The point is that the Pharisees were insisting that if the Messiah (Christ) had trouble come, then Elijah must have retruned before Him. There was some confusion amongst the people around Jesus if John, the Baptist was indeed Elijah returned or not.
"7:19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 7:20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
(King James Bible, Luke)
"9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? 9:19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again."
(King James Bible, Luke)
"6:14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad
and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
6:15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
6:16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her." Gospel of Mark
"8:27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? 8:28 And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
8:29 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.
8:30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him." Gospel of Mark
"3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
(King James Bible, Matthew)
"11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." Gospel of Matthew
I could go on, but the idea was that if Christ was the Messiah the FIRST time, then Elias (Elijah( must have preceded Him. Therefore for Christ to return, Elijah or John the Baptist must have preceded Him.
The Bab (Elijah, John) followed by Baha`u'llah (Messiah, Christ returned).
If we are going to debate it, perhaps the debate forum would be a better place?
Regards,
Scott
