As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 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 is going to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

Jesus warns his disciples to not front God’s timing by telling other about the supernatural event they were witness to. He wanted to save us, not be crowned king or pushed into an earthly leadership position outside of God’s will.

Jesus also reveals John the Baptist’s role in life — he was the Elijah who was to come. And he does this in a way to foreshadow his own suffering.

All of this is to help them see that God is a God of order and has a plan for all of his children and for their salvation, if they choose to accept it. However, we must trust him fully and obey him faithfully.

What will full trust and faithful obedience look like for me today?

Lord, thank you for your teaching and instruction here. Help me to seek you first, wait for your timing, and to follow your lead unto greatness!