Why Must Elijah Come First? - Matthew 17:10

Matthew the apostle wrote how Peter, James and John saw Jesus transfigured upon a mountain, and “as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead”, and in chapter seventeen and verse ten of his book, Matthew shares how Jesus' disciples, “asked him, saying, why then say the scribes that Elijah must come first?” where we read:

And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

The verse reads, “And his disciples asked him, saying, ...”. Matthew began with the words, “and his disciples” or “and Jesus' students, pupils and attendants” “asked him” or “questioned and inquired of Jesus”, “saying” which means “uttering, declaring and proclaiming”. Matthew shared how the disciples of Jesus began to ask a Him the following question.

The verse goes on to say, “... Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?” Matthew continued with the words, “why then” or “for what reason and cause therefore” “say the scribes” which means “utter, declare and proclaim the men who were learned in the Mosaic law and in the sacred writings, an interpreter and teacher” “that Elias” or “that Elijah” whose name means “my God is Jehovah” “must come first” or “it is necessary, in need and behooved that Elijah precede the Messiah”? Matthew shared how the disciples wanted to know the reason that “scribes” declare that “Elijah” must come before the Messiah arrives.

When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we see how the disciples were somewhat aware of the prophesy concerning “Elijah” coming before the Messiah. Malachi chapter four and verses five and six says, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse”, and because of these words, “Elijah” was expected to precede the Messiah. God desires for every person to know that He has a plan, and He was working it out for the Messiah, His Son Jesus, to come and die for the sins of the whole world. Those who receive Him as “Savior and Lord” shall be intrigued to see more and more of God's wonderful plan to save.

Next time Matthew shares how Jesus' tells His disciples Elijah, “truly shall first come, and restore all things”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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