Matthew 17:11 - Jesus answered them, “Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things,
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What does "Matthew 17:11" mean?
Matthew 17:11 is a verse that refers to the Jewish expectation of Elijah's return before the Messiah. To understand it fully, let's break it down:
Context: This verse is part of the account of the Transfiguration in Matthew 17. Just before this verse, the disciples asked Jesus why the scribes said Elijah must come first (Matthew 17:10).
"Elijah indeed comes first...": Jesus confirms that the Jewish belief about Elijah's coming before the Messiah is valid. This belief was based on Malachi 4:5-6, which prophesies that God would send Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord to "turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers."
"...and will restore all things": This is the core of the verse. "Restore all things" is a broad statement. What does it mean?
Preparation for the Messiah: It suggests Elijah would prepare the way for the Messiah's arrival by calling the people to repentance and reconciliation.
Spiritual Renewal: The "restoration" could be interpreted as a spiritual renewal and a turning of the people back to God's covenant.
Rectification of Injustices: Some interpret it as a broader rectification of injustices and a bringing of things back into alignment with God's will.
Jesus' perspective: In the verses that follow, Jesus clarifies that Elijah has already come, referring to John the Baptist (Matthew 17:12-13). Jesus indicates that John fulfilled the role of Elijah, even though he wasn't literally Elijah resurrected. John's ministry of repentance and preparing the way for Jesus was the fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy in a spiritual, not literal, sense.
Interpretations and Significance:
Fulfillment in John the Baptist: The most common Christian interpretation is that John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of Elijah's coming. He preached repentance, challenged the religious leaders, and pointed people to Jesus.
Not a Literal Return: Jesus' words suggest that the prophecy wasn't about a literal reincarnation or resurrection of the Old Testament prophet Elijah.
Spiritual Preparation: The key is understanding the role of Elijah as a forerunner who prepares the way for the Lord. John the Baptist fulfilled that role in his ministry.
Ongoing Restoration: Some theologians see the idea of "restoring all things" as an ongoing process that continues throughout the church age, culminating in the final restoration at the end of time.
In summary: Matthew 17:11 acknowledges the Jewish expectation of Elijah's return to prepare the way for the Messiah and restore all things. However, Jesus indicates that this prophecy was fulfilled spiritually through John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus' ministry. The concept of "restoring all things" encompasses spiritual renewal, repentance, and a turning back to God's ways, with potential implications for ongoing restoration throughout history.
Matthew 17:11 - Jesus answered them, “Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things,
What does "Matthew 17:11" mean?
Matthew 17:11 is a verse that refers to the Jewish expectation of Elijah's return before the Messiah. To understand it fully, let's break it down:
Context: This verse is part of the account of the Transfiguration in Matthew 17. Just before this verse, the disciples asked Jesus why the scribes said Elijah must come first (Matthew 17:10).
"Elijah indeed comes first...": Jesus confirms that the Jewish belief about Elijah's coming before the Messiah is valid. This belief was based on Malachi 4:5-6, which prophesies that God would send Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord to "turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers."
"...and will restore all things": This is the core of the verse. "Restore all things" is a broad statement. What does it mean?
Preparation for the Messiah: It suggests Elijah would prepare the way for the Messiah's arrival by calling the people to repentance and reconciliation.
Spiritual Renewal: The "restoration" could be interpreted as a spiritual renewal and a turning of the people back to God's covenant.
Rectification of Injustices: Some interpret it as a broader rectification of injustices and a bringing of things back into alignment with God's will.
Jesus' perspective: In the verses that follow, Jesus clarifies that Elijah has already come, referring to John the Baptist (Matthew 17:12-13). Jesus indicates that John fulfilled the role of Elijah, even though he wasn't literally Elijah resurrected. John's ministry of repentance and preparing the way for Jesus was the fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy in a spiritual, not literal, sense.
Interpretations and Significance:
Fulfillment in John the Baptist: The most common Christian interpretation is that John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of Elijah's coming. He preached repentance, challenged the religious leaders, and pointed people to Jesus.
Not a Literal Return: Jesus' words suggest that the prophecy wasn't about a literal reincarnation or resurrection of the Old Testament prophet Elijah.
Spiritual Preparation: The key is understanding the role of Elijah as a forerunner who prepares the way for the Lord. John the Baptist fulfilled that role in his ministry.
Ongoing Restoration: Some theologians see the idea of "restoring all things" as an ongoing process that continues throughout the church age, culminating in the final restoration at the end of time.
In summary: Matthew 17:11 acknowledges the Jewish expectation of Elijah's return to prepare the way for the Messiah and restore all things. However, Jesus indicates that this prophecy was fulfilled spiritually through John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus' ministry. The concept of "restoring all things" encompasses spiritual renewal, repentance, and a turning back to God's ways, with potential implications for ongoing restoration throughout history.