What was the purpose of Jesus' admonition to "tell no man" about a healing (see Matt. 8:4; Mark 8:26, 30; Luke 5:14 and 8:56)? And a corollary, perhaps: "Tell the vision to no man" (Matt. 17:9; Mark 9:9)?
A1 It's no wonder Jesus' patients wanted to spread the news quickly—and often did—despite his instruction otherwise. Who could blame them for exulting in their freedom from leprosy, blindness, even the deathbed? The problem was, they didn't understand the spiritual basis of their healings. Further, they mistook the person of Jesus, rather than the Christ he exemplified, as the healing and saving power.
And so Jesus gained unwanted celebrity, which, typically, spawned a love-hate relationship with the public. For example, despite his declaration that "none is good, save one, that is, God" (Luke 18:19), Jesus found himself thronged by adoring, desperate crowds. Their persistent entreaties encroached upon his time to teach his disciples, preach and heal in other locations, and privately commune with his heavenly Father.
