The Messianic Secret

Today my covenant group started reading the Gospel According to Mark. We've covenanted together to each read the same passage each day (we just finished Acts). I don't know if I'll continue blogging about my reading, but I felt like it today.

In the opening passage of Mark, we already see what scholars have called the 'Messianic Secret' in which Jesus seems to want to keep his tru identity as the Son of God/God Incarnate a secret. I this chapter we see this at least three times: twice with unclean spirits being told to keep silent because they know who Jesus is, and once when Jesus heals a leper. Here's an example:

Mark 1:21-28 NIV

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!" "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him." News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

This is interesting, and if I remember correctly, even the wisest of biblical scholars puzzle a little at this 'secretiveness.' After all, Jesus goes around teaching and performing miracles as a public witness of his identity as the revelation of God. And, he sends out disciples to proclaim the good news. And, Mark's account begins saying this book is the good news of Jesus - showing who he is and what he means for the world. So why does Jesus silent the unclean spirits and tell the healed leper to tell no one?

I don't know. But what if part of it is that, while bringing healing and wholeness is an essential part of the character of God revealed in Jesus, he wants to avoid compelling people to believe in him because of some sort of emotional manipulation? He wants them (and us) to see the truth of his life and teaching and believe because of them, not miracles and signs and things that let ourr emotions lead.

What do you think?

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