And the LORD said to me: "Take up once more the equipment of a foolish shepherd. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Zechariah 11:15? 2. What does Zechariah 11:15 reveal about God's judgment on unfaithful leaders? 3. How can we discern "worthless shepherds" in today's church leadership? 4. Connect Zechariah 11:15 to Jesus' teachings on shepherds in John 10. 5. How should believers respond to leadership that reflects Zechariah 11:15's "foolish shepherd"? 6. What safeguards can churches implement to prevent "worthless shepherds" from leading? 7. What is the significance of the "worthless shepherd" in Zechariah 11:15? 8. How does Zechariah 11:15 relate to the prophecy of the Messiah? 9. Why does God instruct Zechariah to take the equipment of a foolish shepherd? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 11? 11. Zechariah 11:15–17 describes a “worthless shepherd”—if this was a genuine prophecy, who historically fulfilled it, and why is there no clear extra-biblical record to confirm it? 12. Ezekiel 34 – Are there any inconsistencies with other prophetic books about how judgment is executed and who is held accountable? 13. Is Zechariah 11:12-13 a Messianic prophecy? 14. Zechariah 11:8 refers to three shepherds cut off in a single month--where is the historical or archaeological evidence that this event ever happened? Discussion Questions 1. What characteristics define a "foolish shepherd," and how can we identify such traits in leaders today?2. How does the symbolism of the "foolish shepherd" in Zechariah 11:15 relate to the leadership failures described in Ezekiel 34 and Jeremiah 23? 3. In what ways does Jesus, as described in John 10, contrast with the foolish shepherds of Zechariah 11:15? 4. How can we apply the lessons of responsible leadership in our personal lives, whether in family, work, or community settings? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed poor leadership. How did it affect you, and what biblical principles can guide you in responding to such situations?1. How does Zechariah 11 relate to the overall narrative of Zechariah's prophecy? 2. In what ways does the rejection of the Good Shepherd in Zechariah 11 foreshadow the events of the New Testament? 3. In our modern context, how can we identify and avoid the "worthless shepherd's" traits in leaders today? 4. How does Zechariah's reaction to his wages (thirty pieces of silver) highlight the underappreciation of divine favor and guidance? 5. How can we apply the lessons from the symbolic staffs, Favor and Union, in promoting unity and favor in our community today? 6. How can we use Zechariah 11 to evaluate our own actions as potential shepherds or leaders within our spheres of influence? 7. What does the chapter say about God's attitude towards those who exploit and neglect their responsibilities towards their "flock"? 8. How can we apply Zechariah’s prophecy to understand the consequences of rejecting God's guidance in our personal life? 9. How does the symbolism in Zechariah 11 deepen your understanding of the consequences of disobedience to God? 10. How can we interpret the prophecy of the destruction of Lebanon, Bashan, and Jordan in our contemporary global context? 11. Can we see a parallel between the worthlessness of the shepherd and any aspects of our society today? 12. How does the context of Zechariah 11 enhance your understanding of the Judas' betrayal in the New Testament? 13. In the face of "bad shepherds" or leaders, how should we act as followers of Christ? 14. What lessons about leadership and responsibility can we derive from Zechariah 11 that are applicable to our current societal or personal challenges? 15. How does Zechariah 11 challenge you in your spiritual journey? 16. How can we help others in our community to understand and avoid the pitfalls of the 'worthless shepherd'? 17. If you were in Zechariah's place, how would you feel when your worth was equated to thirty pieces of silver? 18. How can the church ensure that it functions under the guidance of the 'good shepherd' and not fall into the trappings of the 'worthless shepherd'? 19. What are the qualities that make a 'good shepherd' in our modern society? How can you cultivate these qualities in your own life? 20. As you reflect on Zechariah 11, how do you see its relevance and application to the challenges you're facing today? Links Zechariah 11:15 NIVZechariah 11:15 NLT Zechariah 11:15 ESV Zechariah 11:15 NASB Zechariah 11:15 KJV Zechariah 11:15 Commentaries Bible Hub |



