Matthew 11:11-14

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has risen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen!” (Matthew 11:11-14)

Question:

This sounds like reincarnation to me.

Comment:

It’s certainly a vivid call to a new dimension of spiritual understanding. Jesus is saying that John represents the highest level of religious belief —a belief centered in obedience to preexisting laws. Jesus offers a ‘kingdom of heaven’ consciousness of a personal, creative Oneness with the divine. It’s not the next step on an existing path, but the birth of a new dimension of spiritual possibility. The Jewish tradition was that the prophet Elijah would return to foreshadow the coming of the Messiah. Jesus is here saying that for those who believe that tradition, John could be seen as Elijah and, by implication, his own example of Christ expression as the Messiah.

I can understand how you see a reference to reincarnation. I’m not sure it reads the same to me—Elijah was thought not to have died, and he would be returning as himself, not as someone else. But certainly your interpretation is as reasonable as mine.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed