Jesus’ Life: Chapter 9 – The Way To The Cross
Following Jesus’ transfiguration, the disciples asked Him why the Jewish Experts in the Law insisted Elijah the Prophet must first come into this world before Jesus, the Messiah?
Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come first… And I tell you that Elijah has already come…. Yet you did not recognise him”. Immediately, the disciples understood that Jesus was referring to John the Baptist who preached a message of repentance in preparation for Jesus’ coming but was beheaded on the orders of Herod.
The Jewish Experts in the law often referred to the Old Testament Prophet Malachi so, his prophecy probably troubled the disciples.
Malachi said, “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord”. (Malachi 4:5)
The disciples now understood what Jesus and the Experts in the Law meant and progressed to discussing their next issue; Jesus’ reference to the “Son of God’s rising from the dead”. What could Jesus have meant! (Matthew 17:10-13, Mark 9:11-13)
Thought
The three disciples accepted that Jesus was the Messiah. They now understood that the prophecy of Elijah’s coming had been fulfilled. These were momentous times.
What prevents the whole world from believing?
Reflection
Lord Jesus, your Word gives eternal life. Grant me the wisdom to enjoy living your teachings and sharing them with others.
Prayer: Transform Me
O my Divine Saviour, transform me into yourself.
May my hands be the hands of Jesus.
May my tongue be the tongue of Jesus,
Grant that every faculty of my body may serve only to glorify you.
Above all, transform my soul and all its powers,
so that my memory, my will and my affections
may be the memory, the will and the affections of Jesus.
I pray you to destroy in me all that is not you.
Grant that I may live but in you and for you,
and that I may truly say with St. Paul:
“I live, now not I, but Christ lives in me”. (Gal 2:20)
