“Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone.22 And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Luke 9.21-22
Some things are better left unsaid. And other things must be shared. The revelation that Jesus is the Messiah is one of those things that must be shared.
And yet, Jesus told His disciples not to tell anyone. It’s not a casual request—He “strictly” warned them. Notice, He “warns” them. He doesn’t persuade them or plead with them; it’s a warning. I think of those frightening tornado warnings we would get as kids during school in Wichita Falls when we were little: “Hide under your desks, cover your head with your hands, and you will be safe.” Until we weren’t!
Something different comes with a warning—a bit of fear? The Greek word is ἐπιτιμάω (epitimaō). It primarily means to rebuke, to charge strictly, to admonish sharply, to censure, or to give a stern warning. Jesus gives them a warning/rebuke not to tell anyone because He knows if they do, they will be in immediate danger. This was not the time to share. There would come a time when He would commission them to go and tell who He was, but at the moment, it was enough for them to call people to repentance—to return to God—but not to reveal that Jesus was God.
We know that the days of keeping Jesus’ name silent are far behind us. Our world is in desperate need of knowing, hearing, and learning about the love of Jesus. In a world where war and violence permeate every fabric of society, God’s love and power are necessary.
Even though there was a time when Jesus instructed His disciples to keep His name quiet, today is not that time. Share His name, communicate His message, do all that you can so that the love of God and the Gospel might go forth—for the sake of the world and the souls of humanity.
“O Lord God, I find comfort in Your word today. In a world that is lost, come and save us! Help us, Father, to be all that You have created us to be. Help us seek You and to be in a relationship with You. I love You, Lord, and praise Your name. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.