John Calvin Commentary Matthew 11:14

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

And if you are willing to receive it, He now explains more clearly in what manner John began to preach the kingdom of God. It was in the character of that Elijah, who was to be sent before the face of God (Malachi 4:5). Our Lord’s meaning therefore is, that the great and dreadful day of the Lord, which Malachi described, is now witnessed by the Jews, when Elijah, who was promised there, fulfills his role as a herald.

Again, by this exception, if you are willing to receive it, He alludes to their hardened obstinacy, in maliciously shutting their eyes to the clearest light. But will he cease to be Elijah if he is not received? Christ does not mean that John’s official character¹⁷ depends on their approval; but He, having declared that John is Elijah, charges them with carelessness and ingratitude if John does not receive the respect to which he is entitled.

¹⁷ “L’estat et la commission de Iean;” — “John’s rank and commission.”;” — “John’s rank and commission.”