The Messianic Secret and Jesus's Divine and Human Natures

Introduction to the Messianic Secret

The Messianic Secret is an expression that refers to the gospel motif found in Mark, wherein Jesus issues commands at various times—whether to demons or to his disciples—that they should keep his divinity secret. This motif may also serve as a theme of the larger gospel message as a whole, established in the lines spoken by Jesus to his mother: "But woman, it is not yet my time," at the wedding feast at Cana. Because Jesus's mission was to "lay down his life for his sheep," he knew that those who opposed him would seek his life. Yet he also committed himself to a public ministry, in which he taught and healed, and, according to Mark, did so with a desire that his fame not be spread by words or gossip.

In one sense, this was a lesson in allowing one's actions to speak for oneself—as Jesus teaches again in his silence before Pilate. However, his commands "to tell no one" are also a sign of authority over both spirits and followers, as well as a sign of humility: earthly fame is not what Jesus's mission is about. This paper will discuss the aspect of the Messianic Secret and how the terms "Son of God" and "Son of Man" relate to this expression.

Mark's Gospel and the Gentile Audience

Mark's particular telling of the Christ event is oriented to a specific audience with specific needs. As Raymond E. Brown notes, the "secret about the Messiah was an important factor in Mark." As Mark's gospel was directed toward gentiles, its focus on the divinity of Jesus was primary, and to this end Mark explores the ways in which the Messiah demonstrated his divinity through miracles and authority over spirits. The command for secrecy corroborates with the overall air of mystery associated with the Redeemer's mission: born of noble lineage but of obscure origins, raised in secrecy out of the public eye after a tremendous homage made by three foreign "kings" or "wise men," and the indirect cause of a slaughter of innocents after his birth—all these events speak to a degree of prudence and caution in the life of the Messiah.

If Jesus commands his followers and the spirits who know him to be silent on his account, it is quite possible that he does so in a spirit of prudence, fearing that there may be repercussions for his disciples should too many people begin talking. Indeed, once Jesus's popularity increases, the high priests become as jealously enraged as the evil king who killed the innocent babies—so this caution is not unjustified. Likewise, because Jesus's disciples were humble and often not very strong in faith, this caution may have served as further protection for them. After all, Peter, who showed great faith in Jesus, rejected him upon his arrest: with this in mind, it is no wonder that Jesus commanded them to keep his works quiet.