What Jesus Did! 'Elijah Has Come' — Matthew 17:10-13

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Then [Jesus'] disciples asked him, "Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?"

Jesus replied, "Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, but he wasn't recognized, and they chose to abuse him. And in the same way they will also make the Son of Man suffer." Then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptist.

— Matthew 17:10-13 NLT

Key Thought

The great Old Testament hope, God's promise, is now fulfilled. The one like Elijah has come. His preaching was powerful and made many others ready to come to Christ. The promised latter-day Elijah has come!

Jesus knows what the disciples have not known until now: John the Baptist was the promised latter-day Elijah. He came and ministered, but under opposition and hatred from the Jewish ruling counsel, and then was martyred. Still, his way ensured Jesus' way. Even though John as Elijah died, his ministry was the launching pad of Jesus' ministry.

Today's Prayer

Almighty Father, thank you for honesty. Thank you for making your grace available at such unthinkable cost. Thank you for John and Elijah who spoke your truth and rekindled people's hopes. But most of all, thank you for Jesus! In his precious name we pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 11:17-19
  • Malachi 4:5
  • Matthew 28:18-20

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 17:10-13 NLT — "Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

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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