David Bahn – Reflections

Matthew 9:27-31

And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” ²⁸When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” ²⁹ Then he touched their eyes, saying,  “According to your faith be it done to you.” ³⁰And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” ³¹ But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

Perhaps you’ve heard that Jesus is using reverse psychology here: tell people not to tell anyone so that they will tell everyone. Perhaps you’ve heard of the “Messianic Secret” which suggests that Jesus didn’t really say this, but that it was included later by scribes wishing to explain why Jesus didn’t act like a real messiah during his earthly ministry.  I reject both ideas.

Jesus was not interested in gathering a crowd of followers during his lifetime. He was committed to gathering a group of disciples, and equipping and preparing them to take the Good News of the Kingdom of God to the ends of the earth. That Good News centers in Jesus’ death and resurrection, not his earthly popularity, or certain characteristics of charisma or religious showmanship. For that reason Jesus told the blind men not to tell people about their healing.

But Jesus’ fame spread because he is the Son of God in the flesh. He did heal the blind men. His presence in their community was noteworthy; his ministry life-changing. One Day every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Until then, let his fame spread throughout the land. It is interesting to note that Jesus never got sidetracked by fame, attention, or opposition. He completed his mission and died for the sins of the world; that includes mine and yours. That’s why he enjoys the ultimate fame at the right hand of God.