Why did Jesus say, "Don't Tell"?

Why did Jesus tell the people he healed not to tell anyone?

This is a curious thing, isn’t it? Especially in light of the fact that Jesus has commissioned us to make him known. We find that on several occasions during his earthly ministry that Jesus told the people whom he healed not to let anyone know about it.

This was not always the case, however. For instance, when Jesus delivered the Gerasene demoniac from the power of Satan, and the man “begged that he might be with him… Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you’” (Lk. 8:38-39). So here’s one time, at least, when Jesus told a man to tell everyone.

But on most other occasions he told people not to tell. In Matthew 9 we read about two blind men whom Jesus healed. It says,
And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it” (Matt 9:30).
In the first chapter of Mark we read of a leper who was healed; and it says,
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 1:43-44).
Jesus told him to tell the priests because the law required that people who were healed of leprosy were to be thoroughly checked out by the priests and were to offer certain sacrifices and perform certain rituals (Lev. 14:1-32); but Jesus told him to tell no one else.

We also find that when Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus from the dead, her parents were astonished, but he “strictly charged them that no one should know” about it (Mk. 5:43).

On still another occasion, when Jesus healed a man who was deaf and mute, he charged the entire crowd to tell no one. “But the more he charged them,” it says, “the more zealously they proclaimed it” (Mk. 7:36).

This was often the case. People couldn’t keep it quite, especially the ones who had been healed. And you can understand their excitement, not to mention their gratitude! But why did Jesus say that they should tell no one? I think we find a clue in the account of the leper who was cleansed. Even though he was told not to mention it to anyone, it says,
But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter (Mk. 1:45)
If his miracles were widely known they would attract so much attention and create so much excitement that his movements would be inhibited. He “could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places.” He could no longer move about as he wished. This was while he was in the land of Israel, where he conducted almost all his earthly ministry. When he told the Geresene demoniac to tell everyone about the miracle he received, it was in a land that Jesus visited once, and then only very briefly. It would not hinder his movements there if everyone knew about it because he was not planning to stay there.

I should also point out that there was undoubtedly a concern on Jesus’ part that people’s attention would be distracted from what he regarded as a more important aspect of his ministry than that of working miracles, namely the ministry of the word. He came as a prophet and a teacher. But many would be attracted to Jesus only for the sake of the miracles he performed. They would be attracted to him much like they would be attracted to a carnival sideshow. They would not be interested in the truth he came to teach, but in having their senses dazzled by seeing a miracle. They would be like Herod. When Jesus was on trial before Herod, we’re told that Herod was very glad to see him, “because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him” (Lk. 23:8).

These are the main reasons why he told people not to tell. But the thing we should remember is that circumstances have changed and we should now do what Jesus told the Geresene demoniac. We should now declare to everyone how much God has done for us.

Comments

Anonymous said…
This was incrediably heplful thanks you so much and God Bless!
Doug Enick said…
Anonymous, you're welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful.
boyscout said…
Many are only interested in the healing process and have no interest in the Word especially when repentance is the criterica - same then same now. It's worse when most don't have healing power now and the faith becomes a joke when preachers have to compromise the Word to gain listeners.
Phillip said…
I think you're right, but that doesn't explain this instance. Luke 4:41: Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.

Why would Jesus not want people to know he was the Messiah? As ironic as it is, a demon was perhaps that most credible source to speak to the authenticity of Jesus. Why then not let them speak and allow them to give proof?

There is a deeper reason. I think it has to do with Faith. It takes faith to please God. If the people had hardcore evidence, they wouldn't need faith.
Karen said…
this was a good explanation. thanks. it was certainly baffling to me as to why Jesus would sternly warn the blind.
Paula said…
Thank you for this explanation. I'd been wondering about this alot as I reread through the Gospels right now. Have a wonderful day :)
joseph36 said…
Thank you so much for your explanation on this chapter compare with many verses. it is very helpful to me since I am serving the Lord to unmature believers in M
alaysia
Richard said…
I often wondered why Jesus said, "...to tell no one". Thank you for helping with understanding His reason for this.
Unknown said…
I also believe that Jesus did not want it told because it was not yet his time to be crucified and every time that Jesus did a miracle they said that he was commuting a sin and they wanted to kill him, because the individuals that he was healing when they ask them they say Jesus the messiah. They did not consider Jesus to be their messiah.
Anonymous said…
really helpful thank you
Tor Voller said…
I'm currently reading through Mark and I had this question over and over again. Thank you so much for the answer. It makes so much sense now!
KEFTIN said…
@Phillip your argument is very interesting. Faith is very important to believe in God. if you believe in God only because of miracles you cant be a true believer. Jesus wanted his followers to believe in his Teaching before they will start seeing his works.
Anonymous said…
At that time healing and miracles were attributed by many to be the practices of those who do magic. Jesus, in fact, was considered by some to be a magician, and magic was one of the things prosecuted by the Romans. So one had to be careful going around doing things like that. Another point is that Jesus' teachings were more important for some of the people, but if it wasn't for his miracles, not many would pay attention to him at all. And yes, most people did address him only for the healing.
K.K.RAMESH BABU said…
Very nice explanation. Thank you for revealing more things beyod my thought.
Anonymous said…
I just experienced a personal revelation about this quote. Jesus said this to keep us humble. By telling everyone, you become prideful as if you are more special to God than others. This incites envy and jealousy. Love does not boast, it is not proud. However, when the time is right, God will give you words and the situation to share your experience with others.
Anonymous said…
FYI, in "People couldn't keep it quite..."

"Quite" should be "quiet"

Thanks for the nice post.
Anonymous said…
All of the comments have a valid point of view...However. .We all know..even up to thIs day...Most people are for gain...no matter how much is presented for knowledge. ..Becoming a righteous person was the farthest thing
from their minds when sickness..disabilities. or death was upon them or their families. ..it was probably like a huge outdoor show. .
Unknown said…
The point of Jesus telling them not to tell, was for our benefit. Jesus, knew they would tell. It wasn't that it would hinder His ministry, because they told it all the same. The demon that He commanded to be silent about who He was is the key, because the demon had no choice, but you and I are different, we have free will. Jesus has the authority to command our bodies to be healed, command the wind and seas, command the demons to obey, but not to command our minds to follow Him. How many of us today, hear the voice of His word, but choose not to obey? One would think that being next to the One, that brought life back into me, healed me a leprosy, issue of blood, deformities, made the blind see, the deaf hear, and the cripple walk, would be more apt to obey His word, but because of free will it just isn't going to happen. You have to submit the free will to accept Him and choose to follow. Obedience is a willful choice in this life.
JesusFreak said…
We all know it's supposed to be "quiet." Just a minor transposing of letters. Regardless, this was still an awesome post.
JesusFreak said…
Well said, Anthony. Amen and God bless!
JesusFreak said…
But isn't it also the hardcore evidence that increases our faith? I'm just saying...
JesusFreak said…
But Jesus knew they were still going to tell regardless of Him telling them not to. I believe Jesus was being humble and did not want to be known only for His miraculous acts. He also had pertinent things to say/teach during His ministry.
Anonymous said…
I just read this today while googling the subject of Jesus not telling. Thank you so much for your blog. I learned some really important lessons.
Anonymous said…
Thank you for explaining this. Trying to understand Luke 8:56.
Anonymous said…
I think the bottom line of many questions I've read in the post is about whether or not the act of the people Jesus healed was "disobedience " or not. Jesus gave a direct command despite why one thinks he did it...
Anonymous said…
My honest thoughts about Jesus telling anyone to do something, is believing in Him and trusting that He has divine purpose and He knows what we should do. Nontheless , if he says to one individual go and sin no more, that's what it means . If He says go and tell no one about something, that's what He means! I too am grateful for God's grace through Jesus Christ, especially knowing human frailty. However, I believe each one of us are held accountable /responsible for our actions as we trust the Lord to be the final judge for then, now, and in the future . The scriptures says that "...He knows the thoughts and intents of the heart..." Hebrews 4:12. My closing recollections for remark is that the reader please consider to compare studies of what God told Samuel, noted in I Samuel 15: 1-35 to the gospels that speak of the healing of the lepers, the blind men and Jesus' command. If this can be a contextual bridge of for understanding obedience vs disobedience to God's word meaning the same thing, l'm interested in listening to other Christian views based on scripture. Thanks again & Blessings!
Soo Do-nim said…
Contrast with Paul whose life mission was to travel the world and support the churches. I wonder what Jesus would've thought of Paul? Although of course Christians believe Jesus was God incarnate so He already knew Paul in advance and what he was going to do. But assuming Jesus was Jesus the man, the teacher, it seems His ministry was in this way much different from Paul's. Why wasn't Paul more like Jesus?
kjl said…
Just googled this topic as I was reading Mark 5 this morning, and this was such a helpful blog post and discussion! Thank you!
Unknown said…
Asked my pastor this last night after going through part of Luke 7. He had no answer. After additional research I can pull him aside and offer some thoughts. Thanks pastor.
Hello everyone, glad to see I am not the only one that noticed or had a question about this passage of scripture and in lieu of all the input, thoughts, and ideas we needed to ask the HolyGhost to give us the true meaning of why Jesus commanded not to tell... "For a testimony unto them." May the Lord richly bless you, in Jesus name Amen.

Anonymous said…
Hi all, I personally believe Jesus told them to not tell anyone because of great compassion? What do I mean? I believe he wanted to limit the number of Pharisees who would proceed to ascribe His miracles to the works of Satan. I personally believe the Pharisees of Jesus's day are the ones who committed the unforgiveable sin when they did this (Matt 9:34...and other verses too). He obviously knew what type of response the Pharisees would have, and I believe He wanted to save them from themselves. Think about the heart wrenching plea of Jesus in John 10:37-38, where He asks them to at least believe the works. This is just what I believe the Lord has told me about this subject. God Bless.
Anonymous said…
Jesus said don't tell anyone on severel ocasions but there was lots of people around besides the little girls family or when the others were healed, they would know it was Jesus who healed because they wer there, so even if the families didn't spread the news some one would, guess it's just the fact of being obedient and doing what the Lord tells us to do, even it w are told "don't tell"




Anonymous said…
In Matthew 16:20 Jesus charged, warned His disciples not to tell anyone. The Pharisees and the Sadducees were the trouble makers. They knew who Jesus was, but because they had their own corrupt agendas they wouldn't want anyone converted by Him. Jesus didn't want disturbance from them, He had souls to save, He had to do the will of the Father. Jesus had to save people from false teachings of the Pharisees. In Matthew 23 Jesus talks about their carnal minds and attitudes.
Raquel Diamond Diva Smith said…
Thank you so much! It confirmed what I thought. Jesus said that because people would began to use him and because He loves us so much, He wouldn't have turned anyone away. He blessed those He knew He could trust. God has a reason for everything.
jwright231 said…
I like your answer very much. I am blogging through the Gospel of Mark. If you have time look at my last post about the man who had a legion of demons cast out of him into the swine. jwright231.wordpress.com Your answer is very helpful. Because of the way you answered this question I just wanted some of your feedback thanks.
Anonymous said…
I never reply to comments but i have to say that your answer, sir, has to be inspired by Holy Spirit, revelation of The word of God. I'm currently studying "free will". The Lord has led me to your post. My eyes have been opened, and my understanding of His purpose for telling those people not to tell anyone is so very clear. I didnt even think of free will until i read your post. I thank the Lord! God bless you
philando said…
This subject always had me wondering, thanks and God bless you all!
Hoosier Hacker said…
Thank you so much for your post! This has helped me understand a question I have had for some time! God bless!
Anonymous said…
Jesus said 'see that you tell no one' because anything born of noise and clatter never last long,there is more power in silence,than noise.
But leave the announcement to God,what is done in secret will be revealed in the open,you cannot hide a light under the bushel for long.
Anonymous said…
MATTHEW 12:15-12 Explains that the reason he ordered people he cured not to tell was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

"Here is my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom I am pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He WILL NOT WRANGLE OR CRY ALOUD, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering eick until he brings justice to victory. In his name the Gentiles will hope."

Hope this helps clear up your question. God bless.
Anonymous said…
We are doing a study of Luke and I have been listening to all the scripture before I read it. This struck me and prevented me from absorbing anything else. Why would he tell them to tell no one, but just a few verses before he said go and tell. I enjoyed your explanation and others comments as well. Two things that I do know from scripture that is consistent. Jesus knew people's hearts and Jesus saught the will of his Father. Either he knew how it would be used (pride, distraction form his true purpose), or it was not the Father's will for some reason. God see's both the forest and the trees. Thanks for posting this. I think I am ready to re-listen to the scriptures again.
Lorrie L. said…
Thank you, this has helped me better understand. May God bless you.
Anonymous said…
Thank you so much, after reading your explanation, it makes perfect sense.
Anonymous said…
I am glad to know that I am not the only one who had some questions concerning this scripture text. I read some really good responses. In my opinion, I believe that Jesus never wanted to draw attention to Himself. Everything He did and wanted us to do was to give all the Glory to God.
Anonymous said…
Thanks, everyone! I just profited from almost 7 years of discussion -- all great contributions! My Disqus handle is "USA 241, and many more!"
Unknown said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
I can understand why folks come to this conclusion. However, I do not believe this to be the reason.
Anonymous said…
Sometimes there are sacred experiences and gifts that God gives just to us, and sometimes we should tell others of those experiences and sometimes we shouldn't. We should follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost and share on a case by case basis. Sometimes there is someone who is experiencing a trial and God is using that trial to help them grow closer to Him. In such a case them knowing that God removed that same trial from us might not increase their faith in Him.
Trey said…
Didnt Jesus mostly tell Jews not to tell and Gentiles he allowed to speak freely?
This would allow Him more time make disciples before going to the cross.
Anonymous said…
I don't think the blog answer to this question rings true. Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God granted all authority. Jesus Himself says this. All authority means the power of God through God's Holy Spirit. This is why Jesus could do all these miracles and forgive sins. If that's the case, I certainly don't think Jesus wanted to keep His miracles a secret because crowds would get in his way and prevent Him from doing His ministry. This is evidenced by the fact that people disobeyed Jesus and told many others anyway about his miracles and crowds always swarmed Jesus. Besides, Jesus Christ is the most qualified evangelizer to ever walk the earth and one would think that He would want all crowds to come to Him so they can be given the Word and converted... after all if Jesus can't convert them then no one could. So the bottom line is I think there is another reason. Jesus knew everything before it happened. He knows about our little debate here. I don't have the exact answer but I think He didn't tell people to help us, the future readers of the Word, to be curious and to dig in to find out why. I think a clue can be found in John 6. When Jesus asks Peter who do you say that I am and Peter answers accurately. Jesus tells him that no man told him, but the information came from God. This is how we recognize true followers of Jesus. They recognize truth when it is presented. Whether it's Jesus standing in front of them or the Word expressed to them. I don't know if this is the exact reason but I think there is something there. Sorry for the long post but this is really a deep question.
Anonymous said…
This is a great discussion! Jesus used healing as a “dinner bell” for His Gospel of Good News. Yes, the target was the preaching and ushering in the New Covenant of Grace, so God could get His people back from bondage, and we could have perfect fellowship and perfect peace with Him. All this was done by the forgiveness of our sins as a foundation to be righteous before God. Our sin traded for His righteousness. So...if Jesus used healing as a trumpet for His Gospel, then it is NOT just showmanship, as it is referred to here in a few posts. Do we think that the circus that insued from Jesus’ miracles surprised Him? Me thinks not. His actions changed the world! He also said WE would do those things, and greater! (John 14:12-14) Hey, God said that, so we can’t disregard it. So aren’t we supposed to keep changing the world, or just relegate all that to the apostles who are long passed on to Glory? Again, if Jesus used healing and deliverance miracles as the proof that God loves us, wants us well (hint: Jesus NEVER turned ANYONE down for healing) and wants fellowship with us through repentance and forgiveness of sins, then who are we to devise an alternative mode of operation. Are you saved by what Christ did on the Cross? Do you -BELIEVE-? Then read Mark 16:17-18, where it says that those signs will accompany those who believe, and to, In Jesus Name, (by His authority because you are saved and have His righteousness), “drive out demons, speak with new tongues, PLACE HANDS ON THE SICK AND THEY WILL GET WELL! It’s in there! Don’t rip that page out! If it creates a circus, then GREAT! Preach the Gospel!!! People think God is mad at them. Use your God given authority and ability to cause a ruckus, show people that God is NOT mad, is at peace with them,(Luke 2:14) and get them saved and into Gods Kingdom!
Just do it in love!
David said…
I understand the interpretation given here .... and I think that was part of the reason but I think there was a deeper more important spiritual reason he said "dont' tell". Jesus actually explained very clearly and explicitly why he says not to tell anyone after he has done a good deed and healed someone or revived them.

Matthew 6: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Jesus was applying this very law to the good deeds he did for others. He was not "self seeking" and instead deliberately avoiding drawing attention to his good deeds or praise and honour for his good deeds. He only ever told people to thank god for what they received and he told only those who were necessary to tell and did not request thanks or payment for any of his works.

As Christians would say .... he was living the word.
savit said…
SO lets say I could not speak ,Jesus healed me and I spoke but he said tell know one , so how would you explain it to your mother? interesting situation.....
alfred said…
Thank you so much for the information.... Pastor...And this is what I got now days all the people who making miracle are shouting or exampling themself has a honor for there work... They are not praise God how really made miracle... In the above scripture Jesus doesn't want to popular for the miracle... He want to tell about heavenly kingdom....
Katura H. said…
My morning devotion today led me to Luke 8 and everything was clear to me except the very last verse when he charged Jairus’ family to not speak on the miracle. But earlier in the chapter the demoniac man with the swine; he told him to stay back and share the testimony. This definitely helped answer my question of why. I called my dad which was a sabbath teacher. He told me also, Jesus had to move according to perfect time. It wasn’t always the right time to share across the land he was in. For more reasons than one. This is just simply amazing. My interest was definitely peaked this morning. Thank you for sharing this.
Seeker said…
Third attempt at a condensed response to this wonderful discussion on a subject that has always puzzled me.

Reading the responses reminds me of when on Palm Sunday, the Pharisees ordered Jesus to shut people up, because it offended them so. He said that it was useless because even if they did stop shouting praises to the Messiah, Him, the very stones would cry out.

I wonder if one of the things that was hard for Jesus in His preaching, as a humble man who never sinned by pride in His accomplishments was to put up with the adulation He knew was coming from human attraction? It can't be helped that we just fall in love with attractive powerful people who are kind to us. Brotherly love is a gift from God, too, but it's not enough, is it. No matter how hard we try to obey, we don't know all the answers or how to "do it right," and get it wrong, and thus, disobey even if we have a personal miracle, we want to shout it out. I was told don't do that because people will think you are crazy, which is true, people do react to extreme testimonies because they aren't "cool."

Unknown said…
The answer to this conundrum lies somewhere in the interpretation of Luke 9:21-22 and probably even more precisely in the understanding of Matt. 12:16-21 and the quote it refers to from Isaiah 42:1-4. I don't offer to explain either of these, but I believe the proper application of the Isaiah passage is the true answer. Essentially it has to do with Jesus' time for judgment of the nations not having arrived at that time until after His passion.

David, Richmond, VA
Mandy said…
Though this was written a while ago,I think it's amazing how God brought me to it. This is something that always puzzled me but today, I really wanted to understand why.God bless for your ministry. The Word being the purpose of this message, thank you for helping us understand it.
Unknown said…
Thank you to the pastor and all the commenters. Very new to the Word here and this has been very helpful.
Unknown said…
My contribution....why Jesus said "don't let anyone know" bcoz he wants to focus on what he brought.. The government, the kingdom of God...and healing is for crowd not for disciples.
IamPastorChris said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
IamPastorChris said…
Jesus knew the Jews would kill him before the time designated by the Father. This is why he continued to flee after he healed. But Legion was a gentile. The people there would not have taken him as breaking the law, the Sabbath or any such thing as the Pharisees and Saducees.
Reasons are 6 1. Pray more not on perform miracles.2.To exalt Father only.3.Build them in Teaching not on miracle's.4.Jesus knew That people bring hindrances to His death on the Cross.5.Healed of leper person primarily to show him to priest.
Reasons are 6 1. Pray more not on perform miracles.2.To exalt Father only.3.Build them in Teaching not on miracle's.4.Jesus knew That people bring hindrances to His death on the Cross.5.Healed of leper person primarily to show him to priest.
Cynthia said…
The reasons Jesus did not want the people to tell anyone has to do with Mosaic Laws that forbade any healing by anyone but their priests.

A key theme in the OT is the "I, the Lord, am your healer." (Exod 15:26b) The context of the claim that the Lord of the covenant is "healer" is the prevention of the diseases which afflicted the Egyptians. Obedience to the Lord would prevent God from bringing diseases upon the covenant people (Exod 15:26a).

In Israel, the priest was a religious functionary, but not a physician. This stands in sharp contrast to the priest-physicians in ancient Egypt, who, according to literary and pictorial materials are known to have functioned as early as the 3d millennium B.C.

Below is are verses from Deuteronomy that make it a virtual crime to heal without priests. It is my opinion that Jesus did not want anyone to tell because he would be killed BEFORE His mission and message were finished. Obviously, Jesus would be seen as a man "worshipping other Gods" to carry out his miraculous healings. He KNEW they would not accept Him as the Messiah and be arrested a lot sooner. It is why he had to travel always to avoid confrontation. In other words, as Leviticus points out, ALL THOSE WITH DISEASE ARE GUILTY OF SIN AND NEED FORGIVENESS AND ONLY GOD IS CAPABLE OF PROVIDING THAT CURE. It is why 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 1:43-44). Jesus knew that in order for the man to be accepted back in society as a healed leper, he HAD to have BEEN HEALED by God and NOT AS PHYSICIAN.

Leviticus 5:2 Or if a person touches anything unclean--whether the carcass of any unclean wild animal or livestock or crawling creature--even if he is unaware of it, he is unclean and GUILTY.

In Deuteronomy 17:2 Suppose a man or woman is discovered among you – in one of your villages that the Lord your God is giving you – who sins before the Lord your God and breaks his covenant 17:3 by serving other gods and worshiping them – the sun, moon, or any other heavenly bodies which I have not permitted you to worship. 17:4 When it is reported to you and you hear about it, you must investigate carefully. If it is indeed true that such a disgraceful thing is being done in Israel, 17:5 you must bring to your city gates that man or woman who has done this wicked thing – that very man or woman – and you must stone that person to death. 17:6 At the testimony of two or three witnesses they must be executed. They cannot be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. 17:7 The witnesses must be first to begin the execution, and then all the people are to join in afterward. In this way you will purge evil from among you.
Cynthia said…
The reasons Jesus did not want the people to tell anyone has to do with Mosaic Laws that forbade any healing by anyone but their priests.

A key theme in the OT is the "I, the Lord, am your healer." (Exod 15:26b) The context of the claim that the Lord of the covenant is "healer" is the prevention of the diseases which afflicted the Egyptians. Obedience to the Lord would prevent God from bringing diseases upon the covenant people (Exod 15:26a).

In Israel, the priest was a religious functionary, but not a physician. This stands in sharp contrast to the priest-physicians in ancient Egypt, who, according to literary and pictorial materials are known to have functioned as early as the 3d millennium B.C.

Below is are verses from Deuteronomy that make it a virtual crime to heal without priests. It is my opinion that Jesus did not want anyone to tell because he would be killed BEFORE His mission and message were finished. Obviously, Jesus would be seen as a man "worshipping other Gods" to carry out his miraculous healings. He KNEW they would not accept Him as the Messiah and be arrested a lot sooner. It is why he had to travel always to avoid confrontation. In other words, as Leviticus points out, ALL THOSE WITH DISEASE ARE GUILTY OF SIN AND NEED FORGIVENESS AND ONLY GOD IS CAPABLE OF PROVIDING THAT CURE. It is why 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 1:43-44). Jesus knew that in order for the man to be accepted back in society as a healed leper, he HAD to have BEEN HEALED by God and NOT AS PHYSICIAN.

Leviticus 5:2 Or if a person touches anything unclean--whether the carcass of any unclean wild animal or livestock or crawling creature--even if he is unaware of it, he is unclean and GUILTY.

In Deuteronomy 17:2 Suppose a man or woman is discovered among you – in one of your villages that the Lord your God is giving you – who sins before the Lord your God and breaks his covenant 17:3 by serving other gods and worshiping them – the sun, moon, or any other heavenly bodies which I have not permitted you to worship. 17:4 When it is reported to you and you hear about it, you must investigate carefully. If it is indeed true that such a disgraceful thing is being done in Israel, 17:5 you must bring to your city gates that man or woman who has done this wicked thing – that very man or woman – and you must stone that person to death. 17:6 At the testimony of two or three witnesses they must be executed. They cannot be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. 17:7 The witnesses must be first to begin the execution, and then all the people are to join in afterward. In this way you will purge evil from among you.
Unknown said…
Thank You & God bless you, I do understand the point behind.
Unknown said…
This was very helpful it answered all the questions I had. Thank You
Anonymous said…
Excellent job explaining why Jesus encouraged and discouraged people sharing their experience with him. Makes total sense because you used scripture and not conjecture.
Utpal said…
Thank you so much, this morning I learned many things. God bless all of you.
Christopher Enoch said…
Thank you for the explanation. I have had amazing prayers be answered, like taking a life long infliction from my wife and me living with it for a few years, while she's no longer suffering. I've told this to others, and while reading Matthew, Jesus said not to tell, I was confused. The prayer above wasn't instant but took a year or so to complete. I had it for about 3 years and it went away. My wife hasn't suffered since. Praise be to God.
xot said…
Good one. Really agree with the main idea of this article. Look at all the celebrities who can't go outside without putting on a disguise. They've lost their freedom of movement at least.
Unknown said…
Thanks indeed for the reasons adduced. I think an addiction could be to reduce the degree of persicution. The more miracles Jesus performed the more hatred the Pharisees had for Him and the more persicutions He suffered with His Disciples. At a point the Pharisees planned to kill Lazarus after being raised from the dead in order to destroy the evidence of Jesus' miracle.
Unknown said…
Jesus(pbuh)was miraculous but indeed it was with the help his and our God.You stated many nonsense arguments just to mock yourslelf and afraid of the truth.You don't want to think other way.Obviously he was warning them fearing that one day people will call him God instead of the God sent him.Again he has clearly said "fatheris greater than i" and You say "we know better than you,you are God,you are equal." whom should i believe "Jesus(pbuh)) or "You?".Ohh,sorry,This is already had an answer.I do believe in Jesus(pbuh) just like i do in Mohammed(pbuh),Adam(pbuh) etc.. I know you say it is beyond my imagination,you can't understand it.But still you can't make me understand.you keep saying Jesus is Lord,Which is actually not the case.Anways may the God of Jesus guide us.Sorry if i offended you!!!
I read this article, it is really informative one. Your way of writing and making things clear is very impressive. Thanking you for such an informative article.
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Kimi Nicole said…
Hello, I pray I am able to understand. The question that brought me here was that Jesus told everyone in the room not to speak of it to ANYONE, but then why is it written down, why do we know.

Thank you
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Anonymous said…
As you have said sir, I would think that part of the reasons why christ would not let some people share his word was because there has to be a point where you understand the word of God and a level of life that you live by the word of God for you to be able to share the word of God, God prepares men before he sends them and in the instance of the one he sent without preparing, they denied him access to the land. So the reason would be that christ knows the heart of all men and if they became disciples like the 12 or the 72 he would not just send them out, he will teach them, empower them and then send them out. You cannot just go out to preach christ without having the life and demonstrate the power of christ. It's an error. Christ himself said to a man that you would not believe if you do not see miracles and from there you realize that not everyone needs miracles to believe, john the Baptist didnt perform miracles.

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