Elijah to Come - Matthew 11:14

Matthew the apostle shared how Jesus, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John”, and in chapter eleven and verse fourteen of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus told the multitudes this was, “Elijah … to come” where we read:

And if you will receive it, this is Elijah, which was for to come.

The verse reads, “And if you will receive it, this is Elijah, ...” Matthew began with the words, “and if” which means “and whether” “you will receive it” or “the multitudes will take hold, accept, sustain, bear and endure the following statement”, “this is Elijah” which means “John the Baptist is the prophesied One like unto Elijah”. Matthew shared how Jesus told the multitude if they would accept it, John the Baptist was the “Elijah” who was prophesied to be the fore-runner of the Messiah.

The verse continues, “... which was for to come.” Matthew added the words, “which was for” which means “that was prophesied” “to come” or “to arise and appear on the scene”. Matthew shared how Jesus told the crown that John the Baptist was the “Elijah” referred to in the book of Malachi. (See Malachi 4:5)

When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus confirmed John the Baptist as the fore-runner to Himself. Jesus shared how John fulfilled scripture as he was obedient to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the “lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”. (See John 1:29) This prophesy was fulfilled by John the Baptist, and Jesus is the “Savior and Lord” of all who receive Him. Those who are wise shall think about this and realize, God loves them, and His plan of “salvation” is flawless including sending of John the Baptist.

Next time Matthew shares how Jesus refers to, “he that has ears to hear”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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