Matthew 17:1-13
Part 3 – Who is Elijah?
Vs 9: as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded his three disciples, saying, “Tell the vision [of the Transfiguration] to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”
And his disciples asked him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus answered and said “Elijah is coming and will restore all things.”
Then he said that Elijah already came and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they wished. The disciples then understood that Jesus was speaking about John the Baptist who came and they ended up killing him just as they will kill the Son Of Man, Jesus.
So who is Elijah?
So when Jesus said “that Elijah already came” he was referring to John the Baptist who suffered and died. Then Jesus said that he too would suffer and die but then would rise from the dead.
In Vs 11, Jesus said that “Elijah is coming and will restore all things.” The Greek word for ” Restore” means to make perfect or bring it back to its original state of perfection.
This “Elijah” is not John the Baptist. This Elijah would have to be Christ, or the work of Christ through the church. Jesus died to bring restoration to the souls of humankind. He also returned to the Father so he could leave his Holy Spirit with us in order to do the work that he called us to. This is the work of restoration meaning salvation to souls and healing/restoration to the brokenhearted.
Part 1, 2, and 3 all have something in common: we the church need to share this message of Hope to the world. I pray that it drives us to be more intentional about learning how to share, and praying the Holy Spirit gives us the boldness and compassion of Christ.
God, give me that compassion and give me that boldness, in Jesus name. Amen!
