How does Mark 8:28 connect to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah? A snapshot of Mark 8:28 “They answered, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’” Public expectations anchored in prophecy • Jewish crowds filtered everything through Scripture. • Their three guesses for Jesus trace straight back to Old Testament promises about God’s coming deliverer. Why John the Baptist?—Malachi’s forerunner theme • Malachi 3:1: “Behold, I will send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me.” • John fulfilled that role (Mark 1:2–4), but he was executed (Mark 6:27–29). • Some now suppose Jesus is John resurrected—an echo of Elijah’s raising the dead (1 Kings 17:21–22), showing how tightly they linked messianic hope with miraculous return. Why Elijah?—the promised return of the fiery prophet • Malachi 4:5–6: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.” • Elijah never died but went to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). • His expected reappearance became shorthand for the climax of God’s redemptive plan; thus many thought Jesus must be that long-awaited Elijah. Why “one of the prophets”?—the Deuteronomy 18 anticipation • Deuteronomy 18:15, 18: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers… I will put My words in his mouth.” • Moses’ prophecy fostered hope for a final, definitive prophet. • Jesus’ authoritative teaching (Mark 1:22) and miracles (Mark 4:39; 5:41) convinced many He fit that profile. How Jesus fulfills and surpasses each expectation • He is the ultimate Messenger who accomplishes the salvation John merely announced (John 1:29–34). • He embodies the power and prophetic spirit of Elijah yet is greater, as shown at the Transfiguration where Elijah himself defers to Him (Mark 9:4–8). • He is the Prophet like Moses, speaking God’s very words (John 6:14; 12:49), but also the Son of David and the divine Son of God (Psalm 2:7; Mark 14:61–62). Big picture connection • Mark 8:28 captures a moment of collective uncertainty that actually confirms the Scriptures: every identity the crowds propose comes straight from prophetic expectation. • Their guesses prove the Old Testament set the agenda, and Jesus fits—and exceeds—every messianic category it supplies. |
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