The coming of Elias.
It is difficult for us to realize the general conviction of our Lord's time, that the Prophet Elijah was about to reappear. "Elijah was the prophet for whose return in later years his countrymen have looked with most eager hope It was a fixed belief of the Jews that he had appeared again and again, as an Arabian merchant, to wise and good rabbis at their prayers or on their journeys. A seat is still placed for him to superintend the circumcision of the Jewish children. Passover after Passover the Jews of our own day place the Paschal cup on the table, and set the door wide open, believing that that is the moment when Elijah will reappear. When goods are found and no owner comes, when difficulties arise and no solution appears, the answer is, 'Put them by till Elijah comes'" (Stanley). Edersheim tells us that Rabbi Eliezer closes a curious chapter on repentance with these words, "And Israel will not make great repentance till Elijah—his memory for blessing—comes." The question of the apostles was suggested by the fact that, on the mount, Elijah had come, but had not stayed, so as to accomplish anything. Our Lord intimates that the appearance they had seen was not the fulfilment of the prophecy of Elijah's coming; for that they must look elsewhere. John the Baptist reproduced Elijah, and may be thought of as Elijah come again.
I. ELIJAH AND JOHN WERE BOTH PREPARERS. There was nothing like completion in the work of either. Both were mere beginners. Both would have been failures it their work had not been followed up by others. Compare the work of civilizing a new country. The hunter with his rifle goes first; then comes the woodman with his axe; and then the farmer with his plough. So in the moral world. There are men who only prepare. Theirs is trying work, because its results cannot be counted or measured. Yet their praise is sure, if they prepared well. Estimate the work of Elijah as preparing for the return of the people to Jehovah; and of John as preparing the minds of men for receiving a spiritual Messiah.
II. ELIJAH AND JOHN WERE PREACHERS. Proclaimers of messages from God. Both had virtually the same message—Repent, return to God. Change your minds concerning God and the claims of God. But the true preacher is a witness as truly as a herald. Elijah witnesses for the "living God before whom I stand." John witnesses to the "Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world."—R.T.