Definition: And charged them that they should not make him known:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very important verse from Matthew 12:16. It's a key part of understanding Jesus’ teachings about revealing God’s will. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is telling his followers that they shouldn't publicly announce or spread the word about him. He’s saying it’s important to keep this secret for a reason. Let’s unpack it further: “Charged them” : This suggests Jesus is addressing a group of people – likely his disciples – and giving them a specific instruction. “…that they should not make him known…” : This is the main point. He's saying that they shouldn’t reveal or share his story, his teachings, or his identity. Why is this important? Historically, Jesus was a very public figure – he traveled widely, taught openly, and even faced persecution. Jesus wanted to protect himself and his followers from being exploited or misunderstood. It's like when you don’t want everyone knowing your business. What does this tell us about Jesus? He valued privacy: Jesus was careful not to reveal his divine nature or his plans for the future. He wanted to be protected: He likely felt that revealing himself too openly would make him vulnerable to those who might seek to control him or use him for their own purposes. It’s a principle of trust: This verse is often interpreted as a reminder that trusting God and believing in him should be done with discretion and humility. In short, Jesus wants us to respect his privacy and not share his story without his permission. --- Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like me to: Give you a little background on the context of this verse in Matthew 12? Explain what "secret" might mean in this context?