What Jesus Did! 'Elijah Comes First' — Mark 9:11-12

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

The followers asked Jesus, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?" Jesus answered, "They are right to say that Elijah must come first. Elijah makes all things the way they should be. But why does the Scripture say that the Son of Man will suffer much and that people will think he is worth nothing?"
— Mark 9:11-12 NLT
Illustration of Mark 9:11-12 NLT — "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"

Key Thought

The great ending hope of the Old Testament as we now have it is that God will send Elijah to prepare people's hearts for the Messiah. John the Baptist was identified as this Elijah. He did make a people ready for the Lord. But, Elijah was treated harshly, unfairly, and eventually murdered by the political and religious establishment. Jesus wants his disciples (and Mark wants us) to know that just as John has been rejected and treated harshly, so Jesus will also be treated unfairly and harshly. He wants them to realize what lies ahead for the Son of Man!

Today's Prayer

O God, I am not sure how Jesus endured the unfairness he endured, especially knowing that it was coming and knowing that he had the power to squash anyone or anything that opposed him. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for enduring all the indignities and unfairness that you faced. Thank you for sacrificing yourself for me. To you, O Lord Jesus, and in your name, we offer our thanks, praise, and prayer to the Father. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Malachi 4:5-6
  • Mark 1:1-4
  • Mark 6:15

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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