Issue 783 – Don’t Tell – June 22, 2021
There is a theme that runs through the gospels that always seems counter-intuitive. Jesus works great miracles and then tells the people not to tell.
And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” Mark 1:40-44
Don’t tell? Yet everyone who knows this man will see that he has been healed.
They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat. Mark 5:38-43
The crowds will know that she has been raised from the dead. Don’t tell?
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” Matthew 17:1-9
How many people can honestly claim to see what these disciples just saw? Now, don’t tell.
Why does Jesus keep telling people not to tell? There are many possible reasons, and commentators have often speculated.
I think the most reasonable explanation is that these events are not the gospel. The gospel isn’t healing the sick, raising the dead, or even supernatural events and miracles. Those are proofs that Jesus was the Messiah, but not the gospel.
The gospel is the truth that we are sinners who can only be reconciled to God through faith in Christ because of what He accomplished. Salvation by faith through grace.
Many see the miracles and want the miracles without having to follow Jesus. We see that truth repeatedly in the gospel accounts.
Many today preach a gospel of signs, wonders and miracles. Even with signs and wonders, the true gospel is being reconciled to Christ. The sick will get sick again, those raised from the dead will die again, and the sparkle of the latest sign and wonder soon loses its lustre. The true gospel endures forever. Anything else pales and fades in time.
Once Jesus was resurrected, and His earthly task was completed, He commanded His followers to go and tell.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 18:18-20
Now we can go and tell. Tell others of what Jesus has done in your life. Tell them of miracles and signs if you have witnessed them. Most importantly, tell them of their need for and hope in Jesus the Christ.
Not all will listen. We are not responsible for the results. That is God’s part. Still, we are called to go and tell.
We have great news, eternal news. Let’s tell everyone.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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