Daily Devotions
Mark
2 Peter 2:6b "Condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly."
Day 187 – Mark 8
“Condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly.” 2 Peter 2:6b
TELL NO ONE
There was one particular phrase that Jesus kept repeating. It was uttered with special reference to His ministry of healing. “Tell no one” was uttered to the following:-
1. The leper (Cf. Mark 1:44)
2. Jairus [on the occasion of the raising of his daughter from the dead] (Cf. Mark 5:43)
3. The deaf man with speech impediment (Cf. Mark 7:36)
4. The blind man who saw men as trees walking (Cf. Mark 8:26)
It is not difficult to understand why Jesus did not want those He healed to publicise His healing powers. The following text well explains why:-
“However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely,
and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer
openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places;
and they came to Him from every direction.”
MARK 1:45
The focus of the multitudes was almost entirely physical. They were mostly concerned about those who were ill. They paid scant attention to the teachings of Jesus, (and yet nothing could have been more important).
A PECULIAR APPLICATION
Jesus gave a strict word to His disciples after Peter’s confession of faith.
“Then He strictly warned them that
they should tell no one about Him.”
MARK 8:30
How should we understand this command given to His Disciples. This stern word may be put in the category above- “Tell no one.” Let us consider the following possible reasons why Jesus forbade His Disciples to speak about His identity openly.