In particular, John the Baptist was to play the role of Elijah. The prophecies concerning his birth ("spirit and power of Elijah" and "make ready for the Lord a people prepared") are held by the church to support this view. Indeed, John's failure to provide active support for Jesus is seen as the primary reason that the Jewish people did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. |
In particular, John the Baptist was to play the role of Elijah in relation to his kinsman Jesus. The prophecies concerning his birth ("spirit and power of Elijah" and "make ready for the Lord a people prepared") are held by the church to support this view. Indeed, John's failure to provide active support for Jesus is seen as the primary reason that the Jewish people did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. |