Harmony of the Gospels

88. Elijah (Elias) must come first and has- Matt. 17:10-13, Mark 9:11-13

 

-Jesus responds to an important question that His disciples asked Him concerning the prophecy of Elijah coming before the Messiah (Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6). We can see from these passages the role, purpose, and signs that were accompanied with this great prophet of God who prepared the way of the Lord. John the Baptist, who came in the spirit of Elijah, was not recognized because of the scribes and Pharisees hardness of heart and unwillingness to accept the things of God in spirit and truth. He fulfilled and restored all things pertaining to the coming of the Messiah and Jesus was making this point to His closest followers for their understanding and insight. *Application* Once again we see the necessity for suffering in the Kingdom of God for gain and eternal blessing in the purposes of the LORD. If Christ Jesus was willing to undergo the pain and agony of rejection and torment, we should as well if and when it is required of us. This prophetic spirit of Elijah I believe will come again in the last days before Christ’s return (Malachi 4:5). He will give the final call to return to the LORD before His day of wrath and retribution because God always gives us every chance He can to come to Him. As the Spirit draws you to repentance and forgiveness receive what He has for you and do not neglect Him. Recognize your visitation from the LORD’s messenger.

 

Verse to Memorize- Matthew 17:12

 

89. Jesus casts out the demon that the disciples could not- Matt. 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-42

 

-Jesus rebukes the unbelieving and perverted generation, which could not drive out the demonic spirits within a lunatic-mute boy that was often sent into very destructive convulsions. Jesus states that it is only through prayer and fasting that this “kind” comes out. The theme is faith and the ultimate requirement for the supernatural to occur. The father cries out at one point that he believes and he wants Jesus to help his unbelief (Mark 9:24). *Application* If we want to move mountains literally or spiritually it takes only the faith of a mustard seed (a very small amount). We tend to be very skeptical in our natural state, and this, as we see in this passage, applies to all generations, not just our own. C.S. Lewis once stated, “We all have naturalism in our bones, and even conversion does not at once work the infection out of our system. Its assumptions rush back upon the mind the moment vigilance is relaxed.” Today, in your own heart, turn this battle over to the Lord and trust in the supernatural things He can do. Quit the doubt, get help for your unbelief realizing the Lord can’t stand it. It makes Him angry in fact (Matthew 17:17).

 

Verse to Memorize- Mark 9:24