Matthew 17:23
And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised againe: And they were exceeding sorie. Matthew 17:23 (KJV)
“But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.” In this verse Jesus is speaking to his disciples after revealing to them that he would be betrayed, suffer, and be killed (Matthew 17:22-23) and in the context of their question about Elijah’s return (Matthew 17:10-13). “But I say unto you” indicates that Jesus is about to deliver an important message or provide additional insight. “That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed” refers to John the Baptist as the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the coming of Elijah (Malachi 4:5-6). John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17) to prepare the way for Jesus, but the people did not recognize him as such; instead they treated him poorly and ultimately beheaded him (Matthew 14:1-12). This statement by Jesus emphasizes the rejection and mistreatment that John the Baptist experienced, despite being the prophesied messenger sent to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah, and it serves as a warning to the disciples and the people about the mistreatment that Jesus himself would face. “Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them” foretells Jesus’ own suffering, emphasizing that just as John the Baptist suffered at the hands of the people, he too would face rejection, persecution, and ultimately death, and it sets the stage for Jesus’ later teachings about his impending crucifixion and resurrection. The broader context of Matthew 17:23 is crucial for a comprehensive understanding. In the preceding verses (Matthew 17:22-23) Jesus had predicted his death and resurrection, which troubled the disciples. This verse serves to confirm that Jesus’ suffering and rejection were part of God’s plan for salvation, even though it might be difficult for the disciples to understand or accept at that moment. It is important to note that this verse is just a part of the larger narrative of Jesus’ ministry, and its meaning is enhanced when studied in conjunction with other passages that provide a fuller picture of his purpose and mission. In summary, Matthew 17:23 conveys the message that John the Baptist, who came in the spirit of Elijah, was mistreated and rejected by the people. Jesus then reveals that he, too, would face similar mistreatment, suffering, and death, reminding believers of the hardships Jesus endured and underscoring the divine plan of salvation through his sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection.
