Then Jesus commanded his disciples to tell no one that he himself is the Christ.
Jesus commands the disciples not to disclose his messianic identity, because the people’s understanding of the Christ was still misleading, tied to expectations of a political and earthly deliverer. He did not want his mission to be distorted, or for people to try to make him king in the way they imagined (for example, John 6:15). Jesus waited for people to understand truly who he is through his death, resurrection, and the fulfillment of the whole gospel. This command of silence is called the “messianic secret” and testifies to Jesus’ wisdom and his deep skill in governing timing.