“And He charged him to tell no one.” (Luke 5:14)

“And He charged him to tell no one.” (Luke 5:14)

After healing a leprous man, Jeus told him to tell no one about the miracle. This seems rather an odd remark because, at least to our way of thinking, publicity about the miracle could only enhance Jesus’ popularity and help spread the fact that the Messiah had come. 

However, like those in the public eye today, Jesus knew that such celebrity would undoubtedly hinder His ministry rather than bolster it; divert public attention away from His real mission. Jesus did not want people to focus on miracles, but His message.

Fr. John