The disciples' question about Elijah reflects a common expectation among the Jewish people of the time, based on the prophecy in Malachi 4:5, which foretold Elijah's return before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord." This expectation was deeply rooted in Jewish eschatology and was a topic of discussion among religious teachers. The disciples, having witnessed the transfiguration where Jesus was revealed in glory, were trying to reconcile their experiences with the teachings they had learned.
Jesus uses this opportunity to explain that John the Baptist fulfilled the role of Elijah. John came to prepare the way for Jesus, calling people to repentance and pointing them towards the coming kingdom of God. This explanation helps the disciples understand that the prophecies were being fulfilled in ways they might not have expected. It emphasizes the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and highlights the unfolding of God's plan through Jesus' ministry. This passage invites believers to trust in the fulfillment of God's promises, even when they unfold in unexpected ways.
