If Elijah Can Make the Journey Twice, Why Can’t Jesus?

I have had many discussions over the years with fellow Jews who do not like the fact that I call Jesus the Messiah. They have many reasons, but high on the list is the whole notion of a second coming. The concept of a Messiah who needs to arrive in Israel, only to leave and return again, seems rather bizarre to them.

Interestingly enough, the Old Testament gives an account of Elijah the prophet, who was taken into heaven without experiencing death. At the end of Malachi, we are told that Elijah the prophet will return before the day of the Lord which has traditionally been understood as the coming of the Messiah. I.E., Elijah will visit us before the Messiah, warning us to get ready. He will herald in the Messiah. Orthodox Jews do believe in a second coming of Elijah. As a matter of fact, tradition allows a place for him at the Passover table every year just in case this happens to be the year he makes his entrance.

Anyway, this floating little thought made its way into my head today: If Elijah can come twice, why can’t the Messiah?