S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The Messianic Secret is a theme of biblical criticism developed in 1901 by a German Lutheran theologian named Wilhelm Wrede. The Messianic Secret involves Wrede's explanation for Jesus wanting to h...

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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Shirley H. Supporter prayer warrior

Early in Jesus' ministry, He was not prepared to reveal His identity. In Mark chapter 1, we have two instances of Jesus saying, "Quiet! Do not speak of this." Verses 21-28 We have the cure of the demoniac in the synagogue in Capernaum. The unclean spirit was commanded to be silent at the recognition of Jesus. 

Mark 1:29-34, Simon's mother -in -law is cured and others who were sick were brought to Jesus. Some were possessed by devils. Jesus would not allow them to speak, either! 

In Mark 1:40-45 Jesus cures a man suffering with a skin condition. Jesus helps him and bids him to tell no one. Jesus needed more time to work before He proclaimed His identity. He denies Jesus' request and Jesus becomes plagued by swarms of people.

In Mark chapter 3:7-12, Jesus and His disciples withdrew from the crowds. Many however, followed them. He had cured so many, He needed to leave to avoid being hurt by the crowds. Unclean spirits would fall down and shout at Him, "You are The Son of God!" Jesus warned them not to reveal His secret. 


Again if we look at Acts chapter 1:7, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." It sounds like Jesus knows more than He is telling.

God reveals things in His time. Deuteronomy 29:29, "The secret things belong unto the Lord Our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, That we may do all the words of this law."

Obviously God keeps secrets. I am sure Jesus did too. 

I believe this is the Messianic secret. Jesus was not ready to say straight out, "l Am!"

May 22 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the Messianic secret?

The Messianic Secret is a literary motif, primarily in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus repeatedly tells people (disciples, demons, healed individuals) to keep his identity as the Messiah a secret, even after miracles, creating a puzzle for readers about why his true nature isn't openly proclaimed. Coined by scholar William Wrede, it suggests that Jesus's concealed identity contrasts with Jewish expectations of a conquering Messiah, highlighting his role as a Suffering Servant; however, some scholars debate whether it's a historical fact or a literary device by Mark to explain the slow realisation of Jesus's identity. 

Aspects of the Messianic Secret:

1: Commands for Silence: After healing or influential acts, Jesus often says, "See that you say nothing to anyone," or similar phrases, to those who recognise him.

2: ** Demons Know Him**: Even demonic spirits recognise and proclaim Jesus as the Son of God, but he silences them.

3: ** Disciples' Confusion**: The disciples struggle to understand Jesus's identity and mission, only truly grasping it after his death and resurrection.

4: ** Parables**: Jesus often speaks in parables to obscure the whole meaning, revealing the "secret of the kingdom" only to his inner circle. 

Since "the bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying," “the sacred secret of God" must centre around Christ. (Re 19:10; Col 2:2). All "the sacred secrets" of God have to do with his Messianic Kingdom. (Mt 13:11)

In Paul's writings, he gives a full view of the revelation of the sacred secret of Christ. In Ephesians 1:9-11, he speaks of God's making known "the sacred secret" of his will. He says: "It is according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself for an administration at the full limit of the appointed times, namely, to gather all things together again in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth. Yes, in him, in union with whom we were also assigned as heirs, in that we were foreordained according to the purpose of him who operates all things according to the way his will counsels." This "sacred secret" involves a government, the Messianic Kingdom of God.

The focus of the Messianic prophecies is a "sacred secret" with many facets of universal importance. (Col. 1:26, 27; Gen. 3:15). Included in that secret was the judgment against Satan, the Devil, "the original serpent," who plunged humankind into sin and death. (Rev. 12:9) How would that judgment be executed? Jehovah foretold that a "seed" to be produced by a "woman" would bruise Satan in the head. The foretold "seed" would crush the serpent's head, eliminating the cause of rebellion, sickness, and death. However, by God's permission, Satan would first inflict a symbolic heel wound on the woman's "seed."

The "sacred secret" centres around Christ and the Messianic Kingdom. Paul mentioned "the things in the heavens," referring to those who will share in Kingdom rulership with Christ. These will be instrumental in bringing untold blessings to all the "things upon the earth," those who will enjoy an everlasting paradise here. You can see how appropriate it was, then, for Paul to refer to "the glorious riches of this sacred secret."​—Colossians 1:20, 27.

7 hours ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report