Jesus tells his disciples not to tell others he is the Messiah.

It was always explained to me that Jesus doesn't want the masses obstructing his mission by making him into a military leader, earthly king or political pawn.

But I wonder if his real concern is his own disciples?

Despite Peter's confession, they still don't grasp that "the kingdom, the power and the glory" as defined by earth's empires have nothing to do with the Reign of God, or the community Jesus intends to build as a sign of that reign.

The disciples still don't know who "I AM" is.

You can't claim to be living in the Messiah's kingdom when you're building your own empire.

You can't wield the Messiah's power when you are using power to oppress and destroy rather than heal and liberate.

You don't glorify a servant Messiah by setting up your own thrones.

I think there are still many people who claim to follow Jesus, whom Jesus would sternly order not to tell anyone about him....because they still have no idea who he is.