Silent Witness

Today's Reading: Matthew 8-12

Then Jesus said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." Matthew 8:4 NRSV

I have often wondered why Jesus didn't want folks to spread the word about his healing ministry. It was like he wanted to keep it hush-hush. Perhaps he had enough hangers-on who were only there to get physical help but were not really willing to turn their lives around and follow him. It could have been because he really didn't want too much attention from the religious authorities before his time. Too many reports of his healings might have made him an easy target before he had accomplished his purposes. But in this verse, Jesus doesn't want the man to say anything; instead, he wants him to show what has happened.

Too often we think we are silently witnessing to God's redeeming work in the world when in reality we are just trying not to bring any attention to ourselves. We don't really feel "comfortable" spreading the Gospel in any form, so we just don't bother at all.

What Jesus is saying in this verse is to use the physical and visual proof of what Jesus has done as your testimony. This is a testimony without words but it is still a testimony.

What miracles has Jesus done for you lately? Is there are way for you to show this to others without saying a word?

God, sometimes you want us to simply allow what Jesus has done for us to speak of your love and mercy. May we be a silent testimony. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims