November 20, 2022
Gosped – December 14, 2019 – Matthew 17:9A, 10-13
As they were coming down from the mountain,
the disciples asked Jesus,
“Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things;
but I tell you that Elijah has already come,
and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased.
So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.”
Then the disciples understood
that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
Understanding we are at Rose (3rd) Sunday in Advent and Advent is about preparation makes today’s Gospel more understandable for me.
The Jews are constantly preparing for the coming of the Messiah, the end of time. They are in a constant Advent.
Understanding this helps to put yourself in their state of mind. The closest disciples went up with Jesus and saw him Transfigured. They now understand that HE is the Messiah but what about the promise of Elijah coming first to prepare the way?
Jesus once again has to “paint by numbers” for them. He explains that Elijah already has come. (Maybe a talk for another day) John the Baptist served the role of Elijah and the Jewish leadership abused him rejected him because “they did not recognize him”.
And he gives a warning the same will happen to HIM, THE MESSIAH. So, if they’re going to follow him as the messiah they must also be willing to suffer.
Are we willing to suffer? I pray that in this time of struggle we find ourselves that Jesus will “paint by numbers” for us also.
At least that’s what I heard Him say…
What I Heard Him Say 