God Is Truth
What did Jesus mean when He said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes” (Matthew 11:25). Here, Jesus presented the religious leaders of Israel as “the wise and prudent.” For they had the most opportunity to learn of the mission of the Messiah on the Old Testament books and then compared it to the ministry of Jesus (Matthew 11:20-24).
Because of their knowledge in the Scriptures, they had more advantage than the common people to see that He was the One whom the Scriptures spoke of (Matthew 2:4–6). It was for their benefit that Jesus spent the early part of His ministry in the area of Judea that they may see firsthand how His work was a direct fulfillment to prophecies (Matthew 4:12). For Christ’s “mighty works” (Matthew 11: 21, 23), presented a most convincing proof of the legitimacy of His message (John 5:36; 10:38; 14:11).
But the religious leaders made the decision to reject the truth that was first revealed to them (Hosea 4:6). So more revelation was not given to them (Mark 4:25). Even though God was more than gracious to them, they refused His light and desired a worldly Savior that would save them from the Romans and not from sin (John 8:44).
Therefore “these things” were hidden from the religious leaders, who didn’t wish to see them and revealed to the simple and pure in heart who were willing to know the truth. The Lord, who is truth, never forces His truth upon people that don’t want them (Matthew 7:6). The Bible tells us that God doesn’t use force. He says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).
The blind religious leaders considered Christ’s disciples who were mostly fishermen and farmers as “babes” in the law of God for they never attended their schools (Acts 4:13). But these unlearned individuals showed a higher degree of wisdom in realizing that Christ was indeed the Messiah who was “sent” from God to save fallen humanity (John 4:34).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
