What does the Bible say about the message of Elijah?

The message of Elijah is one of profound significance in the biblical narrative, focusing on God's sovereign election and the essential nature of the sacrifice of Christ. In the context of Mark 9:11-13, Jesus clarifies that Elijah's coming refers not to the physical return of Elijah himself but to John the Baptist, who proclaimed the coming of the Messiah. Elijah's ministry serves as a precursor to the greater revelation of Christ's redemptive work. God's sovereignty in choosing whom to save is a central theme, showing that divine grace extends even to those society deems unworthy, as exemplified in the story of Elijah and the widow in Zarephath.