JESUS
WHY HAD HE WARNED AGAINST PUBLICIZING HIS MIRACLES?
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus frequently instructed those he healed to refrain from publicizing the miracles he performed. While he did not explicitly state his reasons, we can glean several insights from Scripture that help explain this directive.
1. To Avoid Self-Promotion
Jesus emphasized humility and sincerity in performing righteous deeds. He taught, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them” (Mt 6:1). By discouraging publicity, Jesus modeled humility and avoided self-glorification. He sought to keep the focus on God’s work rather than on himself as an individual.
2. To Emphasize His Message
Jesus’ primary mission was to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God. He wanted people to focus on his teachings about salvation rather than solely on his miraculous works. As stated in Luke 4:43, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” The miracles were signs pointing to the greater reality of God’s kingdom, not ends in themselves.
3. To Manage Crowds
Publicizing his miracles often resulted in large crowds that made it difficult for Jesus to minister effectively. For example, after healing a leper who spread the news widely, “As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places” (Mk 1:45). Excessive publicity hindered his ability to move freely and preach in various locations.
4. To Avoid Premature Conflict
Jesus was aware that his growing popularity and the miraculous signs he performed could provoke his enemies. They were already seeking to destroy him, and widespread knowledge of his miracles could hasten their plans. John 7:30 notes, “They tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.” Limiting the knowledge of his miracles helped prevent premature attempts on his life before his appointed time.
5. To Protect the Healed
The recipients of Jesus’ miracles were sometimes at risk due to their association with him. For instance, after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, “The chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him” (Jn 12:10-11). By instructing the healed individuals to keep their experiences private, Jesus protected them from potential harm.
Biblical Examples
– Healing of a Leper: “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them” (Mt 8:4).
– Healing Many Followers: “He warned them not to make him known” (Mt 12:15-16).
– Healing Two Blind Men: “See that no one knows about this” (Mt 9:30).
By examining these passages and insights, we can understand Jesus’ strategic and protective reasons for instructing those healed to maintain discretion. His instructions were aimed at ensuring the effective continuation of His ministry, the protection of His followers, and the correct understanding of His mission as the Messiah.
REFLECTION
Jesus’ approach teaches us to serve others humbly, without seeking recognition. It reminds us to prioritize sharing the gospel message over showcasing our own abilities or experiences. Like Jesus, we should be more concerned with fulfilling God’s will than gaining public acclaim. Our focus should be on advancing the Kingdom of God and spreading the message of salvation, rather than drawing attention to ourselves.