Mark 9:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Either Elijah cannot be the forerunner of the first coming, affirming the truth of Scripture about Christ’s suffering, or we must accept the assertions of the Pharisees, that the precursor to the first coming must be a Tishbite, which would negate the truth of the Scriptures declaring that Christ would suffer. For if Elijah is indeed to set all things right, then no Jew would remain in disbelief; all would accept the message he delivers.

The scribes declared that Elijah would precede the Messiah and prepare everything; thus, the disciples pondered whether this current manifestation of Elijah could be considered the fulfillment of the promise or if they should expect another. In response, the Lord addressed this inquiry, alluding to the scribes, with words that would challenge traditional Jewish beliefs concerning the nature of the Messiah's reign and the events leading to it. He conveyed that the appearance of Elijah should not be given the significance typically attributed to it by the Jews, nor should his return be anticipated in a physical sense, but rather understood in a spiritual manner. Elijah was indeed prophesied to come before Him, as foretold by Malachi, to prepare the way for the Messiah, which the scribes correctly affirmed. However, they erred in interpreting this as a literal visitation of Elijah. In reality, Elijah had already come in the form of John the Baptist, whom they treated as they desired, in alignment with the prophecies of Scripture. Likewise, they would not recognize the Son of Man but would treat Him according to their own wills. Nevertheless, He would endure suffering akin to that of His forerunner.

Nevertheless, they did not inquire directly from Jesus about this matter; instead, they posed the question: "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

It is essential to comprehend the full scope of the apostles' reflections on their experiences and on Christ's statements regarding His resurrection. Ultimately, they sought clarification on two key queries: what it signifies for the Son of Man to rise from the dead and why the scribes assert the necessity of Elijah’s prior arrival. Jesus indeed addressed both questions. Matthew clearly conveys His response, with the additional note that "then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist." This insight reframes Malachi's prophecy not as a future prediction but as a doctrinal assertion that exists outside the constraints of time.

The expression in Mark’s Gospel is somewhat complex; it’s important to recognize that Jesus provides answers to two questions, which are presented distinctly in Mark. First, He responds to their inquiry regarding Elijah’s arrival before the Messiah, affirming that Elijah must come beforehand to restore all things, as indicated in Malachi 4:5. Following this, He addresses a question the disciples did not articulate: what does it mean for the Son of Man to rise from the dead? Some scholars suggest that a question mark could follow the phrase "of the Son of Man," implying an inquiry into His mission. The answer encompasses His impending suffering and humiliation: He will endure great distress and be brought low. Ultimately, Christ revisits the initial question, stating that Malachi's prophecy concerning Elijah has already been fulfilled, and that this Elijah experienced similar trials to those He Himself was about to undergo. The scriptural references to this could likely be found within the historical narratives surrounding the prophet Elijah and the persecution he faced from King Ahab.

Can we trust the rabbis when they assert that Elijah will appear, mourning over the desolate land of Israel until his voice reverberates across the world, proclaiming peace and blessings, and declaring that salvation is imminent? Would he then gather the scattered descendants of Jacob and restore Israel to its former glory? According to rabbinic teachings, Elijah is meant to turn the hearts of all Israel towards joyfully welcoming the Messiah. How can this be reconciled with the notion that the Messiah must endure great suffering at the hands of the chief priests and elders, ultimately being rejected and killed? In response to their bewilderment, Christ affirmed that they were correct in stating that Elijah must arrive before the Messiah. This aligns with the divine will, as foretold by ancient prophecy. However, just as the Son of Man had come to suffer, be rejected, and be humiliated, as the prophets had predicted, so too had Elijah, the one sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah, faced similar trials. The anticipated Elijah had already come, yet the Jews recognized him no more than they did Christ, treating him as they wished. He endured suffering for his righteousness, even unto death, just as the Messiah would. The clarity of these words left the disciples no room for confusion; they understood He was referring to John the Baptist.

If this is the case, and the time approaches for my suffering, then Elijah, prophesied by the prophet as my forerunner, has already come. I assure you that he has come, yet the majority of the Jews did not recognize him; they treated him as they wished, just as the Scriptures have depicted, that is, as seen in the history of the original Elijah, who faced persecution. Likewise, John the Baptist faced persecution, imprisonment, and ultimately death, paralleling the plight of the ancient Elijah, who was also hunted. Although the Lord alluded privately to John the Baptist as Elijah, his forerunner, the disciples understood the reference (Matthew 17:13).

This directive was perhaps intended so that the news of His sufferings and the cross would not overwhelm their hearts with sorrow, and to prevent envy regarding the Lord’s glory from leading the betrayer to wrath. After receiving the Lord’s command not to speak of their vision until after His resurrection, the apostles adhered to his instruction but questioned one another, ‘What does it mean that He will rise from the dead?’ They interpreted the resurrection as the glorious arrival of the Messiah’s kingdom and thus inquired of the Lord, ‘Why do the scribes assert that Elijah must come first?’ Jesus responded to adjust their understanding, preparing them not for the glory of His kingdom but for the profound humility He would endure. He said, “Elijah will indeed come first and restore all things; and as it is written of the Son of Man, that He may suffer many things and be humbled;” adding, “I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but acted according to their desires about him; in the same way, the Son of Man must suffer at their hands.” The disciples realized He was referring to John the Baptist. Following the Lord’s command, the holy Apostles remained silent and did not share what they had witnessed during that time. However, once the period of silence regarding that glorious event had passed, Peter would declare the transfiguration as the most vivid testament to the divine power and glory of the Savior (2 Pet. 1:16-18).