Why does Jesus thank the Father for revealing truths to "little children"? Scripture Focus “At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.” (Matthew 11:25-26) Setting the Scene • Jesus speaks after denouncing unrepentant Galilean towns (vv. 20-24). • Despite widespread unbelief, a remnant—“little children”—receives divine revelation. • Christ’s thanksgiving centers on the Father’s sovereign choice and joyful purpose. Who Are the “Little Children”? • Not merely chronological age; the Greek term (nēpios) can also describe dependence. • People conscious of need, approaching God in humility and trust. • Contrasted with “wise and learned”—self-reliant religious elites blind to Messiah’s identity. What Truths Are Being Revealed? • The identity of Jesus as the promised Messiah (cf. John 5:39-40). • The nature of the kingdom: grace-based, not works-based (Matthew 11:28-30). • God’s character as Father—approachable, loving, sovereign (John 17:6-8). Why Does the Father Reveal to the Humble? • Displays divine sovereignty—He “has mercy on whom He wills” (Romans 9:15-16). • Magnifies grace—no human wisdom can claim credit (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Upholds a consistent biblical pattern: ▪ “Out of the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise” (Psalm 8:2). ▪ “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • Highlights the heart posture God esteems: “To this one will I look, to the humble and contrite in spirit” (Isaiah 66:2). Heart Posture Over Head Knowledge • Knowledge is valuable (Proverbs 2:6) yet must be joined with humility (James 4:6). • Pride blinds; humility opens eyes. The Pharisees knew Scripture but missed Christ (John 9:39-41). • Childlike faith is not childish; it is a confident reliance on the Father’s character (Hebrews 11:6). Examples Across Scripture • Samuel: Hearing God as a boy while priests were dull (1 Samuel 3). • David: Chosen over older brothers because of heart, not stature (1 Samuel 16:7). • Mary: A young maiden believing the angel’s word (Luke 1:38). • Early disciples: Fishermen discerning what scholars missed (Acts 4:13). Implications for Us Today • Seek humility daily—confess dependence, resist self-sufficiency (1 Peter 5:5-6). • Prioritize relational trust over mere accumulation of facts. • Expect the Spirit to illuminate Scripture for the teachable (John 14:26). • Welcome all believers—age, education, background do not limit God’s revealing work. • Celebrate God’s wisdom in upending human expectations; give thanks as Jesus did. Walking in Childlike Faith • Approach Scripture ready to obey, not merely analyze. • Pray for a soft heart that delights in the Father’s revelations. • Rest in Christ’s invitation: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). God’s kingdom advances through those who gladly admit, like children, that they need their Father—and He is pleased to make Himself known to them. |
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