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
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.
Today's Verses in Context
Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John the brother of James and went up on a high mountain. They were all alone there. While these followers watched him, Jesus was changed. His face became bright like the sun. And his clothes became white as light. Then two men were there, talking with Jesus. The men were Moses and Elijah. Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you want, I will put three tents here—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While Peter was talking, a bright cloud came over them. A voice came from the cloud. The voice said, "This (Jesus) is my Son and I love him. I am very pleased with him. Obey him!" The followers with Jesus heard this voice. They were very afraid, so they fell to the ground. But Jesus came to the followers and touched them. Jesus said, "Stand up. Don't be afraid." The followers looked up, and they saw Jesus was now alone. Jesus and the followers were walking down the mountain. Jesus commanded the followers, "Don't tell any person about the things you saw on the mountain. Wait until the Son of Man has been raised from death. Then you can tell people about what you saw." 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 17:1-13
Related Scripture Readings
— Matt. 11:17-19
— Mal. 4:5
— Matt. 18:19-20
Ⓒ 1996-2017 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 17:10-13
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.
Today's Verses in Context
Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John the brother of James and went up on a high mountain. They were all alone there. While these followers watched him, Jesus was changed. His face became bright like the sun. And his clothes became white as light. Then two men were there, talking with Jesus. The men were Moses and Elijah. Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you want, I will put three tents here—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While Peter was talking, a bright cloud came over them. A voice came from the cloud. The voice said, "This (Jesus) is my Son and I love him. I am very pleased with him. Obey him!" The followers with Jesus heard this voice. They were very afraid, so they fell to the ground. But Jesus came to the followers and touched them. Jesus said, "Stand up. Don't be afraid." The followers looked up, and they saw Jesus was now alone. Jesus and the followers were walking down the mountain. Jesus commanded the followers, "Don't tell any person about the things you saw on the mountain. Wait until the Son of Man has been raised from death. Then you can tell people about what you saw." 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 17:1-13
Related Scripture Readings
— Matt. 11:17-19
— Mal. 4:5
— Matt. 18:19-20
Ⓒ 1996-2017 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.
