Why keep it a secret?

Day 50
OT Reading: Numbers 1-2
NT Reading: Mark 3:1-21

While you will see it in other gospels as well, throughout the book of Mark you will often see Jesus silence those who openly proclaim him as the Son of God. Today is the third time so far in the Gospel of Mark that this sort of event has taken place (see Mark 1:25 and Mark 1:43-44 in context for the others). But the question is...why? I mean, wouldn't Jesus want everyone to know who He is? Aren't we supposed to be going into the whole world telling people about Jesus? Why then would he tell those openly proclaiming his divinity...to be silent?

In theological circles this is often referred to as the "Messianic Secret." However Jesus never gives us an outright answer as to why this is. But based on what we understand from culture, and from Jesus, the answer seems to be that it simply was not yet time.

Imagine for a moment that here, in the early portions of His ministry, Jesus accepts a statement declaring his divinity. For a moment He's able to smile, confirm a heart-felt declaration of faith, and alert those nearby that He is in fact God incarnate.

If that were the case those wanting to kill him would have had ample legal grounds to execute him for blasphemy (i.e. claiming to be God). This would obviously bring the Gospel of Mark, and the story of Jesus to a rather abrupt ending without Jesus being able to accomplish a great deal of what He set out to teach and do. So to avoid this potential situation Jesus silenced all who made such a claim. From evil spirits and demons to lepers and former demoniacs. Jesus told them to keep it to themselves.

Later in Mark we will see that the script changes. Later in Mark we will see Jesus accept these sorts of statements-of-faith...but only privately. Then in the last chapter of Mark the entire position will changes as Jesus will tell his followers tell the entire world about him. But for now realize that as Jesus walks and speaks and acts, there is more work to done. As of right now, it is just not yet time.