Why not tell?

[Bill Yates]

Why in Mathew, Mark, and Luke does Jesus teach the disciples of his death and resurrection; and then instructs them not to tell others?
This is seen when:
1. Peter confesses Jesus as Christ (Matt 16:14-20, Mark 8:27-30, and Luke 9:18-20).
2. Jesus foretells of his death (Matt 17:22-23, Mark 9:30-32, and Luke 9:44-45).
3. Jesus' Transfiguration (Matt 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36).

[Mike Miller]

This question concerns what is commonly called the "messianic secret motif," and it is a puzzling one. I think Craig Blomberg explains it best like this:

"Christ's mission can be fully understood only after he has completed his ministry of suffering and has subsequently been vindicated. The glimpse of his glory revealed by his transfiguration, like the glimpses given by his other miracles, which generated commands to silence, may not be allowed to hinder his journey to death."

In other words, Jesus was on a mission that must take Him to the cross. If too much got out, then perhaps there would have been those who would have tried to prevent it from happening. Remember when Peter tried to get in his way in Matthew 16? He responded, "Get behind me, Satan!" This was part of His way of making sure that His mission was carried out.