“He ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.” (Luke 8:56)

     Jesus performed a miraculous healing of Jairus’ daughter, yet he told him to keep this to himself.  Earlier, Jesus told the man freed from demons, “tell all that God has done for you” (Luke 8:39) We might be wondering, “what’s the difference?  Why did Jesus want people to keep his actions to themselves in some cases, and other times he told people to go out and tell them of God’s saving power?

     One of the primary reasons Jesus told people to keep his miracles to themselves was to focus attention on the true aim of his ministry. Jesus wasn’t primarily a healer; he was a redeemer. While Jesus’s miracles were an important part of his ministry, they weren’t the only reason he had come.  Jesus came to “seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10) When our sins are forgiven and we have the gift of eternal life, we have a spiritual healing that lasts forever, and we should be delighted to share God’s redeeming power.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of salvation and eternal life.  I can face today and tomorrow with confidence, knowing that you will always be with me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.