Matthew 17:11
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
Matthew 17:11
Jesus confirms that Elijah truly will come first and restore all things. The language aligns John the Baptist with Elijah in a prophetic sense, emphasizing restoration and preparation for Jesus’ work. This affirmation helps readers see how God’s plan builds toward the cross and the new covenant.
This verse reinforces the continuity of prophetic ministry with Jesus’ ministry, highlighting repentance, renewal, and restoration as central themes. Elijah’s restoration work, in anticipation of the Messiah, points to the broader biblical pattern: God’s people must be turned back to him to receive the fullness of his salvation.
Look for restoration work in your own life and community—areas needing repentance, healing, and renewal. Embrace God’s call to preparation: confess, repent, reconcile, and pursue holiness. Support ministries and leaders that point people toward Jesus and the gospel’s restoration power.
Cross-References: Malachi 4:5-6; Luke 1:17; Mark 9:13; Isaiah 40:3; Luke 3:4