Matthew 12:15-21

Matthew 12:15-21
Being aware that the Pharisees were plotting to kill Him, Jesus departed from that area. However, He healed many who followed Him. What is interesting is Jesus’ command to those He healed. He commanded them to not make Him known. This command is repeated numerous times throughout Jesus’ ministry. Mark’s account gives us a clue to one of the reasons for the command. Jesus had charged a leper to refrain from spreading the story of his healing. The leper published the news anyway and the result was that the crowds became so large that Jesus could no longer enter the cities (Mark 1:45).
In this text, Matthew offers another reason. Jesus was following a pattern that was prophesied of Him in Isaiah 42, one of the great messianic chapters of the Old Testament. The prophecy was that the Messiah would not cry out in the streets. This characteristic would be in marked contrast to false prophets who would attempt to promote themselves in order to attract followers. Further, Jesus did not want those He healed to simply create a “jump-on-the-bandwagon” effect when it came to His followers. Followers of Jesus must learn about Him and the Father in order to be properly drawn to Him (Jn. 1:44-45). Jesus is not interested in those who follow Him just because the populace does so.Here then is our lesson. America is filled with churches. In many communities going to church is the popular thing to do. It may give one advantages in business and a good standing in the city. But that motive will not impress the Lord. Too many are Christians only because of the opportunities it provides them and not because they desire to honor and glorify the Lord. We need to remember the Lord’s admonition: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father” (Mt. 7:21).
Berry Kercheville