“Then he strictly ordered his disciples
to tell no one that he was the Christ.”
Odd, really. Following Peter’s confession of faith and subsequent designation as the rock on which the church would be built, receiving the authority of the keys of the kingdom, it’s as if Jesus is saying, “But whatever you do, don't tell anyone!” Why?
In Mark’s gospel, this “messianic secret” is the major organizing principle of his story: Jesus is progressively revealed in unexpected ways as the long awaited messiah until following his death on the cross, the observant centurion proclaims with the greatest understanding, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Jesus is finally and fully revealed as God’s anointed one upon the cross, no sooner.
But this is Matthew’s gospel and, even though he gives passing mention of the “secret” as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophesy, he could have left out or changed this particular detail, as he did with so many others. When something is embarrassing or inconvenient in the gospels (like Peter’s denial of Jesus), it tends to ring true. So, maybe, Matthew includes this just because it is what Jesus actually did. If so, then what was Jesus thinking?
There are a number of theories. Jesus didn't want to be hindered as he traveled. He wanted to be known for his preaching and teaching. He didn't want to have to deal with the misconceptions of what messiah meant. He didn't want to be prematurely crucified. It is hard to know for sure what was going on.
One thing that is pretty certain is that it was important. We don't often keep trivial things a secret. Whatever else his reasons, Jesus’s prohibition about sharing his identity does serve to increase the significance of Peter’s insight. It was a huge revelation with profound implications. We may look back on it and think, “Of course he’s the messiah. What’s the big deal?”
Perhaps the story is so familiar that we take it for granted. It's also possible that it just doesn't mean that much to us. Sociologists tell us that the lifestyles and characteristics of Christians in the United States aren't all that different from everyone else. That's not judgmental and we are meant to be in the world, but it does beg the question, if Jesus is the messiah, “What difference does it make for me or you?”
That may be our point of connection for today’s gospel. It's not just who do you or I say that Jesus is, although that is important. It is really whether who we say Jesus is makes any difference in our lives. Is it meaningful, significant, or important? Does it affect our relationships, time, money, or choices? Are we better persons because of it: more loving, generous, forgiving, patient, peaceful? Are we happy?
If Jesus is indeed the messiah, the Christ, the Son of God, so what? That is the question for each of us. Now, what is our answer?