Matthew 9:31
But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Matthew 9:31
But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Despite Jesus' explicit instruction for secrecy, these men immediately shared their healing experience. Their eagerness to proclaim Jesus' power, even in disobedience, reveals a deep gratitude and an unstoppable urge to spread the good news they had personally encountered.
After Jesus healed two blind men who had followed him calling him "Son of David," he told them to keep it quiet, but they immediately went out and spread his fame throughout the region anyway. This happened just before Jesus encountered a man possessed by a demon who was also unable to speak, further demonstrating Jesus' power and leading to wonder from the crowds and accusations from the Pharisees.
You've just experienced something incredible – a miracle! What's your first instinct? For these men, it was to tell everyone. But Jesus had a different plan.
Jesus often commanded those he healed to keep quiet about their miracles. This might seem strange, even counterintuitive. Why would he want to hide his amazing work?
A Quiet Ministry
Jesus's primary mission wasn't to gain fame through public spectacles. He was focused on fulfilling his redemptive purpose. Sometimes, he wanted to avoid the crowds that would mob him, distracting from his deeper work. Other times, he wanted to prevent a premature, political understanding of his Messiahship. The healed were asked to keep quiet, not because the miracle wasn't real or important, but because their obedience was more valuable than their excitement.
The Heart of the Matter
While the men's desire to spread the news came from a place of genuine gratitude and awe, it was still disobedience. As commentators note, our zeal and feelings, while potentially good, must be submitted to Christ's will. Our actions should be guided by his commands, not just our emotions.
These men believed Jesus could heal them, and their faith was rewarded. But what happens when our faith prompts us to act before we fully understand or obey?
The miracle Jesus performed on these two blind men was directly tied to their faith. Jesus asked them, 'Do you believe that I am able to do this?' and their affirmation, 'Yes, Lord,' was met with, 'According to your faith be it unto you.' Their faith was genuine and powerful, leading to an incredible healing.
The Conflict of Zeal
However, immediately after receiving their sight, they disregarded Jesus's instruction to keep it quiet. Their overwhelming joy and gratitude naturally led them to proclaim what had happened. This reveals a common human tendency: when we experience God's goodness, our immediate reaction is to share it, sometimes without considering the specific instructions or timing God might have for that sharing.
Understand the original words
phēmē · Greek Noun
An internal or external manifestation of supernatural power or authority; in the Gospels, it frequently refers to the reputation of Jesus spreading due to His miraculous works.
This passage describes a similar situation where a healed leper, despite Jesus' instruction to tell no one, went out and spread the news widely, mirroring the actions of the men in Matthew 9:31.
Luke 5:15-16After Jesus healed many, he would often withdraw to desolate places to pray. This highlights Jesus' desire to avoid notoriety and focus on communion with the Father, a stark contrast to the public's enthusiastic spreading of his fame.
Isaiah 53:3This prophecy foretells that the Suffering Servant would be 'despised and rejected by mankind.' The crowds' eagerness for Jesus' miracles, while seeming positive, often overlooked his deeper mission and divine identity, leading to His eventual rejection.
1 Samuel 15:22The prophet Samuel tells King Saul that 'to obey is better than sacrifice.' This principle applies here, as the healed men's desire to spread Jesus' fame, though perhaps well-intentioned, ultimately disobeyed his direct command.
barnesMatthew 9:31: "But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country."
But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame - The report of what he had done. This was not unnatural for them. They were so filled with joy that they could not repress their feelings. In this, however, they violated the express command of the Saviour; but he was not responsible for that.
pulpitMatthew 9:31: "But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country."
Verse 31. - But they, when they were departed; but they went forth and (Revised Version). The very moment that they left the house (cf, ver. 32) they disobeyed him. Observe that the phrases used in this verso are possibly due to a reminiscence of the similar phrases found in Mark 1:45 of the leper. Spread abroad his fame in all that country; land (Revised Version); ver. 26, note.
Despite Jesus' explicit instruction for secrecy, these men immediately shared their healing experience. Their eagerness to proclaim Jesus' power, even in disobedience, reveals a deep gratitude and an unstoppable urge to spread the good news they had personally encountered.
After Jesus healed two blind men who had followed him calling him "Son of David," he told them to keep it quiet, but they immediately went out and spread his fame throughout the region anyway. This happened just before Jesus encountered a man possessed by a demon who was also unable to speak, further demonstrating Jesus' power and leading to wonder from the crowds and accusations from the Pharisees.
After Jesus healed two blind men who had followed him calling him "Son of David," he told them to keep it quiet, but they immediately went out and spread his fame throughout the region anyway. This happened just before Jesus encountered a man possessed by a demon who was also unable to speak, further demonstrating Jesus' power and leading to wonder from the crowds and accusations from the Pharisees.
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God Works Through Us
While they disobeyed the specific command, their actions did serve a purpose. As some commentaries suggest, God often uses people to share His mercy. Their testimony, though against Jesus's direct word in this instance, likely drew more people to seek him out. It highlights that even in our imperfect obedience, God can still weave His purposes, but it doesn't excuse the disobedience itself.
"But they went away and spread his fame through all that district." — Despite Jesus' explicit instruction for secrecy, these men immediately shared their healing experience. Their eagerness to proclaim Jesus' power, even in disobedience, reveals a deep gratitude and an…