John the Baptist, Elijah or One of the Old Prophets - Luke 9:19

The beloved physician Luke wrote about Jesus, “it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?”, and in chapter nine and verse nineteen of his book Luke shared how Jesus' disciples responded, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and other say, that one of the old prophets is risen again” where we read:

They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias;

and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

The verse reads, “They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias;” Luke began with the words, “they answering said” or “Jesus' disciples responding and beginning to answer Him uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “John the Baptist” which means “John whose name means Jehovah is a gracious giver and who administered the rite of baptism”; “but some say” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover other people utter, declare and proclaim that Jesus is”, “Elias” which means “Elijah whose name means my God is Jehovah and was the prophet born at Thisbe, the unflinching champion of the theocracy in the reigns of the idolatrous kings Ahab and Ahaziah”. Luke shared how Jesus' disciples answered Him that people were saying He was “John the Baptist” or “Elijah”.

The verse continues, “and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.” Luke added the words, “and others say” which means “and other people utter, declare and proclaim”, “that one of the old prophets” or “that a certain or particular one of the primal or ancient ones who moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation” “is risen again” which means “is raised up from the dead or resurrected”. Luke shared how Jesus' disciples continued their answer by declaring how other people thought Jesus was a particular one of the “ancient” prophets who was resurrected from the dead.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we see how Jesus' disciples were attempting to let Him know who people thought Jesus was. “John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the ancient prophets” were who they were declaring Jesus to be. Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate, and God sent His Son to the world to save them from their sins so they would not longer be separated from a relationship with Him. God wants people to live with Him for all eternity, and those who submit their lives to His Son Jesus will be forgiven of their sins and inherit “everlasting life” with God. Let all the world know who Jesus is – The Son of God and Savior of the World.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus asks His disciples, “But whom say you that I am?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".