Matthew 9
KJV
30+ And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
I’ve come across a few things that Jesus said which I don’t get! One of which is what you’ve just read. You healed some people and placed a restraining order on them that they should not let anyone know! Aba!
Who lights a candle and places it under a table? For someone to put a lit candle under a table and not on top must have a serious reason or purpose! Why?
On another occasion ( the transfiguration on the mountain) he placed a limited embargo on the news going out public! Limited because He set a time frame. Read it
Matthew 17
KJV
9+ And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead
Again to another;
Matthew 8
KJV
4+ And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
The incidents recorded above and His cautions beat the mind, the fact is the news of his healing would surely give speed to his message as many will take to him; which was the very reason why he came. And yet He forbade it.
Who would not like to advertise his success? Surely Jesus has reasons for stopping these recipients of His blessing. Though He did not state clearly the why, observing His actions does give us a clue.
The truth is the more his acts of mercy spread the more enemies he made for himself. Read this ;
Matthew 12:13,15
NIV
[13] Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other
[14] But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.
. [15] Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place.
Even alliances of people who once were enemies, who do not see eye to eye were formed to harm him; read it
Mark 3
KJV
6+ And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
In real life, this happens! People who disagree among themselves will unite to fight you because you are their common enemy. Hmm, life!
I’ve heard a few try to explain the reason for Jesus’ restraint; but “me too” having considered and thought through the events/incidents have come to agree with some who think otherwise.
These say “It is not everyone who should know or hear of your success”. Your failures they can be told! .
Others also say “do not show your wounds to everyone, not everybody has a plaster. Some will put in salt to increase your pain! “
Beloved on a personal note as I travel through life I’ve found these sayings or admonishments to be true. Perhaps you’ve experienced it yourself except that you did not take note nor care about it!
It was through experience that many understood why Jesus restrained these men not to tell everybody but was specific in one case regarding those they should tell! Read it ;
Matthew 8
KJV
4+ And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
His success story brought him enemies It got to a point that He could not walk in the open, the same has happened to some in real life; they kept themselves away from the company of others. Read it ;
John 7
KJV
1+ After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
I’ve heard some give this same restraining order to some people they helped. They told them not to tell anyone. But good deeds can not be hidden they’ll come out just as those Jesus restrained did!!
Well, all said and done the advice is out there and it is a choice. Not everyone should hear of your success. Not everyone should see your wounds! Be wise! Not everyone who smiles with you loves you.
My thoughts after thinking through why Jesus restrained some from telling people of His deeds! These are my personal opinions!
John Franklin Tamakloe