Book of Matthew - Chapter 17 - Verse 11

When Jesus spoke to his disciples about Elijah coming first and restoring all things, he was referring to the prophecy found in the book of Malachi in the Old Testament. In Malachi 4:5-6, it is written that before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord, God will send Elijah the prophet to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers. This prophecy is often interpreted as a metaphorical return of Elijah to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah, who Christians believe to be Jesus. Therefore, when Jesus spoke of Elijah coming first and restoring all things, he was alluding to the fulfillment of this prophecy and his own role as the long-awaited Messiah who brings reconciliation and restoration to humanity. This verse serves as a reminder of the continuity between the Old Testament prophecies and the fulfillment of those prophecies in the person of Jesus Christ.

In this verse, Jesus is referring to the prophecy in Malachi 4:5-6 which speaks of the coming of Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Some scholars interpret the return of Elijah symbolically, as fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptist who came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17). The idea of Elijah restoring all things can be understood as preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah, bringing back the hearts of the people to God and renewing their commitment to Him. This restoration is not just a physical one but also a spiritual one, bringing about a deep transformation in the lives of people. The theological implication of this verse highlights the importance of repentance and preparation for the coming of Christ, emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal and restoration in our own lives.