The messianic use of Zechariah 9–14 in Matthew, Mark, and the pre-Markan tradition

This chapter offers for each relevant text (1) the evidence for finding the influence of Zechariah in the passage; (2) the evidence that Matthew, Mark, and the pre-Markan tradition recognized that influence; and (3) the general contours of the interpretation of the Zechariah passage in Matthew, Mark, and their traditions. It maintains that the influence of Zech 9?14 on the gospel accounts is both deeper and broader than is often acknowledged. On the one hand, Matthew emphasizes and expands upon the use of Zechariah in his Markan source. On the other, Mark does little to draw attention to the echoes of Zech 9?14 in his tradition, all of which were already present. These chapters had a formative influence on the development of the gospel narratives. Furthermore, the early church read Zech 9?14 as a whole, finding in these oracles an implied narrative sequence. Keywords: gospel narratives; Mark; Matthew; messianic readings; pre-Markan tradition; Zechariah