In Monday’s post, we introduced our topic for today. While Jesus ultimately told His disciples, and us, to go into all the world and tell His message of forgiveness and salvation. We also saw many cases where Jesus instructed people to NOT tell anyone else of the things He had done. On the surface, this seems odd, as we would think Jesus would have wanted the word spread far and wide about the things He was doing, such as healing the blind and so forth. What in the world was this about?
Since I fell somewhat lazy and pressed for time as I write this, and because some really great conversation was generated, today’s post is just going to be the thoughts of some of the nice brothers and sisters who dropped by to share their thoughts on this matter.
My own thoughts will just have to wait! Read what these commenters had to say; it was good stuff. Feel free to add your own to the mix. Finally, pop over to some great blogs for some great reading!
Blessings and enjoy!
From Tricia
“Very interesting topic to ponder there Wally. My opinion is that whatever one was supposed to do, tell or not tell just had to do with the circumstances and people involved. Jesus always knew which action would best bring about His glory.”
From Salvageable
“Ah, yes, the messianic secret. You are likely going this direction already, but I think the key passage is Matthew 16:13-23. When Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus congratulates Peter on having the right answer, but strictly tells the disciples to tell no one. Then he starts describing his mission as the Christ. Peter says, “Far be it from you, Lord! This should never happen to you.” Jesus rebukes Peter with very strong language, because Peter is trying to block Jesus from his mission, just as Satan wants to block Jesus from his mission. Conclusion: Jesus told those who did not understand his mission to keep silent because he knew they would be off-base in their witnessing. Jesus encouraged and commanded those who understood his mission to share what they knew. Of course it shows the waywardness of the human heart that those who “get it” remain silent while those who “don’t get it” fill the world with their misinformation about Jesus. (But not always– the Spirit of God still moves among his people.) J.”
From Insanitybytes
“Hmm, this is an interesting discussion! I think I am with Tricia here, but we should put an adventuresome spin on it, something akin to being undercover, covert, like spies. We are called to be wise as serpents, but gentle as doves, sent out among wolves. People faced a lot of persecution in those days and so existed somewhat underground, covertly. I suspect part of the story has to do with advancing the kingdom and Christ is aware of when speaking is going to simply bring trouble upon their heads and when it is going to spread the message. The possessed man He heals begs to go with Jesus, but he is told to remain behind and spread the word. Jesus and the Disciples are leaving, so they are not going to be questioned, arrested, or attract attention.
I’m a bit like Peter, just lop the man’s ear off and be done with it, which of course is not part of the plan, not God’s will. It’s the right action perhaps, but just at the wrong time, in the wrong context. That is how I often see Christ leading, He is coordinating the timing and how it will influence other events.”
From Susan
“Hey Wally – great discussion question. I also think part of it has to do with Jesus carrying out the Father’s will. He knew exactly the day and hour he was supposed to die, and probably did not want to hasten it. If others spoke too soon and too often of his miracles, his death may have occurred in a way that would not have been a public spectacle and would not have brought glory to God in his resurrection”
Good stuff huh? Thanks to my friends for chiming in, and invite the rest of you to do so. I could leave it at this, and the original question would be answered quite nicely. But, hey, I am a writer, so I have to say my piece too!
Until Friday!
Truth in Palmyra 
July 6, 2016 at 08:33
This is AWESOME! All of these are terrific answers! https://freedomthroughempowerment.wordpress.com/ quote also confirms something i have thought of in the past: “Jesus always knew which action would best bring about His glory.” I have to be careful not to hide behind this as an excuse, but trust HIm to guide me.
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July 6, 2016 at 08:40
Yes, what a great conversation! I think that’s my favorite thing about blogging is when we all discourse like reasonable human beings.
Have a great day, Dawn!
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July 6, 2016 at 09:28
Great stuff Wally from all those commenters. Thanks for the mention.:)
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July 6, 2016 at 10:27
Thanks for chiming in Tricia!
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July 6, 2016 at 09:40
Wally, great series and I appreciate you going back to highlight the comments from others on THE question. Unless you look at the post later, you don’t see all the comments that are generated. Normally, I don’t check the box to be notified of new comments. I better start doing that.
I wish I had the time to do a little bit more research on this from a chronological viewpoint, but…
I’m reminded of the passage in Matthew 8 about the healing of a leper. “1 fter Yeshua had come down from the hill, large crowds followed him. 2 Then a man afflicted with tzara‘at came, kneeled down in front of him and said, “Sir, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 3 Yeshua reached out his hand, touched him and said, “I am willing! Be cleansed!” And at once he was cleansed from his tzara‘at. 4 Then Yeshua said to him, “See that you tell no one; but as a testimony to the people, go and let the cohen examine you, and offer the sacrifice that Moshe commanded.” Matthew 8:1-4 (CJB)
Clearly, Yeshua knew that showing himself to the priest for examination would result in Him announcing His Messiahship and His authentication of the Tanakh commands.
I tend to agree with most of the commentators that He knew when and what He was doing when He told them to be quiet or to proclaim it from the rooftops. (Matthew 10:27)
Don
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July 6, 2016 at 10:29
That incident with the leper instructed to go see the priest seems to have quite a bit of significance from what I have gleaned. Good point and thanks,Don.
Yes, keeping up with comments is a challenge, as there are so many good conversations going in around the blog world.
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July 6, 2016 at 10:26
This has been a great conversation,Wally. Lot’s of food for thought. I look forward to hearing more! God’s timing, His will, the order in how He wishes things to unfold, are some of my favorite subjects. When I look back on things, sometimes I can see how they played out perfectly, but in the moment they don’t always make sense.
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July 6, 2016 at 10:31
It has been great IB! And I so appreciate those who have jumped in. I know that His will playing out is a favorite or yours. And you seem so comfortable with it…still working on that one here.
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July 6, 2016 at 10:33
Amen to still working on the one here also.
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July 6, 2016 at 15:35
OR – yet another likelihood is that no one know WHAT he said or didn’t say, as no one bothered to chronicle anything about him for a full 40 years after his alleged death, at which time we’re dealing with 40-year old hearsay information that wouldn’t stand up in ANY court!!
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July 6, 2016 at 15:37
Well..hmm. We weren’t actually debating the issue you raised, so If you have something to add relevant to the discussion, feel free.
But, thanks for the visit.
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July 6, 2016 at 15:40
The discussion, as I read it, was why he said what he said (to tell or not to tell), in which case, I believe the fact that no one actually knows WHAT he said, is quite relevant.
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July 6, 2016 at 15:45
Ok, Arch. Gotcha. You say “alleged death”. Join the crowd of boneheads to try to say He never existed and never died. Go on,take that to a gathering of reputable scholars, even non believing ones and see how far you get.
Based on your argument, most of ancient history now has to be dismissed as false using your standard.
But, back to the post. What you believe about what the point of the post is, in fact, NOT relevant. The point is why He said what He said, not if He said it.
So, if you want to add something of substance to THAT discussion, feel free. This, however is not your forum to fling your personal opinions about the truth of God’s Word as if they are absolute fact.
So…peace out.
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July 6, 2016 at 17:42
But can’t you see that, “The point is why He said what He said,” you must already have assumed that he said it, while with the author writing 40 years later, you can never know that!
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