The phrase "mourning the one they pierced" finds its roots in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the New Testament, serving as a significant theme in Christian theology. This concept is primarily drawn from Zechariah 12:10 and is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation.

Old Testament Context

Zechariah 12:10 states: "Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the residents of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son." This prophecy is set within a context of divine deliverance and restoration for Israel. The mourning described is profound, akin to the deep sorrow experienced over the loss of an only child or a firstborn son, indicating the gravity of the event and the depth of repentance and recognition.

New Testament Fulfillment

The Gospel of John explicitly connects this prophecy to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In John 19:34-37 , it is recorded: "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out... These things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: 'Not one of His bones will be broken,' and, as another Scripture says, 'They will look on the One they have pierced.'" Here, the piercing of Jesus' side is seen as a direct fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy, underscoring the belief that Jesus is the Messiah who was foretold.

The Book of Revelation also alludes to this theme. Revelation 1:7 proclaims: "Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen." This passage extends the mourning to a global scale, indicating that the recognition of Jesus as the pierced one will be universal at His second coming.

Theological Significance

The piercing of Jesus and the subsequent mourning hold deep theological significance within Christian doctrine. It highlights the sacrificial nature of Christ's death, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing Him as the suffering Messiah. The mourning signifies a recognition of sin and a call to repentance, as the people come to understand the gravity of their actions and the identity of the one they have pierced.

In Christian eschatology, the mourning also points to a future time of reconciliation and redemption, where all will acknowledge Jesus as Lord. The imagery of mourning serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of redemption and the hope of restoration through Christ.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern culture, mourning was a public and communal expression of grief, often involving rituals and lamentations. The depth of mourning described in Zechariah reflects the cultural practices of the time, where the loss of a firstborn or only child was considered one of the greatest tragedies. This cultural understanding amplifies the prophetic message, emphasizing the profound impact of recognizing the pierced one.

Conclusion

The theme of mourning the one they pierced weaves together prophecy, fulfillment, and eschatological hope, forming a cornerstone of Christian belief in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Through the lens of Scripture, it calls believers to a deeper understanding of the Messiah's suffering and the promise of His return.