From the desk of Pastor Ben

The True Link To John the Baptist

He answered and said, “Elijah is coming and will restore all things; but I say to you that Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wished. So also the Son of man is going to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.                                (Matthew 17:11-13)

Jesus responded by first acknowledging that there is an “Elijah” who is yet to come, and when he arrives he “will restore all things” just as Malachi prophesied. But the Elijah prophesied by Malachi was not to be a reincarnation of the ancient prophet. Rather, as the angel of the Lord told Zacharias regarding his son, John the Baptist, the prophesied forerunner would come “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17). John would minister in much the same style and power as had Elijah.

Why then, some wonder, did John himself disclaim being Elijah in (John 1:21)? He denied being Elijah because like Jesus, he realized the question was about a literal, reincarnated Elijah. He also understood that the questioning of the Jewish leaders originated from unbelief, which they manifested when they imprisoned him and then beheaded him.

The full wickedness of the Jewish leaders became clear when they rejected and persecuted the Son of man Himself. But in the last days, the Lord will send another like Elijah, and the Messiah himself will return, this time to establish His eternal kingdom in power, righteousness, and glory.

Ask Yourself:
These wide-eyed students of Christ’s would go on to become pillars of the early church. It’s interesting to see them here — so young, so green, so needy of Jesus’ teaching. Is there a younger someone in your life who needs the direction and counsel you could give?