New Testament
Luke 9:21
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Jesus strictly warned them not to tell anyone this.
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And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;
What Luke 9:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is instructing his disciples not to share information about his true identity as the Messiah. This command reflects his desire to control the timing and manner of his revelation to the public. At this point in his ministry, Jesus is focused on teaching and preparing his disciples for what is to come, rather than seeking fame or popularity. By keeping his identity a secret, he aims to avoid misunderstandings about his mission and to fulfill God's plan in his own time. This moment highlights the importance of discretion and timing in sharing significant truths, especially in a world where misunderstandings can lead to misinterpretations of one's purpose. Jesus' warning serves as a reminder that sometimes, the truth must be revealed gradually and thoughtfully, rather than all at once, to ensure it is understood correctly.
How to apply Luke 9:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to be mindful of when and how we share important truths. Sometimes, it is wise to wait for the right moment to reveal information, especially if it could be misunderstood. We should seek guidance in our communication, ensuring that our words align with God's timing and purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Peter's Confession (Luke 9:18–21)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 9:21
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Why did Jesus tell his disciples not to reveal his identity?
Jesus instructed his disciples not to share his identity as the Messiah to control the timing and manner of his public revelation. He wanted to avoid misunderstandings about his mission and to fulfill God's plan in his own time. This command reflects the importance of discretion in sharing significant truths.
What does Luke 9:21 teach us about timing in communication?
Luke 9:21 emphasizes the importance of timing when sharing important information. Just as Jesus chose to reveal his identity gradually, we too should consider the right moment to disclose truths, especially if they could be misunderstood. This verse encourages us to seek guidance in our communication.
How does this verse relate to the theme of preparation in Jesus' ministry?
This verse highlights Jesus' focus on preparing his disciples for future challenges rather than seeking immediate fame. By keeping his identity a secret, he aimed to equip them with the understanding needed for their mission ahead, illustrating the significance of preparation in fulfilling one's purpose.
What can we learn about discretion from Luke 9:21?
Luke 9:21 teaches us that discretion is crucial when sharing sensitive information. Jesus' command to his disciples serves as a reminder that sometimes, withholding information until the right time can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the truth is communicated effectively.
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