this is Elijah

Matthew 11:13-15

"13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Jesus is teaching His audience about His cousin, the GREATEST prophet, John the Baptizer. Jesus elevated John above the MOST distinguished of the prophets. Through John's work Jesus made public His claim to the Messianic prophecy from the Old Testament.

Jesus does point out that John is the GREATEST but the people that will proclaim the Gospel will be GREATER STILL!!! And, at this time the people were crowding around Jesus and John to such a great extent it was like a army surrounding and besieging a city state.

In today's verses Jesus wraps up His teaching; "For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John." The "law" here means the five books of Moses; and the prophets, are the remaining books of the Old Testament.

"And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come." This turn of phrase is to say that what comes next is different from common opinions and people might be inclined to reject it. Namely, "this is Elijah." (Elias is the Greek spelling of Elijah.) The Jewish people expected Elijah to return in person. But, God meant that one in the spirit and power of Elijah. Someone as bold and free a preacher, who did not fear men in the discharge of his duty speaking for GOD. This is a HUGE proclamation by Jesus!

"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." This expression is frequently used by Jesus. Jesus is telling us that this lesson needs our highest attention. Remember this! It's important!! This is the fulfillment of prophecy!!! We need to read and study the Holy Scriptures so we can better understand these events and their meaning for our lives. We can open our hearts and make room in our daily lives for our Lord and Savior.