“Don’t tell anyoneabout this, but go and show yourself to the priest; and for thecleansing, bring the
offering ordered by Moses; in this way,you will give to them your testimony.”However, as soon as the man went out,
he began spreadingthe news everywhere, so that Jesus could no longer openlyenter any town. But even though he
stayed in the rural areas,people came to him from everywhere.
Reflection:
Jesus commands the healedman to keep the event a secret.Curiously,
he does not imposethis Messianic Secret when heis outside Israel territory;
nordoes he order silence anymoreafter the manifestation at theTransfiguration.
Perhaps this isbecause the Jews had a longstandingculturally conditioned
expectation of a warriortypeMessiah. They were notready for the truth that
would destabilize and disorient them.The truth should mature withinthe holy
privacy of individualhearts until the time is readyfor its communal birth, which
may still be destabilizing, butfor better than for worse. Thus,Jesus first reveals
himself to thedisciples and to some chosenindividuals before he publiclydeclares
himself to be the One.He would do so publicly, muchcloser towards the end of his
earthly ministry. What Truth ofGod is most destabilizing for youand why?
© Copyright Bible Diary 2022