Matthew 17:9–13 (ESV)
The Transfiguration (Part 2)
9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 And the disciples asked him,
“Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come,
and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
In the Bible, John the Baptist was thought by some to be the return of Elijah. In today’s reading, the disciples understood that Jesus was speaking
about John the Baptist being Elijah. Yet we just read that Elijah and Moses were present at the transfiguration. Well, John the Baptist did the work of the new Elijah. Unfortunately, John’s ministry ended abruptly (14:10).
I pray: O Lord, I look forward to the day when I will see all who have died in the faith. Amen.