09/28/2024
Matthew 11:25 Explained:
"At that time Jesus said, 'I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.'" (NASB 1995)
This verse is part of a prayer where Jesus expresses gratitude to God the Father for how He reveals spiritual truth. Jesus acknowledges God's wisdom in choosing to reveal His truths to the humble and childlike, rather than to those who consider themselves wise and learned in worldly terms.
Key Points:
"The wise and intelligent":
In this context, the "wise and intelligent" refers to those who are prideful in their own knowledge and understanding—especially religious leaders or people who think their intellect makes them superior.
These individuals often rejected Jesus because His message didn't align with their expectations or understanding.
Their reliance on their own wisdom or social standing made them spiritually blind to the truths of the Kingdom of God.
“Revealed them to infants":
"Infants" here symbolizes those who are humble, dependent, and willing to receive God’s truth with a simple, childlike faith. It doesn’t mean literal infants, but people who are spiritually open, teachable, and not puffed up with pride.
Jesus is emphasizing that God reveals Himself to those who are humble and trusting, rather than to those who pride themselves on human wisdom.
The Paradox of Revelation:
The message of the Gospel is often a paradox. Those who think they know everything miss it, while those who approach God with humility and simplicity are the ones who truly understand.
Be poor in spirit
Jesus is praising God for the way He operates in His divine wisdom—choosing to reveal spiritual truths not to the self-reliant or intellectually proud, but to those who approach Him with openness and humility.
Application:
Humility over pride: This verse challenges us to come to God with humility, acknowledging that human wisdom is limited. We must recognize that true spiritual understanding comes from God, not from intellectual achievement.
God’s gracious revelation: It reminds us that knowing God is a gift of grace. No matter how much knowledge or power one may have in the world, it’s only through God's revelation that we can truly know Him and His ways.
Ultimately, Matthew 11:25 emphasizes that spiritual insight comes through a heart of humility and faith, not through worldly wisdom or self-reliance. Jesus is thanking God for this principle and inviting us to adopt a childlike, trusting posture before God.
Thank you Jesus for your grace 🙏 for we know not what we do Lord.
GOD gave us this gift. We will use it. Psalms 82:6
