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“I tell you Elijah has come already …”
Matthew 17:9-13
Jesus’ three closest friends had just been up the mountain where they saw Jesus in his glory and were convinced that he was the Messiah. They even saw him talking with Moses and Elijah. As they descended the mountain, they shared their confusion about the prophet Elijah. They had been taught that Elijah would precede the Messiah. If Jesus was the Messiah, then, when did Elijah come?
Jesus challenged them to read the signs of the times and to discover that Elijah had already come in the person of John the Baptist. A sign that he was precursor is shown in John’s rejection and ill-treatment by the leaders, just like Elijah. Furthermore, Jesus saw himself as walking in their footsteps as he predicted his own rejection and persecution. We too are called to a similar fate when we realize persecution and ill-treatment await anyone who follows Christ.
Lord, grant us the courage and tenacity to continue believing in you despite all odds. Amen.
