Introduction
1. When
many Jews heard of Jesus’ ministry, they thought He might be Elijah. Luke 9:7-8, 18-20
a.
The prophet Malachi had foretold the coming of
“Elijah” before the Day of the LORD. Mal.
4:5-6
b.
The prophecy was not clear whether Elijah would
literally, personally return or an anti-type of the prophet.
c.
This expectation is almost certainly why some
thought Jesus was calling for Elijah on the cross. Matt. 27:46-49
2. In
actuality, John the Baptist was the fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy. Matt. 11:13-14; 17:10-12; Luke 1:15-17
3. The
ninth chapter of Luke appears to draw several deliberate parallels between
Elijah and Jesus.
a.
While such comparisons can be imagined by the reader or unintended by the author, these
appear purposeful.
b.
The comparison is a study of type/antitype
relationship and highlights the superiority of Jesus and His ministry.
I.
Jesus’ Miracles are Greater
A.
Elijah
Fed the Widow and Her Son
1. The
prophet Elijah was sent to a widow of Zarephath during a drought in Israel. 1 Kings 17:8-16
2. The
prophet provided food for the widow, her son, and himself by God’s grace for
many days.
B.
Jesus
Fed More Than Five Thousand People
1. Jesus
fed a multitude of people in the wilderness by the power of God. Luke 9:12-17
2. Not
only were five thousand men fed, the leftovers actually exceeded the initial
amount of food.
3. The
significance of this miracle is highlighted by the fact it is recorded in all
four Gospels.
II.
Jesus’ Message is Greater
A. Elijah Spoke the Word of God
1. Elijah
was not a literary prophet (nothing written by him), but he spoke God’s word
with authority.
2. Elijah’s
ministry in Scripture consists mainly in miracles and declarations of judgment.
B. Jesus Spoke AS the Word of God
1. The
Transfiguration demonstrated Jesus’ superiority over the Law and the Prophets. Luke 9:28-36
2. Jesus
is not merely a prophet; He is the
ultimate and final revelation of God. Hebrews
1:1-4
III.
Jesus’ Mission is Greater
A. Elijah Came to Bring Judgment
1. Elijah
not only announced God’s judgment, he was sometimes involved in administering
it. (e.g. 1Ki. 18)
2. Particularly
relevant for Luke’s comparison is the judgment of Samaritan soldiers by fire. 2 Kings 1:1-12
B. Jesus Came to Bring Salvation
1. Jesus’
first advent was to bring salvation, not judgment. Luke 9:51-56; 19:10
2. Jesus
will one day come again, and like Elijah, He will bring fiery judgment on the
wicked. 2 Thess. 1:6-10
IV.
Jesus’ Lordship Demands Greater
A. Elijah Called Elisha to Follow Him
1. The
Lord appointed Elisha as Elijah’s successor, and the latter called him into
ministry. 1 Kings 19:15-16
2. Before
Elisha joined Elijah, he turned back with the prophet’s consent to say
farewell. 1 Kings 19:19-21
B. Jesus Calls Disciples to Immediate, Total Allegiance
1. Jesus
warned would-be disciples of the great demands of following Him. Luke 9:57-62
2. Elisha
may have delayed obeying his master’s call, but the followers of Jesus dare not
do so.
Conclusion
1. These
parallels between Elijah and Jesus in Luke 9 (especially the last three) seem
too strong to be coincidental.
2. Jesus
is greater in every way than the prophets of old, and serving Him is an awesome
privilege and responsibility.
3. We
must be careful never to neglect the great salvation offered to us in Jesus
Christ. Hebrews 2:1-4; 10:26-31
