Day 24: Matthew 17

The Transfiguration. Jesus Heals a Boy with a Demon. Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection. The Temple Tax.

How will Elijah restore all things?


When asked about Elijah coming first, as the scribes have said, Jesus first reassures his disciples that the scribes were not wrong.

He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. (Matthew 17:11 ESV)

My question is, what did Jesus mean by saying that Elijah "will restore all things?" Especially if Elijah is actually John the Baptist, who was executed by Herod on Herodias' request (Mt 14:10)?

But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:12-13 ESV)

Dealing with worldly matters


It seems that Jesus was making a point to Peter that sometimes it's necessary to follow protocols and laws established by man for the sake of maintaining peace and progress.

However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” (Matthew 17:27 ESV)

My guess is that the concession is considered to be okay as long as it doesn't require an inherently sinful action, such as murdering or stealing. In this way members of American society live most of their lives, even though we all may know or feel that the law is far from being perfectly just.

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