Matthew 17:10-13..Ready

Matthew 17:10-13..Ready

17:10 The disciples asked him, “Why then (If what you say is true, that the Messiah must be raised from the dead-(V. 9) do the teachers of the law (Scribes) say that Elijah must come first?” (They had a problem with the sequence and chronological order of events. Expecting Elijah to return first to usherer in the Messiah’s arrival. But seeing him  disappear after the Transfiguration they were confused) 11 Jesus replied, “To be sure, (undoubtably, no-doubt) Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way, the son of man (A Messianic   title signifying Christ’s human and divine nature-(Dan. 7:13-14) is going to suffer at their hands. 13 Then the disciples understood (They put the pieces together and now it made sense-(New) that he was talking to them about John the Baptist. (For Complete Expository See Book)

Extended Sermons

“Teaches the importance of good theology and sound doctrine when interpreting scripture. ” → Sound Exigencies is important, especially when it comes to the literal and figurative interpretation of the bible. Notice Jesus uses what’s called the “Typological Interpretation” of scripture. First Jesus affirms the scribe’s literal interpretation of the prophecy in Malachi 4:5-6, confirming the “Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things.” Jesus then shifts (Or Telescopes) the application of the prophecy from the literal approach to figurative approach by using the principals of “Typological Hermeneutics”. Where John the Baptist fulfills the role of Elijah (as foretold in Luke 1:17) without being literal Elijah himself. We see this same principal of biblical Exegesis used in the Old Testament where a figure or event (the “type”) foreshadows or prefigures a corresponding figure or event in the New Testament (the “antitype”) most often of Christ Himself. This Hermeneutical principle of “Telescoping fulfilment” or “Double fulfillment” can have multiple fulfillments over time. Often The Old Testament serves as a “shadow” or prefiguration, with the New Testament providing the “fulfillment” or “reality” in Christ. A good example of this can be found in the Passover lamb foreshadowing Christ’s sacrifice. As the lamb’s blood protected the Israelites from death, Christ’s sacrificial death and blood shed on the cross provides Salvation for believers.-(Ex. 12:27, Matt. 26:26-29) Noah’s flood prefiguring baptism, as God Saved a remnant through water, prefiguring how baptism Saves believers from sin.-(1-Pet. 3:20-21) The Exodus from Egypt, is seen as a foreshadowing God’s redemptive plan and Christ’s work in delivering believers from the bondage of sin, .-(Col. 1:13-14, 1-Corn. 10:1-4)   The High Priest’s entrance into the Holy of Holies is seen as foreshadowing Christ’s role as the mediator between man and God.-(Heb. 7:25, 1-Tim. 2:5 )  Old Testament sacrifices are seen as foreshadowing Christ’s single, perfect sacrifice-(Heb. 9:12, 10:10-14) Jonah being in the belly of a fish is seen as foreshadowing Jesus being in the tomb for three days and three nights.-(Matt. 12:40) Such Hermitical principal are needed in the New Testament to best clarify and understand the Old Testament. From this we discover the unique characteristic of prophecy, that it can have duel meaning and fulfillment. It can relate to both the first and the second return of Christ. Elijah is a great example. He was the forerunner for Jesus as John the Baptist and He is pictured as a forerunner for the return of Christ as one of the two witnesses in Revelation 11:6. Here is my advice; don’t force or calcify your view of the end times to the point that your theology makes you blind! Leave room for things to unfold in unexpected ways. There are many theological theories of the end times and some people get very testy if you question their views  [See also “Hermeneutics, Principals of Interpretations Pgs. 3-4 of Book]

“Teaches where there’s doubts, questions, and uncertainties we can go to the Lord for answers”  ⇒  As believers in Christ we may have many questions that confuse us. Even more so if you happen to be a new believer or a young Christian. When scriptures or theological conflicts start to create a crises in your mind or your heart you can bring it to the Lord for illumination and understanding. In fact God likes it when we come to Him seeking answers. Oftentimes, even with all the study books, bible classes, seminary courses, which are all very important in growing our faith and knowledge in God’s Word we can still have questions that only the Lord can answer. Honest questions are not obstacles, but doorways to deeper truth. Let every struggle with scripture or life’s mysteries become an invitation to grow, to listen, and to receive fresh insight from the One who sees beyond our confusion. Courage is not the absence of questions, but the willingness to keep journeying in hope, confident that answers will come in their time. As you seek, may you find assurance that you are never alone on this path—the Lord walks with you, guiding each step, illuminating every shadow with the promise of understanding and peace. Today when in doubt, people will simply google it. While our smartphones may give us smart answers. They may not give us the answers we need for our soul.

“Teaches when seeking truth, truth will be found and will start to understand. (Hearts truly seeking God get answers.)” → Are you truly pursuing truth, do you really want to discover it, do you really want to know it? Are you willing to unlearn some of your preconceived notions? Are you willing to unlearn your previous belief’s’? And allow the Spirit of God to teach you.

Pg. 260

Additional Notes & Applications

Teaches how you can still receive good teachings even if incorrectly applied and carried out

Displays how we can go to church for years and know a lot about the bible and still be blind to what God is doing.

Teaches how the Word of God is to be our sole authority for life and living.

Teaches how preaching & teaching must always be supported by the Word of God. (Always use proof text)

Teaches how we can trust what the Lord knows  even when we can’t get our minds around it.

Displays how the Lord will be there to instruct us as to where we got it right and where we got it wrong.

Calls for trusting that the Lord is still leading and guiding us even if we cant make since of the experience or the instruction.

Teaches the importance of having a solid understand of the word of God for people will take us to task.

Teaches how oftentimes we can miss the signs and confirmations God has already provided us, wondering where He was.

Calls for recognizing the way we respond to God’s messengers in our own lives. Will you stay open to reproof and correction even if you don’t like it.

Emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the fulfillment of God’s plan through adversity.

Encourages believers in knowing were not alone when we don’t get it right away.  Did you ever go back and read a bible text your read many times before and then say “Duh, that’s what He means”.

Teaches how the Lord answers our questions in a way that fits the moment and present need. (Though the Lord doesn’t answer all our question directly, if we will pay attention to His Word we will find the answers for what were going through)

Emphasizes how God’s Word is not always meant to be taken literally.

Warns how orthodoxy can cause us to miss the truth and spirit of God’s word.

Teaches how we should be coming to Jesus for more important things than just solving an argument.

Bible Prophecy is complex to say the least. Did you know that Jesus first coming had over 300 prophecies about it. His Second Coming has 1500 prophecies. No wonder it’s a life long journey in studying it and putting all the pieces of puzzle together.

SIMILARITIES OF ELIJAH COMING IN THE SPIRIT & POWER OF JOHN THE BAPTIST IS EVIDENT FROM

• Elijah was noted as being full of zeal for God; so was John the Baptist.

• Elijah boldly rebuked sin in high places; so did John the Baptist.

• Elijah called sinners to repentance; so did John the Baptist.

• Elijah attracted multitudes in his ministry; so did John the Baptist.

• Elijah suffered the fury of a king and his wife; so did John the Baptist.

• Elijah was an austere man; so was John the Baptist.

• Elijah fled to the wilderness; John the Baptist also lived in the wilderness.

• Elijah lived in a corrupt time and was used to restore spiritual life; so to was John the Baptist.

(Note: The only similarities that are not the same is Elijah perfumed miracles and John the Baptist didn’t)

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