-January 14, 2023-
Good morning, happy Saturday,
“At that time Jesus answered and 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).
The verse today is a glimpse into the prayer life of Jesus, the Son of God. He addresses the Father to thank Him for hiding the truth from the wise and prudent of this world and revealing it to babes. What does He mean by this? Is He saying that the truth of the gospel excludes certain people? Absolutely not! However He is referring to the Jews who thought they were smarter, wiser, more knowledgeable, and better than others. The chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees certainly fit that mold. Jesus came that the blind may see, and those who see may become blind.
Jesus’ message resonated among the common man. This is why He came to save sinners. The tax collectors, prostitutes, infirm, poor, and needy all flocked to Him. They were the ones who saw their need of the Savior. Those who were despised by the Jews loved to hear Him. Often, the wise of this world think so highly of themselves and look down on others. Not many of us were among the wise and prudent of this world.
We are the babes that came to Him for salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life. The term babes is used in the NT refers to newly born believers. When we think of babes, we think of innocence, dependence, and simplicity. We are children of God. We come to Him in simple, childlike faith. It is wonderful that God revealed His truth to those whom the world considers inferior. Bible commentator Bill MacDonald wrote, “If the intelligentsia will not believe, then God will reveal Him to humble hearts. He fills the hungry with good things and sends the rich away empty Luke 1:53). Those who consider themselves too wise and understanding to need Christ become afflicted with judicial blindness. But those who admit their lack of wisdom receive a revelation of Him ‘in whom are hidden all the treasures of wise and knowledge’ (Colossians 2:3).
We should be so thankful that we know the truth about God, and what is really important in life. We know where we came from and where we are going to. There is nothing wrong with knowledge as long as it comes from God and benefits us. As babes in Christ we then grow by the milk of God’s Word to maturity in Christ. As we do we should never lose that childlike faith and trust in the Lord. There is a beautiful expression that says, “Wisemen still seek Him.”
May the Lord teach us and reveal Himself to us more and more. We come to Him empty of sin and self and He fills fill us with Himself, with the power of the Holy Spirit, and grants us His wisdom. Have a blessed day. Stay safe and healthy.
Thankful for being a child of God,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 