At least not yet. In Mark 8:29, the Spirit has just revealed to Peter and the other disciples that Jesus is the Messiah. But Jesus doesn’t want them to tell anyone. That only makes sense in light of the following verse:
“He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and after three days rise again.” (Mark 8:31)
If Jesus came as a sacrificial offering at a specific, appointed time, the last thing He needed was an angry mob pushing for His execution before the time – or an enthusiastic mob forcing its Rome-conquering expectations on Him.
No wonder Jesus didn’t want lepers blabbing about their cleansing or demons screaming out His identity. When all of history depends on a crucifixion at a certain point and time – only after His teaching and miraculous signs were complete – a reputation as a controversial Messiah-figure could spell trouble.
None of us have an appointed time as monumental as His was. Nevertheless, we all have appointed times and seasons in our lives, Jesus demonstrated remarkable patience – a loving Savior who had to restrict His publicity – until the time was right.
What about our destiny and the promises God has given us? In the seasons of our lives, can we have the same kind of patience Jesus had? Are we sensitive enough to His appointed times not to rush them? Yes, we are.
Have a quiet weekend. Make it better by worshiping The LORD with those who are very aware of His presence and His requests and will not run away from Him or ahead of Him. Waiting on Jesus is best.
All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.
Vic Alvarado 