Commentary on the Gospel of
Messianic Truth
Jesus commands the healed man to keep the event a secret. Curiously, he does not impose this Messianic Secret when he is outside Israel territory; nor does he order silence anymore after the manifestation at the Transfiguration. Perhaps this is because the Jews had a long-standing culturally conditioned expectation of a warrior-type Messiah. They were not ready for the truth that would destabilize and disorient them. The truth should mature within the holy privacy of individual hearts until the time is ready for its communal birth, which may still be destabilizing, but for better than for worse. Thus, Jesus first reveals himself to the disciples and to some chosen individuals before he publicly declares himself to be the One. He would do so publicly, much closer towards the end of his earthly ministry. What Truth of God is most destabilizing for you and why?
