Final answer:
Jesus told people not to share about their healings to focus on his spiritual mission, avoid becoming known solely as a miracle-worker, and to manage the political implications of his work.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Did Jesus Tell People Not to Share About Their Healings?
There are several reasons why Jesus might have instructed some people not to disclose their healings. One motive can be associated with the concept that Jesus's primary mission was spiritual rather than physical. Jesus's mission was to spread the message of God's kingdom and to call sinners to repentance, as emphasized in scriptures like Mark 2:17, where He states, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough.” Proclaiming his power to heal physical ailments might have detracted from this more significant message.
Moreover, if word spread too rapidly about the physical healings, it could have led to a misunderstanding of Jesus's role as a healer, with people seeking him out for physical healing alone rather than spiritual salvation. Additionally, Jesus often prioritized teaching and establishing a deep connection with people, as seen when he dined with tax collectors and sinners. This was in line with his aim of profound societal and spiritual reform, which could be overshadowed by fame as a mere miracle-worker.
Another reason might be related to the political atmosphere of the time. Public knowledge of these miracles could have drawn unwanted attention from the authorities, which might hinder Jesus's ability to teach and travel freely. Keeping some miracles discreet allowed for a more controlled spread of his teachings and message.