Is John Elijah? Why are the Jews still Waiting for Elijah to Come?

Vs 6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. 19 Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ." 21 They asked him, "then who are you? Are you Elijah?"

Why did the Jews ask if he was Elijah?

The answer can be found in Malachi 4:5. It's important or interesting to point out that this is the last verse in the old testament- this is where the Jews stop in their faith. It says, see I'll send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse. (So the Jews are still waiting for Elijah).
*Side mark- notice the importance of Fathers!!

Back to John 1:21
"Are you Elijah?"
He said, "I am not."
"Are you the prophet?"
He answered, "no"
22 who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?
23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the Prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'make straight the way for the Lord.' Isaiah 40:3.

More support on John being Elijah
Luke 1: 11-17
"Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah: your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son and you are to give him the name John (God is favorable). He will be a joy and delight to you and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.

16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous- to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
18 Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this?" He doubted so he was made mute. Zechariah probably doubted because all the Jews were waiting for this Elijah to come and he could not fathom that God would choose him and his wife to have a child that goes before the Lord- goes to show God can use any of us for Great things!!

Additional support for John being Elijah.
Matthew 11:7-19
7 As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? There are palaces for that. A prophet? Yes, I tell you and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
"I'll send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you."
Malachi 3:1 "I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist. 13 For all the Prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears, let him hear.

*Interesting fact vs 18. For John came neither eating nor drinking and they say, "He has a demon." 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they say, "Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. But wisdom is proved right by her actions. People will always talk but if you are wise you will prove it by your actions.