Mark 9:9-13
9 As they were coming down from the mountain, He gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead.
10 They seized upon that statement, discussing with one another what rising from the dead meant.
11 And they asked Him, saying, “Why is it that the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
12 And He said to them, “Elijah does come first and he restores all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt?
13 But I say to you that Elijah has indeed come, and they did to him whatever they wanted, just as it is written of him.”
Question Concerning Elijah
Disciples’ questions
While descending the mountain, Jesus specifically commanded his disciples, “not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead.” This command sparked various questions in the disciples’ hearts. (1) They wondered, “What rising from the dead meant.” They did not yet understand the crucifixion and resurrection. (2) They pondered the connection between Elijah’s role and the arrival of God’s kingdom. The disciples knew that the scribes taught about Elijah returning before the arrival of God’s kingdom. (3) They questioned the relationship between John the Baptist and Elijah.
Jesus’ answer
Jesus provides clear answers to their questions. (1) In the book of Malachi, there are two types of prophecies concerning the forerunners preparing the way for the Messiah. Malachi 3:1prophesies that an unnamed forerunner will appear before the first coming of the Messiah, who later identified as John the Baptist in the New Testament. (2) Malachi 4:5-6 prophesies about the prophet Elijah appearing before the second coming of the Messiah. (3) The disciples’ confusion was due to their lack of understanding that the Messiah’s coming involves both the first and the second coming. To summarize the above points: (1) John the Baptist came as a type of Elijah. Which is what Jesus meant saying that “Elijah has indeed come.” (2) People persecuted and killed John the Baptist, who came as a type of Elijah. Similarly, Jesus, the Messiah, will face the same treatment. (3) At the time of the Messiah’s second coming, Elijah himself will be sent. Even today, Jews prepare a seat for Elijah during the Passover meal, anticipating his arrival and the subsequent coming of the Messiah. We know that He has already come and accomplished salvation. What we await now is the second coming of the Messiah. Let’s continue our journey today with hope in the resurrection and faith in the second coming. Words cannot fully express how wonderful the promises and revelations given to us are.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the great hope You have given to the believers. Please continue to light the fire of faith, so that I may be ready for the return of the Lord Jesus. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.