READ:

Malachi 4:1-6

Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah.

Matthew 16:14

Many Jewish families, when they prepare the table for their annual Passover meal (called the seder), set an empty place for Elijah. They are waiting for the return of this great prophet of God, as predicted by Malachi in today's Scripture reading. Some say Elijah will be the Messiah; others see him as Messiah's forerunner.

The Jews were looking for the return of Elijah in Jesus' day too. When Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13), they responded that some said He was Elijah (v.14).

We'd have to agree that Elijah looked like a pretty good choice for a messiah. He took on the prophets of Baal in a head-to-head confrontation and defeated them (1 Kings 18:16-46). He faced down a cruel and godless ruler (ch. 21). He sided with the poor, and he did some astonishing miracles (17:7-24). And Elijah did not die, but was transported to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2).

Sure, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day, but He never incited an open confrontation as Elijah did on Mount Carmel. He never faced down Caesar, and He stood silent before Pilate.

Besides, Jesus died.

Elijah was cowered by the evil Jezebel and fled into the desert. He became anxious and depressed, feeling forsaken--as Jesus was forsaken on the cross. He fed the widow miraculously, and Jesus fed the 5,000.

Yes, Elijah would make a pretty good candidate for a messiah. But he is not the kind of savior we need.

In Jesus' death, the difference between Him and Elijah is seen most clearly. In fact, that's why He came--to die for mankind as the sacrifice for sin. As the God-man, only Jesus could be the sacrifice for our sins. Jesus was not the forerunner, He was the actuality. He is the Redeemer--something Elijah, for all his great accomplishments, could never be. --DE