the Lord” (chp. 1), to totally focus on God (chp. 7), and so be ready for the blessing to come (chp 8). The message of Zechariah leads us towards Advent as we “prepare the way for the coming King”.

Chapters 9-14: Through suffering to glory…
With the groundwork done in the first half of Zechariah, the remainder of his message is focused on the coming Messiah. Chapters 9 & 10 focus on the personal nature of the King, not just His presence as a national figurehead. He will be the one to bring righteousness, salvation and peace to the ends of the earth. Yet, rejection will still be very real (chp. 11). But that’s not the end because chapters 12-14 focus on nothing being able to stop the cry of “Let the King reign”. Zechariah’s prophecy highlights that the coming King – Jesus – will show the world the full extent of God’s love. See how all that will come into place – Luke 1:26-50 – through the servant heart of the one who will say, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as You have said”.