Book of Matthew - Chapter 17 - Verse 10

In this verse, the disciples of Jesus are questioning him about the prophecy that Elijah must come before the Messiah. The scribes, who were experts in Jewish law and scripture, believed that Elijah would return as a forerunner to the Messiah, based on the prophecy in Malachi 4:5 which states, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." The disciples were confused because they had just witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus, where Elijah appeared with Moses, leading them to wonder why the scribes insisted that Elijah must come first. Jesus goes on to explain that indeed Elijah had already come in the form of John the Baptist, preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah. This interaction serves to emphasize the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus and his role as the long-awaited Messiah.