Matthew 11:25-27
‘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. 26Yes, Father, for this way was well pleasing in Your sight. 27All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son determines to reveal Him”‘
These verses remind me of the time Jesus said, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:23). This always puzzled me. I’ve since learned that God’s message is so valuable, it won’t be grasped unless someone asks in humility. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”
This is a close cousin to this fact in Matthew 7:6, “do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces”. In a general sense don’t offer something to a person who doesn’t want it. They won’t value it. More specifically don’t give the gospel to one who doesn’t want it. God values His ways and His work. We are to share it with those who want it. We can put out teasers to pique their curiosity, but not the whole message.
In today’s passage Jesus is thanking God for not opening the minds of the wise and intelligent. There is nothing wrong with having those traits, but He is implying arrogance. Those that think they are better. The pharisees come to mind. In our day, it’s the elites, many professors and the powerful. If any came to God, He would show them the way, but Jesus is speaking about those who are quite self satisfied. These go to the point that they attempt to humiliate the godly and the ways of God.
Isn’t this being unfair to those? God still attempts to reach everyone. Isaiah 65:2 says, “All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people who walk in the wrong path, who follow their own imaginations.” He reaches out to all and speaks to everyone. His attempts aren’t preceded by a trumpet blast with a voice saying, “This is a message from God is coming.” It comes as a still small voice which we aren’t aware it’s from Him. We either accept it or reject it. In that moment we are accepting Him or rejecting Him. He’ll try again another time.
I was in a low spot when God came to me. I went forward at a christian concert. I had no clue what I was doing. I knew no christians. In my mind the challenge was, “If you’re with God come up”. He had my attention. For the next eight months my mind was God captivated. I would talk of Him often. I began to watch christian tv. My mom and I were on this same track. My brother joined us. I met a seminary student who began to have weekly bible studies with me. I eventually joined Calvary Chapel and got a consistent infusion with the Word.
Well into my christian walk I began to learn how humble God was and how He wants the same of me. It was shocking. God wasn’t interested in being popular. Jesus was born in a poor town whose audience were poor shepherds. He was raised in an undesirable area. He wasn’t a good looking guy (Isaiah 53:2). All of those things aren’t important.
He teaches us humility by not seeking the best seat, our way first, to seek revenge, and so on. I’ve since learned to love it. Jesus never sought to attract attention. We don’t have to worry about anything. If God wants us to be respected and liked, He will do it. Proverbs 16:7 says, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.” We are to seek Him first, all the rest will be added unto us.
Thank You, Lord, for Your humble way. You take care of everything for us. Thank You.