Matthew 12:16

Sunday, 3 August 2025

Yet He warned them not to make Him known, Matthew 12:16

“And He admonished them that not they should make Him apparent” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus was said to have withdrawn from the area where the Pharisees had plotted against Him. As He went, it was noted that multitudes followed Him and He healed them all. Matthew continues with, “And He admonished them that not they should make Him apparent.”

There is a new adjective, phaneros, apparent. It is derived from the verb phainó, to shine, which is normally translated as appeared. The meaning is that despite healing all the people, He would tell them not to disclose Him and His deeds openly.

There are probably several reasons for this. The first is based on the conduct just seen concerning the Pharisees. The time for the completion of His ministry had not yet arrived. Multitudes making Him and His works apparent would likely hasten things. Therefore, a balance was maintained as He tended to the people.

Also, being made apparent would hinder the ministry. Crowds would become so large that He would not be able to move freely.

A third closely associated reason is that, in being made apparent, a reaction from the people noted in John 6 was likely to occur anywhere and at any time –

“Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.” John 6:15

As such, Jesus determined that those He tended to should not trumpet out His works. Instead, they were to accept His healing hand with quiet gratitude.

Life application: It is not easy to do good deeds without wanting some hint of recognition for having done them. It is human nature to want to be noticed for the things we do. When we are noticed, we can then feel that the people around us have a positive view of us.

Because this is so, we need to evaluate why we do the things we do. If it is to have others see us in a positive light, then was it about the good deed to begin with? The answer may be that it was, but it is nice to have added benefits attached to what we do.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 concerning deeds are good to remember at any time and in any situation –

“But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Matthew 6:3, 4

If we really want lasting added benefit to the good things we do, we just need to do them with a heart for the Lord and in the understanding that He is aware of what we do. He knows our weaknesses, He reads our hearts, He sees our good deeds, etc.

There is no need to try to hide our failings from Him, and there is nobody else whose praise we need when we do a good deed for another. Knowing that God is aware of everything about us, we can be thankful for His mercies and grateful for the rewards He is storing up for us.

Lord God, wherever we are and whatever we do, You are with us. May we remember this and live our lives accordingly. May we do our best to refrain from wrongdoing, press on in right living, and live in faith that You are tending to us as children because of Jesus our Lord. Thank You for the minute care You have for us. Amen.