Ten Ways to Find Messiah in the PassoverНамуна

The Messiah Will Return

The prophet Malachi foretold that a messenger would arrive right before the Messiah (Mal 3:1). Jewish tradition states that Elijah will announce the Messiah’s arrival during a Passover Seder. Therefore, Elijah is an invited guest at every Seder. He could come any year. Every Seder has an empty seat with a filled cup for Elijah, a place reserved for him. At the end of the Seder, the leader will ask someone to open the door to check for Elijah. When it becomes clear that he is not there, the leader says that perhaps he will come next year.

However, the New Testament shows that a messenger like Elijah did come. When His disciples asked about Elijah, Yeshua said, “Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him” (Matthew 17:12). Yeshua was referring to John the baptizer. He called Israel to repent and prepare for the Lord’s coming. When John saw Yeshua, he immediately recognized Him and declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Followers of Yeshua rejoice that Elijah did come and announce the Messiah’s arrival. Still, there is a waiting period.

We look forward to the Messiah’s return when He establishes His kingdom in Jerusalem. The prophet Isaiah spoke of that day:

“They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
(Isaiah 11:9)