INTRODUCTION
Matthew 17:9-13 is a passage that captures a significant moment in the Gospel narrative where Jesus discusses the arrival of Elijah with His disciples. This conversation takes place immediately after the Transfiguration, where Jesus’ divine nature was revealed to Peter, James, and John on the mountain. As they descend from the mountain, the disciples are still awestruck and confused by what they have witnessed. They inquire about the prophecy concerning Elijah’s return, which, according to Jewish tradition, was expected to precede the coming of the Messiah. This prophecy is rooted in Malachi 4:5-6, where it is foretold that Elijah would return before the “great and terrible day of the Lord.” The disciples’ question reflects their attempt to reconcile the prophecy with their recent experience.
Jesus responds by affirming that Elijah has indeed come, but not in the way the disciples expected. He identifies John the Baptist as the one who came in the spirit and power of Elijah, fulfilling the prophecy. However, just as Elijah faced persecution, so too did John the Baptist suffer at the hands of those who did not recognize him. Through this exchange, Jesus clarifies that the messianic prophecies are being fulfilled in ways that may not align with human expectations, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment. This passage highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in the New Testament and reinforces Jesus’ role as the Messiah who transcends conventional understanding.
Matthew 17:9 “As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, ‘Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’”
The event of the Transfiguration, where Jesus revealed His divine glory to Peter, James, and John, is one of the most profound moments in the Gospels. The evangelists do not specify the name of the mountain where this occurred, but tradition holds that it was Mount Tabor. However, some scholars suggest Mount Hermon, due to its proximity to Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus and His disciples had been six days earlier.
The Messianic Secret
As they descended the mountain, Jesus gave His disciples a strict command not to reveal what they had witnessed until after His resurrection. This command was consistent with Jesus’ frequent instructions to keep His identity and miracles hidden, known as the “Messianic Secret.” For example, after Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah (Mt 16:20), after healing miracles (Mk 1:43-44; 7:36), and after exorcisms (Mk 1:24-25; 3:11-12), Jesus repeatedly emphasized the importance of not publicizing these events.
Reasons for the Messianic Secret:
1. God’s Timing: The full revelation of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God was reserved for a specific time. Jesus used parables and private instructions to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God only to those chosen by the Father, while others received a veiled message (Mk 4:11-12).
2. Avoiding Misunderstanding: Jesus sought to avoid the misconception of being a political Messiah. His mission was spiritual and redemptive, involving suffering, death, and resurrection – concepts that were difficult for the people, including His disciples, to grasp fully before these events occurred.
3. Preventing Premature Fame: Widespread knowledge of His miracles could have hindered His ministry by attracting large crowds focused on immediate healing rather than spiritual renewal. Additionally, it would have increased opposition from authorities, endangering His life before the appointed time.
4. Protection from Premature Death: The rising popularity from His miracles made Jesus a target for His opponents. Secrecy helped to protect Him from premature arrest and execution, ensuring that He completed His mission as ordained by the Father (Jn 7:8).
The Resurrection as the Key:
Jesus’ directive to keep the Transfiguration a secret until after the resurrection highlights the centrality of the resurrection in understanding His mission. The disciples could only fully comprehend the significance of the Transfiguration and Jesus’ identity after witnessing His death and resurrection. This moment was not just about revealing glory but about foreshadowing the suffering and victory that were to come through the Cross.
Catholic Interpretation:
The Catholic Church teaches that the Transfiguration is a revelation of Jesus’ divine nature and a foretaste of the glory to come. However, this glory is intertwined with the suffering of the Cross. As emphasized in the Catechism, the full meaning of the Transfiguration – and indeed, Jesus’ entire mission – can only be understood in the context of the Paschal Mystery, which includes His passion, death, resurrection, and ascension.
Reflection:
The Transfiguration invites believers to reflect on the dual aspects of Jesus’ mission: His glory and His suffering. The disciples’ experience on the mountain serves as a reminder that understanding Jesus’ identity and mission requires embracing both the joy of His resurrection and the pain of the Cross. As Christians, we are called to recognize that true glory comes through embracing our crosses, confident in the hope of resurrection.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for revealing the glory of Your Son through the Transfiguration and for the gift of His redemptive sacrifice. Help us to bear our crosses with faith, knowing that through them, we share in the glory of Christ’s resurrection. Strengthen us in our journey of faith, and grant us the courage to witness to the full truth of the Gospel. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 17:10-12 “The disciples asked him, ‘Why do the teachers of the Law say that Elijah must come first?’ Jesus answered, ‘Elijah must come first to set everything as it has to be. But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they did not recognize him, but treated him as they pleased. In the same way they will also make the Son of Man suffer.’”
Background and Context:
As Jesus and the three disciples – Peter, James, and John – descended from the mountain after the Transfiguration, the disciples were still pondering the significance of Elijah’s appearance alongside Moses. They were familiar with the teaching of the scribes that Elijah must return before the arrival of the Messiah. This belief was rooted in the prophecy from Malachi: “Now I am sending to you Elijah the prophet, before the day of the LORD comes, the great and terrible day” (Mal 3:23/4:5). The disciples, having just witnessed Elijah on the mountain, sought clarification from Jesus regarding this prophecy.
The Role of the Teachers of the Law:
The teachers of the Law, or scribes, were respected authorities in interpreting the Scriptures. They were experts in the Mosaic Law, particularly the first five books of the Bible, known as the Torah. These scholars taught that Elijah’s return was a necessary precursor to the Messiah’s advent, based on the prophecy in Malachi. The Jews expected Elijah to physically return from heaven, as he had been taken up without dying (2 Kgs 2:11), and this expectation was deeply ingrained in their religious practice, even forming part of the Passover ritual.
Jesus’ Explanation:
Jesus affirmed the disciples’ understanding that Elijah must indeed come first to restore all things. However, He went further, revealing that Elijah had already come in the person of John the Baptist. This interpretation was not literal but symbolic, as John the Baptist came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Lk 1:17), fulfilling the role of preparing the way for the Messiah. Despite fulfilling this prophecy, John was not recognized as the prophesied Elijah by the people or the religious leaders.
The Fulfillment in John the Baptist:
The angel Gabriel had announced to Zechariah that his son, John, would go before the Lord “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Lk 1:17). Jesus later confirmed this during His ministry, stating, “If you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come” (Mt 11:14). Despite this, John himself denied being Elijah when questioned by the Jewish leaders (Jn 1:21), as he understood his mission in the context of preparing for Jesus, not claiming Elijah’s identity.
Rejection and Suffering:
Jesus pointed out that just as John the Baptist, the spiritual Elijah, was not recognized and was mistreated – leading to his martyrdom – so too would the Son of Man suffer at the hands of the authorities. This foreshadowed Jesus’ own passion and death, reinforcing the idea that the Messiah’s path involved suffering, contrary to the popular expectation of a conquering political leader.
Catholic Interpretation:
In Catholic teaching, the fulfillment of Elijah’s return in John the Baptist underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and God’s unfolding plan of salvation. John the Baptist’s role as the forerunner of Christ was to call the people to repentance and prepare them for the coming of the Lord, fulfilling the prophecy in a spiritual sense rather than a literal one. The suffering of both John the Baptist and Jesus highlights the theme of redemptive suffering, where the righteous endure hardship for the sake of God’s greater plan.
Reflection:
This passage invites believers to see how God often fulfills His promises in unexpected ways. Just as Elijah’s return was not a physical reappearance but a spiritual one through John the Baptist, we are called to remain open to God’s mysterious ways of working in our lives. It also challenges us to recognize the importance of repentance and preparation for the Lord’s coming, just as John the Baptist did in his time.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the fulfillment of Your promises through John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah. Help us to recognize Your presence in our lives and to respond with repentance and faith. Grant us the courage to embrace our crosses, trusting in Your divine plan, and to witness to Your truth with humility and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 17:13 “Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.”
This verse reveals the disciples’ growing comprehension of Jesus’ mission and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, particularly regarding the role of Elijah in preparing the way for the Messiah.
Context and Meaning
The understanding that Jesus was referring to John the Baptist as Elijah follows the event of the Transfiguration, where Jesus is revealed in His divine glory alongside Moses and Elijah. This event symbolizes the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Jesus Christ. In Jewish tradition, it was believed that Elijah would return before the coming of the Messiah, as prophesied in Malachi 4:5-6. Jesus clarifies to His disciples that this prophecy is fulfilled in the person of John the Baptist, who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Lk 1:17), preparing the way for the Lord through his call to repentance and baptism.
John the Baptist did not claim to be Elijah reincarnated, yet he identified and introduced Jesus as the Messiah to the public, fulfilling the role of Elijah in a spiritual sense. John testified to Jesus’ divine mission, stating, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God” (Jn 1:32-34). This testimony highlights John’s role in recognizing and proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, thus fulfilling the expectations surrounding Elijah’s return.
Catholic Teachings
The Catholic Church teaches that the Transfiguration is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God, where Jesus is revealed as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The appearance of Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration serves to confirm Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and to validate His mission. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasizes that the Transfiguration provides the apostles with a foretaste of Christ’s glorious coming and underscores the importance of listening to Jesus, as God the Father commands from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Mt 17:5, CCC 556).
The Church Fathers, such as St. Augustine and St. Jerome, interpret this passage to emphasize the typological connection between Elijah and John the Baptist. Elijah, who called Israel back to God, is seen as a precursor to John, who called for repentance and prepared the hearts of the people for Christ’s ministry. This understanding aligns with Catholic teaching on typology, where figures and events in the Old Testament prefigure those in the New Testament. John the Baptist embodies the spirit and mission of Elijah, heralding the arrival of the Messiah in a spiritual, rather than literal, sense.
Reflection
The identification of John the Baptist as Elijah and the event of the Transfiguration invite Christians to recognize the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus. This passage encourages believers to deepen their understanding of Scripture and to see the continuity of God’s salvific plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. As the disciples grew in their understanding through reflection and guidance, Christians are likewise called to seek a deeper understanding of the mysteries of faith. John the Baptist’s life and mission serve as a model for Christians to be prophetic in their own lives, calling others to repentance and preparing the way for Christ in the hearts of those they encounter.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for revealing Your glory through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to recognize the fulfillment of Your promises in our lives and to listen to Your voice with open hearts. Grant us the grace to follow the example of John the Baptist, preparing the way for Your Son through our words and actions. May we always seek Your guidance and trust in Your divine plan. Amen.
Matthew 17:13 “Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.”
This verse reveals the disciples’ growing comprehension of Jesus’ mission and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, particularly regarding the role of Elijah in preparing the way for the Messiah.
Context and Meaning
The understanding that Jesus was referring to John the Baptist as Elijah follows the event of the Transfiguration, where Jesus is revealed in His divine glory alongside Moses and Elijah. This event symbolizes the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Jesus Christ. In Jewish tradition, it was believed that Elijah would return before the coming of the Messiah, as prophesied in Malachi 4:5-6. Jesus clarifies to His disciples that this prophecy is fulfilled in the person of John the Baptist, who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Lk 1:17), preparing the way for the Lord through his call to repentance and baptism.
John the Baptist did not claim to be Elijah reincarnated, yet he identified and introduced Jesus as the Messiah to the public, fulfilling the role of Elijah in a spiritual sense. John testified to Jesus’ divine mission, stating, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God” (Jn 1:32-34). This testimony highlights John’s role in recognizing and proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, thus fulfilling the expectations surrounding Elijah’s return.
Catholic Teachings
The Catholic Church teaches that the Transfiguration is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God, where Jesus is revealed as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The appearance of Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration serves to confirm Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and to validate His mission. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasizes that the Transfiguration provides the apostles with a foretaste of Christ’s glorious coming and underscores the importance of listening to Jesus, as God the Father commands from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Mt 17:5, CCC 556).
The Church Fathers, such as St. Augustine and St. Jerome, interpret this passage to emphasize the typological connection between Elijah and John the Baptist. Elijah, who called Israel back to God, is seen as a precursor to John, who called for repentance and prepared the hearts of the people for Christ’s ministry. This understanding aligns with Catholic teaching on typology, where figures and events in the Old Testament prefigure those in the New Testament. John the Baptist embodies the spirit and mission of Elijah, heralding the arrival of the Messiah in a spiritual, rather than literal, sense.
Reflection
The identification of John the Baptist as Elijah and the event of the Transfiguration invite Christians to recognize the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus. This passage encourages believers to deepen their understanding of Scripture and to see the continuity of God’s salvific plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. As the disciples grew in their understanding through reflection and guidance, Christians are likewise called to seek a deeper understanding of the mysteries of faith. John the Baptist’s life and mission serve as a model for Christians to be prophetic in their own lives, calling others to repentance and preparing the way for Christ in the hearts of those they encounter.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for revealing Your glory through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to recognize the fulfillment of Your promises in our lives and to listen to Your voice with open hearts. Grant us the grace to follow the example of John the Baptist, preparing the way for Your Son through our words and actions. May we always seek Your guidance and trust in Your divine plan. Amen.
SIMILARITIES BETWEEEN ELIJAH AND JOHN THE BAPTIST
1. Elijah and John were prominent prophets of their time who got the recognition of Jesus. At the transfiguration of Jesus, Elijah represented the prophets of the old to appear with Moses, the lawgiver (Mt 17:3). Jesus said about John: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist” (Mt 11:11).
2. Both preached for a conversion of heart and return to the true Lord and His commandments. Elijah said to the people gathered on Mount Carmel: “How long will you straddle the issue? If the LORD is God, follow him; if Baal, follow him” (1 Kgs 18:21). John asked the Pharisees and the Sadducees, “Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance” (Mt 3:8).
3. Elijah and John had similar attire and thus shared a resemblance in appearance. Elijah “wore a hairy garment with a leather belt around his waist” (2 Kgs 1:8). “John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist” (Mt 3:4).
4. Both Elijah and John had unusual food in the desert. God sent ravens to Elijah with bread and meat in the morning and in the evening. He drank from the wadi” (1 Kgs 17:6). John’s food was locusts and wild honey (Mt 3:4).
5. They both questioned the false practices of the religious leaders of their time. Elijah fought against the pagan worship of Baal that Jezebel had introduced among the Israelites. John questioned the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. “When he saw many of the Pharisees and the Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?’” (Mt 3:7)
6. Elijah and John criticized the corrupt kings of the time. When King Ahab accused Elijah as “disturber of Israel,” he replied, “It is not I who disturb Israel, but you and your father’s house, by forsaking the commands of the LORD and you by following the Baals” (1 Kgs 17-18). Herod Antipas imprisoned John the Baptist because he confronted the king, emphasizing that it was unlawful for him to keep his brother’s wife as his own (Mt 14:3-4).
7. The evil queen of the time influenced the king to kill Elijah and John for their righteous attitude. After Elijah murdered all the false prophets, Jezebel decided to kill him. So, he had to flee to save his life (1Kgs 19:1-3). Herodias prompted her daughter to ask Herod to give her the head of John on a platter. “The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in prison” (Mt 14:9-10).
However, there were differences also between Elijah and John, which might have caused the Jews not to consider John as the return of Elijah. Elijah worked sixteen miracles, whereas John worked none. Even then, people accepted John as a great prophet. God took Elijah to heaven without having him face death. While Elijah and Elisha “walked on still conversing, a fiery chariot and fiery horses came between the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind, and Elisha saw it happen” (2 Kgs 2:1112). King Herod Antipas beheaded John and his disciples buried him (Mk 6:17-29).
CONCLUSION
In Matthew 17:9-13, we witness a profound moment of revelation and reflection as Jesus and His disciples discuss the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Elijah. Following the Transfiguration, where Jesus’ divine nature is unveiled, the disciples grapple with the implications of what they have witnessed. Their question about Elijah’s return stems from a deeply rooted expectation in Jewish tradition. Jesus, in His response, clarifies that the prophecy has been fulfilled not in the literal return of Elijah, but in the coming of John the Baptist, who embodies the spirit and mission of Elijah. This passage invites us to see God’s work unfolding in unexpected ways, reminding us that His plans often transcend our human understanding and expectations.
The disciples’ growing understanding of these mysteries serves as a model for us in our journey of faith. Just as they began to see the connection between John the Baptist and Elijah, we too are called to deepen our comprehension of God’s Word and the continuity of His salvific plan. The fulfillment of the prophecy through John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the Messiah, underscores the importance of spiritual readiness and the need for repentance. This passage challenges us to recognize and embrace the ways in which God is working in our lives today, even when His actions defy our expectations.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom and understanding that You grant us through Your Word. Help us to discern Your plans and recognize Your work in our lives, even when it unfolds in unexpected ways. Grant us the grace to follow the example of John the Baptist, embracing our call to prepare the way for Your Son in our hearts and in the world. Strengthen our faith and deepen our understanding of Your divine plan, that we may faithfully witness to the truth of the Gospel. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.