Chapter 69
ELIJAH AND JOHN THE BAPTIST
Matthew 17:9-13
Before we begin this study let us pray,
Dear Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
We come before You in Jesus Christ’s holy name. Father God, we ask You to please open our eyes, ears, and heart so we can truly see, hear, and receive the things that You, through the Holy Spirit, are teaching us. We ask that we not only see, hear, and understand Your teaching, but please cause us to truly take Your Word to heart.
Amen
Before we begin our study, let us refresh our memory of what occurred on the Mount of Transfiguration. To do this we go to,
Matthew 17:1-8
[1] Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; [2] and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. [3] And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. [4] Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” [5] While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” [6] And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. [7] But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” [8] When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
INTRODUCTION
We begin our study by reading the conversation Jesus had with Peter, James and John while they were coming down from the Mount of Transfiguration. The Scripture of interest is,
[9] Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.” [10] And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
As one reflects upon the above question one might ask as to; “Why did Peter, James and John ask Jesus this question?” They asked this question because of what was written in the following prophecy,
Malachi 4:5-6
[5] Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. [6] And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”
Let us now read the first portion of Jesus’ response to the disciple’s question, as recorded in,
Matthew 17:11-12a
[11] Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. [12a] But I say to you that Elijah has come already …”
In considering the above Scriptures, the following two questions may come to mind; (1) “What did Jesus mean about Elijah coming first to restore all things?” and (2) “What did Jesus mean that Elijah has already come?”
To address these questions, we will,
1. Review an Old Testament example of how, through Elijah, God restored the Israelites to their proper relationship with Him.
2. See that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, John the Baptist prepared the people for the arrival of their Messiah, Jesus Christ.
With this introduction in mind let us read how,
ELIJAH RESTORED ISRAEL’S RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
At the time of Elijah, the children Israel, under the leadership of King Ahab, was steeped into idolatry and the worship of the false god Baal. To get the nation’s attention God, through the hand of Elijah, brought upon the land a severe drought. After three years of drought, the time arrived for God to restore Israel’s relationship to Him. To see this we go to,
1 Kings 18:1-2
[1] And it came to pass after many days that the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.” [2] So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab; and there was a severe famine in Samaria.
Let us notice the following verse,
1 … God told Elijah that He, God, will send the rain. In other words, it will be God, not Elijah, who would be performing the miracles.
Let us read what happened when Elijah returned to King Ahab.
1 Kings 18:17-21
[17] Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him; “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” [18] And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals. [19] Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” [20] So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel. [21] And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.
Let us now read the proposition Elijah gave to the Israelites, as recorded in,
1 Kings 18:22-24
[22] Then Elijah said to the people, “I alone am left a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. [23] Therefore let them give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it. [24] Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord; and the God who answers by fire, He is God.” So all the people answered and said, “It is well spoken.”
Let us notice the following verse,
24 … It would be God who will answer their cry with fire; the people agreed.
To read what the prophets of Baal did to call upon Baal to respond to respond with fire, we go to,
1 Kings 18:25-29
[25] Now Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one bull for yourselves and prepare it first, for you are many; and call on the name of your god, but put no fire under it.” [26] So they took the bull which was given them, and they prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even till noon, saying, “O Baal, hear us!” But there was no voice; no one answered. Then they leaped about the altar which they had made. [27] And so it was, at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” [28] So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. [29] And when midday was past, they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention.
It was now time for Elijah. To read what Elijah did we begin by reading from,
1 Kings 18:30-35
[30] Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.”So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. [31] And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, “Israel shall be your name.” [32] Then with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord; and he made a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. [33] And he put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood, and said, “Fill four waterpots with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood.” [34] Then he said, “Do it a second time,” and they did it a second time; and he said, “Do it a third time,” and they did it a third time. [35] So the water ran all around the altar; and he also filled the trench with water.
Now that everything was drenched, let us read Elijah’s prayer.
1 Kings 18:36-39
[36] And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. [37] Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.” [38] Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. [39] Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!”
Let us notice the following verses,
36 … Elijah did all these things according to God’s command.
38 … It was the fire of the Lord that fell from Heaven.
39 … In other words, through the hand of Elijah, God brought about repentance and restoration of the children of Israel to Him. It was the same with John the Baptist. Through him, God brought about repentance and restoration.
Let us now return to the Gospel of Matthew and continue reading Jesus’ response to Peter, James and John. To do this we go to,
Matthew 17:12
[12] “But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.”
To expand upon this verse we will explore the following four main statements:
1. “But I say to you that Elijah has come already”
2. “They did not know him
3. “but did to him whatever they wished”
4. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.”
To explore Jesus’ first statement that Elijah had already came, we will review,
THE MISSION OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
Before we begin reading about John the Baptist’s mission, it is important for us to recall that when John was born, he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
To see this, let us read what the angel of the Lord said when he told Zacharias that his barren wife Elizabeth would bear him a son. This visitation occurred when Zacharias was in the Temple to burn incense to the Lord. The account of this visitation is recorded in,
Luke 1:11-17
[11] Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. [12] And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. [13] But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. [14] And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. [15] For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. [16] And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. [17] He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Let us notice the following verses,
15 … At his birth, John had God the Holy Spirit dwelling within him.
17 … Thus, John went to the Israelites in the spirit and power of Elijah, which was the Holy Spirit. Thus, John was NOT the incarnation of Elijah.
With this background, let us now read about John the Baptist’s mission as recorded in,
Mark 1:1-8
[1] The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. [2] As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” [3] “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’” [4] John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. [5] Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. [6] Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. [7] And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. [8] I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Let us notice the following verses,
4 … To prepare the way for the Lord; “John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins”.
5 … “Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.”
From the above, we come to realize that to accomplish his mission; John was under the control and power of the Holy Spirit. In other words, he was under the influence of the same spirit and power as was Elijah; and thereby, fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi. In addition, John the Baptist also fulfilled the prophecy given to his father, Zacharias.
Apparently, Peter, James and John also recalled the mission of John the Baptist and came to realize that when Jesus said Elijah had already came; He was referring to John the Baptist. To see this let us return to the Gospel according to Matthew and read from,
Matthew 17:13
[13] Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.
Let us move on to address Jesus’ second statement that,
THEY DID NOT KNOW JOHN THE BAPTIST
To see this, we go to the time when John was in prison and heard about all the wonderful things Jesus was doing. Consequently, John sent two of his disciples to determine if He (Jesus) was the Messiah. After Jesus explained to John’s disciples that He was the Christ, Jesus then turned to the multitude and spoke to them about John. Let us now read what Jesus said as recorded in,
Matthew 11:7-15
[7] As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? [8] But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. [9] But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. [10] For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ [11] “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [12] And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. [13] For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. [14] And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. [15] He who has ears to hear let him hear!”
However, Jesus knew their hearts were so hardened and dull that they could not understand or grasp what was going on. They could not see, hear or receive that John the Baptist was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Malachi. Consequently, Jesus continued His discourse. To read it we go to,
Matthew 11:16-19
[16] “But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, [17] and saying: ‘We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not lament.’ [18] For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ [19] The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”
In other words, what will it take to get us to repent from our sins?
Unfortunately, there were those in the leadership position within the nation of Israel who also did not repent and could not grasp the significance of John the Baptist and what he was preaching and doing. Consequently, we go to Jesus’ third statement, which was,
THEY DID TO JOHN WHATEVER THEY WISHED
To gain some insight as to what Jesus was referring to, we begin by noting that King Herod also did not grasp the true significance of John the Baptist and his ministry of repentance.
Consequently, after John spoke against his marriage with his brother’s wife, Herodias, King Herod placed John in prison. To see this, we go to,
Mark 6:17-18
[17] For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. [18] Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
However, John’s imprisonment was not sufficient for Herodias. To see this, we go to,
Mark 6:19-20
[19] Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; [20] for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
Even though King Herod knew John was a just and holy man, Herod still wanted to put John to death. Because the people believed John to be a prophet, Herod was hesitant and protected him. This is recorded in,
Matthew 14:5
[5] And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
Unfortunately, the day arrived when Herodias’ determination to kill John would be fulfilled. To read what happened we go to,
Mark 6:21-29
[21] Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. [22] And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” [23] He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” [24] So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist! [25] Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” [26] And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. [27] Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, [28] brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. [29] When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.
The fourth statement Jesus made, concerning John, was that He (Jesus) would likewise also suffer. This brings us to,
THE APPLICATION TO JESUS
First of all, the Bible teaches us that,
MANY ISRAELITES DID NOT RECOGNIZE WHO JESUS REALLY WAS
To see this let us read about the time when Jesus asked His disciples; “What were the people saying about Him?” To do this we go to,
Matthew 16:13-14
[13] When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” [14] So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
Many of the people did not recognize Jesus as their Messiah. Nor did they recognize Him as the Son of the Living God.
Because of their hardness of hearts,
THEY ALSO DESIRED TO PUT JESUS TO DEATH
Included in those who wished to put Jesus to death was,
King Herod
We discover this when some of the Pharisees went to warn Jesus about King Herod’s intention. To read what they said we go to,
Luke 13:31
[31] On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, “Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You.”
Along with King Herod we also discover that,
Some of the Chief Priests and Scribes wanted to destroy Jesus
To see this let us read what happened after the chief priests and scribes heard what Jesus did to purify the Temple. To do this we go to,
Mark 11:15-18
[15] So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. [16] And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. [17] Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” [18] And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching.
As it was with John the Baptist, their desires ultimately prevailed. Thus, as Jesus foretold to Peter, James and John that He also would suffer by their hands was fulfilled. Consequently, we find that,
Jesus was crucified unto death
For completeness let us read the following brief description of what occurred when Jesus was put to physical death. To do this we go to the morning after Jesus was betrayed by Judas and tried by the Sanhedrin.
Mark 15:1-15
[1] Immediately, in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; and they bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate. [2] Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.” [3] And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. [4] Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!” [5] But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled. [6] Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. [7] And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion. [8] Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them. [9] But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” [10] For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. [11] But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. [12] Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” [13] So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!” [14] Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!” [15] So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified.
This brings us to,
THE MESSAGE OF THIS STUDY
Actually there are the following two messages or points to be made.
The first point is that,
John the Baptist and Elijah were two independent individuals. However, both of them were appointed by God to perform the ministry of restoration. To carry out their calling, both Elijah and John had the Spirit and power of God working from within them. To see this, let us refresh our memory and reread what an angel said to John’s father, Zacharias, as recorded in,
Luke 1:11-17
[11] Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. [12] And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. [13] But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. [14] And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. [15] For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. [16] And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. [17] He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
The second point is that,
We are blessed because we have been given the eyes, ears and heart to understand the things God is teaching us. To refresh our memory, let us read the reason why Jesus spoke to the Israelites in parables. His reason is recorded in,
Matthew 12:11-17
[11] He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. [12] For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. [13] Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. [14] And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
And seeing you will see and not perceive;
[15] For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.’
[16] But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; [17] for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
CLOSING
Let us now close this study by prayerfully and joyfully reading the following excerpt from,
Psalm 95
[1] Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
[2] Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
[3] For the Lord is the great God,
And the great King above all gods.
[4] In His hand are the deep places of the earth;
The heights of the hills are His also.
[5] The sea is His, for He made it;
And His hands formed the dry land.
[6] Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
[7] For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand.
Blessed be the Lord forever,
Amen and Amen