Why did Jesus warned to avoid publicity for the miracles he had performed?
There were multiple times when Jesus advised those who received his miracles not to make them public. Though Jesus did not clarify, the following could be the reasons.
1. The recipients of the favors were enthusiastic about the healing they received. They might have started instantly and earnestly proclaiming it to the public. Jesus wanted to avoid undue publicity on what he did as he had preached, “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them” (Mt 6:1).
2. The news of miracles Jesus performed might lead to the wrong concept about him. The public might see him only as a miracle worker and would approach him to extract favors from him, rather than pay attention to his message of eternal salvation.
3. The publicity of the miracle could bring him trouble. After he healed a leper, “The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere” (Mk 1:45).
4. The publicity could land Jesus’ life in jeopardy. The enemies of Jesus might get agitated and would speed up their plan to destroy him.
5. The enemies could also kill the healed men so as to avoid further publicity for Jesus. Such an attempt had happened after Jesus raised Lazarus from the tomb (Jn 12:10-11).
Jesus had given similar instructions elsewhere. After healing a leper, Jesus had instructed, “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). After curing many who followed Jesus, he warned them not to make him known (Mt 12:15-16). After healing two blind men Jesus warned them, “Be careful and let no one know about this” (Mt 9:30).