Matthew 17:10
And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
Matthew 17:10 (KJV)
Context
Jesus had just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration, where He had been transfigured before Peter, James, and John, and had conversed with Moses and Elijah. As they descended the mountain, the disciples were puzzled by a teaching they had heard from the scribes (religious scholars) regarding the coming of Elijah.
In Matthew 17:1-9, we see the account of the Transfiguration, where Jesus’ appearance was gloriously transformed before His disciples. Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with Jesus, representing the Law and the Prophets respectively. Peter, awestruck by the sight, suggested building three tabernacles, one for each of them. However, as Peter spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from heaven declared Jesus as God’s beloved Son, instructing the disciples to listen to Him.
Meaning
The disciples, likely still trying to process the significance of what they had witnessed on the mountain, asked Jesus about the scribes’ teaching concerning Elijah. The scribes were known to be experts in the interpretation and understanding of the Scriptures, so their opinions held weight among the people. The disciples’ question reveals their confusion regarding the prophecies and the role of Elijah in relation to the coming of the Messiah.
To fully grasp the disciples’ query, it is important to refer to the prophecy they were referencing. In Malachi 4:5-6, it was foretold that God would send Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. The disciples were aware of this prophecy, and they were likely perplexed because they had just witnessed Jesus speaking with Elijah on the mountain.
The phrase “must first come” indicates a divine necessity, not merely a chronological sequence. The scribes based their teaching on this prophecy, and the disciples’ question reflects their attempt to reconcile this expectation with what they had just witnessed. If Jesus is the Messiah, why does the scribal teaching about Elijah’s coming still apply?
Biblical connections
In the following verses, Jesus responds to their question and provides clarity. In Matthew 17:11-13, Jesus affirmed that Elijah would indeed come first to restore all things, fulfilling the prophecy. However, He added that Elijah had already come, and the people did not recognize him but mistreated him as they wished. Jesus was referring to John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17). John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, calling people to repentance and announcing the arrival of the Messiah (Matthew 3:1-3).
By identifying John the Baptist as the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Elijah, Jesus clarified the confusion surrounding the role of Elijah and His own identity as the Messiah. This revelation would have helped the disciples understand the connection between the prophecies of the Old Testament and Jesus’ ministry. The parallel account in Mark 9:11-13 records the same question and answer, reinforcing the identification of John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come.
Application
The disciples’ question is a model of seeking understanding. They brought their confusion to Jesus, and He responded patiently. We too can bring our questions about Scripture and God’s plan to Him, trusting that He will clarify what we do not yet understand. This verse also highlights the importance of understanding how Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament, and how Jesus corrects and clarifies misinterpretations.
Reflection
As we read this exchange, we are reminded that God’s plan unfolds in ways that may surprise us. The disciples expected Elijah to come in a dramatic way, but he came quietly in the person of John the Baptist. We can learn to trust God’s timing and His ways, even when they do not match our expectations.
