Definition: And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Mark 9:12. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic part of Jesus’ teachings! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about Jesus anticipating a very difficult future for himself. He’s saying that He will experience suffering and be treated as unimportant – a lot more than anyone else. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he answered…” : Jesus is speaking to his disciples, who are probably feeling anxious about what’s coming next. “…and told them…” : He’s giving them a specific warning. “Elias verily cometh first…” : This is the key part. "Elias" is a Hebrew name meaning "My God is Able." Jesus is saying that He , specifically, will come before anyone else. It's like saying “The Lord is coming!” “…and restoreth all things…” : This is a HUGE claim! It means he’ll bring everything back to its original state – to the beginning. Basically, he’ll make things whole again. Think of it as repairing something broken completely. “And how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.” : This is where it gets really interesting. The Bible says this prophecy – this idea that Jesus will endure immense suffering – was already written down in the Old Testament (the books before Jesus' life). It suggests that Jesus’s suffering is a pre-determined part of his destiny, and he won't be treated as insignificant or unimportant. "Set at nought" means he will be severely challenged and possibly defeated. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to the idea of suffering . It suggests that Jesus wasn’t just going to get angry or upset; he was going to face hardship, pain, and rejection in a way that would be significant. It's about a challenge to our expectations of how people should live their lives. Why is this important? This verse is considered one of the most profound in the Bible. It’s often interpreted as: A promise of future suffering: It anticipates a time when Jesus will experience significant challenges and be treated unfairly. A reminder to be prepared for hardship: It encourages us to live with courage and resilience, knowing that difficult times are inevitable. A reflection on the nature of God's plan: It points to a grand, purposeful design in which suffering plays a role. Important Note: This is a complex passage rooted in ancient Jewish prophecy. The exact meaning of these words has been debated by scholars for centuries. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Discuss the context of this passage within the Bible? Compare it to other prophecies about Jesus’s suffering?