And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ. And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
Mark 8:29-30 KJV
Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
Matthew 16:20 KJV
This may seem strange that Jesus may tell us no to tell anyone about Him but it is not the way we think it is. God’s purpose to save us all through Jesus, and that whosoever will believe on Him will be saved (John 1:12). It reminds us that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are higher than thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:12 KJV
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV
This is one also of the manifestation than our thoughts or ways are only clean in our own eyes, as written in Proverbs 16:2. And that we must rely only to God because cannot rely on our understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
Proverbs 16:2 KJV
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 KJV
So, why Jesus commanded His disciples not to tell anyone about Him?
The disciples needed more information about the mission Jesus would accomplish through His death and resurrection, and Jesus knew it. Without greater instruction, the disciples would only have a partial perspective of the situation. They still didn’t understand everything when they confessed Jesus as the Messiah.
We may work with new and developing Christians who utilize words and concepts they don’t completely comprehend. Don’t think that just because they say something correctly, it means the message has reached them. Follow up with them one-on-one to reinforce the lessons they’ve learned.
This is not only applied to new Christians but also to old Christians who didn’t grew up because they are not spending much time reading, studying and meditating the words of God.
Most of us thought that going to church makes us righteous or whatever we say is right and use the words of God to justify our thoughts and bias ideas. Remember that we are supposed to glorify God, not ourselves and not men.
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Colossians 3:23 KJV
All these things (to glorify God) will not be possible if we are still keeping our own savour, if we don’t keep God’s instruction in our heart and if we don’t obey them. Peter was ready to receive the glory of following the Messiah, but not the persecution.
The same to most Christians that wanted to follow Jesus but not fully. They wanted to follow Jesus verbally but don’t want suffering and persecution. That’s the reason why Jesus commanded his disciples not to tell anyone until they fully understand His purpose and are ready for it. The same applied to us, Jesus wants us to understand fully, ready and fully equipped.
It is a good reminder to us Christians that we should not stop reading, studying and meditation the word of God daily. We may have to ask ourselves the same question. Do I fully understand and Am I ready?
Things to consider before announcing Jesus in your life:
– Don’t use the name of our Lord Jesus Christ publicly if you don’t fully understand His purpose and if you cannot follow His will.
– Don’t persuade others if you don’t truly understand the purpose why you are saved.
– Don’t say that you are a follower of Christ if you are not willing to fully commit your life.
– Don’t say you are a Christian is you cannot surrender everything to Jesus.
And if you cannot, think and ask again this question, did I truly accept the Lord Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal Saviour?
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Joshua 1:8 KJV