Matthew 17:10

Afrikaans 1933/1953

En sy dissipels vra Hom en sê: Waarom sê die skrifgeleerdes dan dat El¡a eers moet kom?

What Does This Mean?

The disciples ask Jesus why the scribes say Elijah must come first. This shows their confusion about prophecies and expectations.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game, and your friends think there's going to be a special player coming before it starts. But then someone says that might not happen. That’s kind of like what the disciples are asking Jesus about Elijah.

Historical Background

Matthew wrote this passage around AD 80-90 for Jewish Christians who were familiar with Old Testament prophecies and practices. The cultural setting involved intense debates over Messianic expectations and fulfillment.

Living It Out Today

Consider a scenario where you're expecting someone important to come to an event, but they don't show up. This verse reminds us that sometimes we have to adjust our expectations based on God's timing rather than what we've been told or expect.

Topics

• faith
• prophecy
• expectation
• discipleship
• Jesus' teachings
• Elijah

Related Verses

• Malachi 4:5
• Mark 9:11
• Matthew 16:14
• John 1:21
• Luke 1:17

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the disciples confused about Elijah?

The disciples were likely confused because they expected Elijah to come before the Messiah, based on Old Testament prophecies. They wondered how Jesus could be the Messiah if Elijah had not appeared first.

What role do scribes play in this context?

Scribes were experts in Jewish law and tradition who often interpreted Scripture and taught others about it. In this passage, they are seen as influencers of expectations regarding Elijah's coming before the Messiah.

How does this verse relate to prophecy fulfillment?

This verse highlights a common theme in biblical prophecies where people sometimes misunderstand or misinterpret God’s plans and timing. Jesus clarifies these confusions through his teachings.

What can we learn about faith from the disciples' question?

The disciples’ question teaches us that faith involves questioning and seeking clarification when there's confusion, showing a dynamic relationship between belief and understanding in the face of prophecy.