Mark 8:26
Jesus does this same thing on many occasions, telling the one who has been healed not to tell anyone in town. Jesus does this, as we have seen before, for several reasons. People in this region were having difficulty believing. And, miracles are easy to misunderstand, misconstrue, and misrepresent. The crowd would capture and modify the story many times over.
Even more than this, Jesus likes for teaching to go along with miracles. It was much more effective for him to do miracles for those who understood more of the truth, rather than those who understood less. Remember, his goal was spiritual sight.
The final reason is in connection with Jesus’ desire concerning his public image. He wanted to control what miracles were seen as public, and what miracles were not. He wanted to fashion the truth that reached the masses. He wanted people to understand they needed to believe in him on the basis of who he was by looking at the prophets and the law, not just on the basis of his miracles. And why is this? Jesus knew that knowing him as a miracle worker might bring someone to physical healing. But, knowing him as the Messiah of Israel would bring someone to spiritual healing.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy to us. You understand how we think, and what we need as a result. Very often we think we know what needs to happen, or how we need to be helped. And yet, all along, you know what is best. We can always depend upon you to have our best interest at heart. Your faithfulness is absolute, and your love is unconditional! I will praise your name forever, your care for me is amazing! I love you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.