393rd Post Jesus Said About His Rejection an Death Con't. - Matthew 17: 11 - 12.

Matthew 17: 11 - 12; Mark 9: 12 - 13.
Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 to 2 years into His earthly ministry. This text takes place after the beheading of John the Baptist, and the Transfiguration. The disciples just asked Jesus why the scribes say the first Elijah must come? Jesus was explaining to them that the prophet Malachi prophesied in his book chapter 4:5; "Behold, I will send you Elijah before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes." Then Jesus went on to say that Elijah had come already, Jesus was referring to John the Baptist, the people rejected him and killed him. Jesus is now prophesying that the Messiah is about to suffer a similar fate. It is important for you to remember that the disciples still did not understand who Jesus was. They knew Him to be a great teacher, healer, and compassionate person, but they still did not understand why Jesus had to die, or the importance of His death. This is what I am trying to point out here. For Jesus death to be the greatest death ever, He had to be Who He said He was! What do you think??