A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 11:14

"And if ye are willing to receive [it,] this is Elijah, that is to come." — Matthew 11:14 (ASV)

This is Elijah (αυτος εστιν Ελειας). Jesus here endorses John as the promise of Malachi. The people understood Mal 4:1 to mean the return of Elijah in person. This John denied as to himself (John 1:21). But Jesus affirms that John is the Elijah of promise who has come already (Matthew 17:12). He emphasizes the point: "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."