Christ, in the book of Malachi

The Book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, is a prophetic text that addresses the spiritual and moral decline of the Israelites after their return from exile. Though Christ is not mentioned explicitly, the portrayal of the coming Messiah is significant and offers a profound insight into the anticipated role and nature of Christ. Malachi’s prophecy sets the stage for the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ.

One of the central themes in Malachi is the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord. Malachi 3:1 states, “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come.” This passage is often interpreted as a dual prophecy. The "messenger" is understood to be John the Baptist, who prepares the way for Jesus, and the "Lord" who comes to his temple is identified with Jesus Christ Himself. This anticipation of a forerunner who prepares the people for the Messiah is a crucial element in understanding the role of John the Baptist in the Gospels and the fulfillment of this prophecy in the New Testament.

Another significant aspect of Christ’s portrayal in Malachi is the emphasis on the purification and judgment associated with His coming. Malachi 3:2-3 describes the Messiah as a refiner’s fire and a launderer’s soap, purifying the Levites and refining them like gold and silver. This imagery highlights the purifying and transformative nature of Christ’s ministry. Jesus’ teachings and actions often challenged the religious leaders and the people to genuine repentance and moral integrity, reflecting this aspect of Malachi’s prophecy.

The book also addresses the theme of covenant faithfulness, with Malachi calling out the Israelites for their unfaithfulness and corruption. This call for repentance and return to covenantal obedience sets a backdrop for understanding the necessity of a new covenant, which is realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Malachi 3:6-7 emphasizes God’s unchanging nature and His call for the people to return to Him. This resonates with the New Testament portrayal of Jesus as the mediator of a new and better covenant, fulfilling and surpassing the old covenant’s requirements.

Moreover, Malachi 4:2 speaks of “the sun of righteousness” rising with healing in its rays. This is seen as a messianic prophecy pointing to Christ, who brings healing, restoration, and righteousness. Jesus’ ministry, characterized by healing the sick, raising the dead, and proclaiming the good news, aligns with this portrayal. The imagery of the sun of righteousness also signifies the dawn of a new era of salvation and hope, which is a central theme in the New Testament narratives about Christ.

Finally, Malachi ends with a reference to Elijah’s return before the great and dreadful day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5-6). This is linked to John the Baptist in the New Testament, as Jesus Himself identifies John as the Elijah who was to come (Matthew 11:14). This connection underscores the continuity between Malachi’s prophecy and the New Testament fulfillment in Christ and His forerunner.

In summary, while the Book of Malachi does not mention Christ explicitly, its prophecies and themes point directly to the coming Messiah. The anticipation of a forerunner, the emphasis on purification and judgment, the call for covenant faithfulness, the imagery of the sun of righteousness, and the reference to Elijah all contribute to a portrayal of Christ that is fulfilled in the New Testament. Malachi’s prophetic vision thus bridges the Old and New Testaments, providing a foundation for understanding the person and work of Jesus Christ.