Matthew 12:17

"and commanded them that they should not make him known,"

Key Reflection

In Matthew 12:17, Jesus' command to keep his identity hidden from the public was a strategic move in the larger narrative of his mission. This verse reflects both the immediate secrecy required for certain actions and teachings (likely due to opposition or misunderstanding) and foreshadows his ultimate revelation as the Messiah through his crucifixion and resurrection. The cultural context underscores that Jesus' identity as the Son of God was not to be publicly proclaimed until the appointed time, aligning with the divine plan and preserving the authenticity of his ministry.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 17. That it might be fulfilled, etc. Matthew here quotes a passage from Isa 43:1-4, to show the reason why he thus retired from his enemies, and sought concealment. The Jews, and the disciples also, at first, expected that the Messiah would be a conqueror, and vindicate himself from all his enemies. When they saw him retiring before them, and instead of subduing them by force, seeking a place of concealment, it was contrary to all their previous notions of the Messiah. Matthew, by this quotation, shows that their conceptions of him had been wrong. Instead of a warrior and an earthly conqueror, he was predicted under a totally different character.

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