Matthew 17:11 meaning
Following the Transfiguration of Christ, a significant dialogue occurred between Him and His disciples regarding the prophetic role of Elijah. The disciples, particularly puzzled by Jesus’ impending death, questioned how this aligned with the scribes' teachings that Elijah must come first. Jesus confirmed the scribes' understanding but also introduced a profound clarification, indicating that the Elijah who was to come had already appeared in the form of John the Baptist. This revelation not only spotlighted John’s ministry but also foreshadowed the suffering that both John and Jesus would encounter, which was largely rejected by the people.
In this conversation, Jesus highlighted that John had fulfilled his prophetic role, but due to Israel's unbelief and rejection, his mission remained incomplete. This context illustrates a critical moment in the disciples’ understanding of Jesus' messiahship and the nature of His kingdom, emphasizing that the path to glory includes suffering and rejection for both the forerunner and the Messiah himself. The essence of their question reflects a deep-seated expectation of restoration that would still need to unfold, as captured in Matthew 17:11-12.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 17:9-13 meaning. Jesus forbids Peter, James, and John to tell anyone about what they just saw until after the Son of Man has risen from the dead. The disciples seem to think that He meant to not tell anyone until Elijah returns, and so they ask Jesus to explain how Elijah was to come before the Messiah and yet is still to come even though Jesus has arrived and is the Messiah. Jesus explains this to them.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 3:13-17 meaning. Jesus arrives from Galilee in order to be baptized by John. John recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and baptizes Him. As soon as Jesus comes up from the water, God’s Spirit descends as a dove and lands on Him. A voice from Heaven announces that Jesus is the Son of God.
- Matthew 21:14-17 meaning. Jesus heals the blind and lame in the temple as the children shout Hosanna to the Son of David. The priests were angered by this, and asked Jesus if He heard and approved of what they were saying. Jesus did approve of their praise and He asked them if they understood what Psalm 8 meant. He then left Jerusalem with His disciples to spend the night in the nearby town of Bethany.
- Matthew 10:17-20 meaning. As Jesus prepares His disciples for the mission they are about to undertake, He prophesies about what will happen to them for His sake and promises that God’s Spirit will be in them and speak through them when they face these persecutions.