Matthew 16:20
French (La Bible expliquée)
Puis Jésus ordonna sévèrement à ses disciples de ne dire à personne qu'il était le Messie. Au nom des autres disciples, Pierre reconnaît, en contraste avec les opinions du peuple, que Jésus est le Messie espéré, le Fils de Dieu. En contrepartie, Jésus déclare le bonheur de Pierre, à qui le Père a révélé cette vérité. En conséquence de la foi proclamée par Pierre, Jésus annonce la mission qu'il attribuera à son disciple dans l'Église qu'il bâtira. Jésus joue en quelque sorte sur le nom de Pierre (Kèpha, « rocher », en araméen ou Petros, en grec), pour évoquer son rôle dans l'Église. L'assemblée de ceux qui croiront trouvera dans ce rocher solidité et permanence. Pierre et les autres disciples (18.18) auront l'autorité et la responsabilité de poursuivre la mission du Christ et d'agir en son nom. Deux symboles illustrent cette autorité et cette responsabilité: l'image des clés du Royaume de Dieu et celle du pouvoir d'exclure et d'accueillir. Jésus enjoint sévèrement à ses disciples, comme souvent ailleurs, de ne pas divulguer le mystère de sa personne, car le peuple tenterait d'amener le Christ vers une mission d'ordre nationaliste et violent.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Jesus instructs his disciples not to tell anyone that he is the Messiah. He wants them to keep it a secret for now. The key message here is about discretion and timing in sharing important truths.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a super cool toy that nobody else has seen. Your friend tells you not to show it off just yet because there's an even bigger surprise coming soon. Jesus is like your friend, asking his friends to keep quiet for now until the right time comes.
Historical Background
Matthew wrote this gospel in the late first century AD, addressing a primarily Jewish-Christian audience. The cultural setting was one where revealing too much about the Messiah might have led to misunderstandings or even danger from those who opposed Jesus’ message and mission.
Living It Out Today
Today, we can apply this by considering how we share important news. For example, you might not want to announce your new job before it's official; there are times when waiting is wise for the sake of others' perceptions or safety.
Topics
discipleshipconfidentialitysalvationJesus as Messiahdiscretionfaith
Related Verses
Mark 8:29-30Luke 9:18-21John 7:1-10Acts 1:6-8Matthew 10:26-33
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jesus want his disciples to keep it a secret?
Jesus wanted to avoid premature misunderstandings or dangers that could arise from people expecting an immediate political deliverance, rather than the spiritual salvation he came to offer.
Does this mean we should never speak about our faith openly?
No, this verse teaches about timing and discretion. It's not about hiding the truth forever but understanding when it’s best to share specific aspects of one’s beliefs or experiences.
What can we learn from Jesus' request for secrecy here?
We learn the importance of discernment and wisdom in communication, especially when sharing significant truths that could impact others’ lives positively or negatively depending on the timing.
How does this verse relate to modern discipleship?
Modern discipleship also involves listening carefully to God's guidance about what to share and when. It teaches us to balance our witness with understanding and respect for others' readiness to hear the message.