According to some Christians, we are awaiting the return of Elijah in the End Times. However, Jesus makes it pretty clear that the expected Elijah came in His time. New Testament writers also make it quite clear that the prophesied Elijah was already there. 

Shelly breaks it down in this video. For your convenience, I’ve inserted all of the Bible passages she refers to below the embedded video.

All Scripture from Berean Standard Bible

Malachi 4:5-6

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

Matthew 11:13-14

For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

Matthew 17:10-13

The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.”

Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

Isaiah 40:3

A voice of one calling:

“Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness;
make a straight highway for our God in the desert.

Matthew 3:3

This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for Him.’”

Malachi 3:1

“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.

Matthew 11:10

This is the one about whom it is written:

‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You,
who will prepare Your way before You.’

Malachi 4:6

And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

Luke 1:17

And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

2 Kings 1:8

“He was a hairy man,” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.”

Matthew 3:4 

John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.

Mark 1:6 

John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.

Artwork credit