“But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him” (Mark 9:13 ESV).
Mark recorded that after the transfiguration, Jesus spoke to His disciples as they descended the mountain and addressed their confusion about Elijah’s coming. The scribes had taught that Elijah must return before the Messiah’s kingdom was fully revealed (Mal. 4:5–6). Jesus affirmed that Elijah had indeed come, but not in the way many expected. He referred to John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah as the promised forerunner. Yet instead of being celebrated, John was rejected, imprisoned, and executed. Mark showed that Jesus connected John’s mistreatment with the prophetic pattern already written in Scripture. Just as Elijah suffered persecution, and just as John suffered at the hands of Herod, so too the Son of Man would suffer. Jesus clarified for His disciples that God’s redemptive plan included rejection and suffering before glory and restoration.
We are often tempted to expect God’s promises to unfold according to our preferences. We may look for visible triumph before embracing the path of suffering. Yet Jesus reminded His disciples, and reminds us, that God fulfills His Word, even when fulfillment comes in unexpected ways. Elijah had come. The promise had not failed. It had been fulfilled through John, though the world rejected him.
When we face misunderstanding, opposition, or disappointment, we must remember that rejection does not mean God’s plan has failed. The pattern of Scripture shows us that faithfulness often means facing resistance. If John suffered as the forerunner and Jesus suffered as the Savior, we should not be surprised when obedience costs us something. Instead of expecting glory now, we can trust that God is working through hardship to accomplish His purposes. Today we can anchor our hope in this truth: God keeps His promises. Even when the world rejects His messengers, His Word still stands.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You that You are faithful to fulfill every promise. Forgive us when we expect Your plans to unfold according to our comfort rather than Your wisdom. Strengthen us to remain faithful even when obedience leads to rejection. Help us trust that suffering is not the end of the story, but often the pathway to glory. Give us courage to follow Jesus with steadfast hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.