What was the relationship between Elijah and Jesus?
On the mountain of the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Jesus. Matthew 17:3; Luke 9:30-31
They are connected in 2 ways:
1. At the Transfiguration
What the Bible says
Matthew 17:3
And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him.
Luke 9:31
Appearing in majesty. And they spoke of his decease that he should accomplish in Jerusalem.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
What the Church teaches
The Catechism recalls that Moses and Elijah had seen the glory of God on the mountain.
Catechism 555 · Catechism of the Catholic Church
Did you know?
Luke says that they spoke of Jesus’ exodus, which he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Luke 9:31
2. Sent to a foreign woman
In Nazareth, Jesus recalled that Elijah was sent to a widow in Zarephath, in the land of Sidon. Luke 4:25-26; 1 Kings 17:9
What the Bible says
Luke 4:25
In truth I say to you, there were many widows in the days of Elias in Israel, when heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there was a great famine throughout all the earth.
Luke 4:26
And to none of them was Elias sent, but to Sarepta of Sidon, to a widow woman.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
What the Church teaches
According to the Catechism, Elijah taught the widow of Zarephath to have faith in the word of God.
Catechism 2583 · Catechism of the Catholic Church