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

Sunday, August 13, 2017

The followers asked Jesus, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first {before the Christ comes}?" Jesus answered, "They are right to say that Elijah is coming. And it is true that Elijah will make all things the way they should be. But I tell you, Elijah has already come. People did not know who he was. People did to him all the {bad} things they wanted to do. It is the same with the Son of Man. Those same people will make the Son of Man suffer." Then the followers understood that Jesus meant that John the Baptizer was really Elijah.
— Matthew 17:10-13 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 17:10-13 NLT — "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first {before the Christ comes}?"

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. But Elijah has come.
"Elijah" is John the Baptist. He comes and ministers, but under opposition and hatred from the Jewish ruling counsel. Jesus, however, knows what the disciples have not known until now: Elijah has been martyred. His way insures Jesus' way. But unlike Elijah who dies, the tomb of this modern day Elijah will be 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 provoked people's hopes. But most of all, thank you for Jesus! In his precious name we pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matt. 11:17-19
  • Mal. 4:5
  • Matt. 18:19-20

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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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