Gospel
9 As they were coming down from the mountain, 10 the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; 12 but I tell you that Elijahhas already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
Historical Background
This passage takes place immediately after the Transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in divine glory alongside Moses and Elijah. As they descend the mountain, Jesus commands them not to tell anyone about the vision until after His resurrection. This secrecy protects the meaning of the event—His glory can only be understood through the Cross and Resurrection.
The disciples then ask about the Jewish expectation that Elijah must return before the Messiah. This belief comes from Malachi 3:23 (4:5), a prophecy deeply embedded in Jewish tradition. Jesus affirms the prophecy but reveals that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” and suffered rejection just as Elijah did.
Theological Context
Jesus identifies John as the fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy. John’s mission of repentance prepared the way for Christ, just as Elijah prepared Israel for God’s intervention.
The Transfiguration reveals Jesus’ divine identity, but He insists it must be interpreted through His suffering and resurrection. Glory without the Cross is incomplete. His command to keep the vision secret shows that God’s plan unfolds gradually. The disciples are not yet ready to understand the fullness of what they witnessed until after Easter.
The disciples struggle because they expect a triumphant Messiah, not one who suffers. Jesus gently corrects them, preparing them for His Passion.
Learning Lessons
Jesus uses this moment to prepare His disciples for His own suffering and death. This emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting the path of sacrifice and redemption that Jesus took for our salvation.
Both John the Baptist and Jesus faced suffering and rejection. This teaches us that following God's will may involve hardship and persecution, but it also leads to ultimate fulfillment and glory.
Jesus confirms that Elijah has come, referring to John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah. The people did not recognize John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come. We should be attentive and discerning, recognizing God's messengers and the ways He works in our lives.
Reflecting on these verses can inspire us to trust in God's promises, be discerning of His messengers, accept the reality of suffering in the pursuit of righteousness, and appreciate the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
Reflection for the Day
The disciples have just seen Jesus in dazzling glory, yet the very next words they hear are about suffering, silence, and misunderstood prophecy. It’s a reminder that in the spiritual life, mountaintop moments and valley trials are not opposites—they belong together.
Maybe today you’re carrying both light and burden. Maybe you’ve glimpsed God’s goodness but still walk through something unclear or painful.
Today, the Lord invites us to trust that His work in our lives is unfolding even when we don’t fully understand it. Like John the Baptist’s hidden faithfulness, preparation often happens quietly,
Glory comes, but only through the path of surrender. We don’t need to see the whole plan to keep walking with Jesus.
To be sure, Elijah comes,
Restoring all, as prophecy hums.
But I tell you, he's already here,
Unrecognized, yet ever near.
They did to him as they desired,
In their hearts, no love inspired.
In the same way, the Son of Man,
Will suffer at their cruel hand.
A voice in the wilderness, calling clear,
Prepare the way, the Lord is near.
Yet blinded eyes and hardened hearts,
Failed to see the sacred parts.
In suffering, redemption's plan,
Through trials faced by the Son of Man.
For in His pain, our hope is found,
In His love, our souls are bound.
You spoke of Elijah's coming, and the restoration he would bring. Yet, he came unrecognized and suffered at the hands of men.
Grant us the wisdom to recognize Your messengers, And the courage to follow Your will. Help us to see Your hand in our lives, and to embrace the path You have set before us. As You faced suffering and rejection, give us the strength to endure our trials. May we remain faithful to Your call and find hope in Your promise of restoration.
Help us recognize Your presence in both the shining moments and the difficult ones. Teach us to trust the slow unfolding of Your plan, and give us the courage of John the Baptist—to prepare the way for You in our hearts and in the world.
Amen.
Pericope:
V: Jesus, the Kingdom, and the Church
THE COMING OF ELIJAH
Matthew 17:9-13
Gospel Acclamation
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
Published:
December 14, 2024, 9:24 AM
