Matthew 11:25
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.
At that time
This phrase indicates a specific moment in Jesus' ministry, suggesting a transition or a significant event. The context here is Jesus' response to the rejection of His message by certain cities. Historically, this period was marked by growing opposition to Jesus, yet also by His continued revelation of divine truths. The phrase underscores the divine timing in Jesus' actions and teachings, reminding us that God's plans unfold in His perfect timing.

Jesus declared
The Greek word for "declared" is "ἀποκρίνομαι" (apokrinomai), which can also mean "answered" or "responded." This suggests that Jesus' words are a response to the situation at hand, possibly addressing both His disciples and the broader audience. It emphasizes the authority and intentionality behind His words, as He reveals profound spiritual truths.

I praise You, Father
The term "praise" here is "ἐξομολογέω" (exomologeō), which means to confess or acknowledge openly. Jesus is openly acknowledging and glorifying God the Father. This expression of praise highlights the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father, serving as a model for believers to maintain a heart of gratitude and worship, even amidst challenges.

Lord of heaven and earth
This title for God emphasizes His sovereignty and authority over all creation. It reflects the Jewish understanding of God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. By using this title, Jesus acknowledges God's ultimate control and power, reinforcing the belief that God's wisdom and plans are beyond human understanding.

because You have hidden these things
The "things" referred to are the truths of the Kingdom of God. The Greek word "κρύπτω" (kryptō) means to conceal or keep secret. This suggests that divine truths are not accessible through human wisdom or effort but are revealed by God according to His will. It challenges believers to seek understanding through faith and reliance on God.

from the wise and learned
The "wise and learned" refers to those who rely on human wisdom and intellectual pride. In the historical context, this could include the religious leaders and scholars who rejected Jesus. This phrase serves as a warning against self-reliance and pride, reminding believers that true wisdom comes from God.

and revealed them to little children
The Greek word for "revealed" is "ἀποκαλύπτω" (apokalyptō), meaning to uncover or disclose. "Little children" symbolizes those who are humble, dependent, and open-hearted. This phrase highlights the value of humility and childlike faith in receiving divine revelation. It encourages believers to approach God with simplicity and trust, recognizing that spiritual truths are accessible to those who are humble in spirit.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is the Son of God, who is offering praise to His Father. His role is both as a teacher and a revealer of divine truths.

2. Father
Refers to God the Father, the Lord of heaven and earth, who is sovereign over all creation and the one to whom Jesus directs His praise.

3. Wise and Learned
Represents those who rely on human wisdom and understanding, often associated with the religious leaders and scholars of the time who were unable to grasp the spiritual truths Jesus was teaching.

4. Little Children
Symbolizes those who are humble, open, and receptive to God's revelation, regardless of their social or intellectual status.

5. Heaven and Earth
Denotes the entirety of creation, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all things.
Teaching Points
The Nature of Divine Revelation
God's truths are often hidden from those who rely solely on human wisdom and are revealed to those with a humble, childlike faith.

The Importance of Humility
True understanding of God's kingdom requires humility and openness, not intellectual pride or self-sufficiency.

God's Sovereignty in Revelation
God chooses to whom He reveals His truths, emphasizing His control and purpose in the process of revelation.

Praise as a Response to Revelation
Like Jesus, our response to understanding God's ways should be one of praise and gratitude, acknowledging His wisdom and grace.

Childlike Faith
Embrace a childlike faith that is characterized by trust, dependence, and openness to God's leading and teaching.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' praise to the Father in Matthew 11:25 challenge our understanding of who receives divine revelation?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a childlike faith in our daily walk with God?

3. How does the concept of God hiding truths from the "wise and learned" apply to contemporary society and its values?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced a revelation or insight from God. How did humility play a role in that experience?

5. How can we ensure that our pursuit of knowledge and wisdom does not become a barrier to receiving God's truths?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
This passage discusses how God uses what is considered foolish by the world to shame the wise, aligning with the theme of God revealing truths to the humble rather than the self-reliant.

James 4:6
This verse highlights the principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, reinforcing the idea that humility is key to receiving divine revelation.

Psalm 8:2
This psalm speaks of God ordaining praise from the mouths of children and infants, which parallels the idea of God revealing truths to the humble and childlike.
Christ's Strange ThanksgivingAlexander MaclarenMatthew 11:25
Concealment and RevelationM. Braithwaite.Matthew 11:25
Even So, FatherC. H. SpurgeonMatthew 11:25
Hidden for Want of SightHoge.Matthew 11:25
Revelation a ConcealmentH. R. Reynolds, B. A.Matthew 11:25
Revelation Addressed to the Heart of ManF. W. Newman.Matthew 11:25
Saintliness Better than LearningCanon Adam S. Farrar.Matthew 11:25
The .Mysteries of the Gospel Hid from ManyJohn Newton.Matthew 11:25
The Divine ReserveR. Tuck Matthew 11:25
The Great ParadoxH. R. Reynolds, B. A.Matthew 11:25
The Kingdom, of God Hid from the Wise and Revealed unto BabesJ. C. Philpot.Matthew 11:25
The Proud and the LowlyThe Conregational PulpitMatthew 11:25
The Revelation to BabesW.F. Adeney Matthew 11:25
The Things of Revelation Cannot be Seen Unless ShownNewton.Matthew 11:25
Why God Reveals to BabesJ. Leckie, D. D.Matthew 11:25
The Forearming Against a Foreseen UnbeliefP.C. Barker Matthew 11:2-30
Jesus Rejected by the Wise, But Owned by Babes and the FatherMarcus Dods Matthew 11:20-30
The Knowledge of the HolyJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 11:25-30
People
Elias, Elijah, Jesus, John
Places
Bethsaida, Capernaum, Chorazin, Galilee, Sidon, Sodom, Tyre
Topics
Answering, Babes, Clear, Confess, Declared, Discernment, Exclaimed, Hast, Heartily, Heaven, Heavens, Hid, Hidden, Hide, Infants, Intelligent, Kept, Learned, Learning, O, Ones, Praise, Prudent, Reveal, Revealed, Sages, Season, Secret, Thank, Understanding, Unveiled, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 11:25

     1170   God, unity of
     4055   heaven and earth
     4287   universe
     5395   lordship, human and divine
     5652   babies
     5665   children, attitudes to
     8366   wisdom, source of

Matthew 11:25-26

     1175   God, will of
     2039   Christ, joy of
     5918   pleasure

Matthew 11:25-27

     1403   God, revelation
     1445   revelation, responses
     1511   Trinity, relationships in
     2078   Christ, sonship of
     2360   Christ, prayers of
     6708   predestination
     8135   knowing God, nature of

Library
The Friend of Publicans and Sinners
'The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children,'--MATT. xi. 19. Jesus very seldom took notice of His enemies' slanders. 'When He was reviled He reviled not again.' If ever He did, it was for the sake of those whom it harmed to distort His beauty. Thus, here He speaks, without the slightest trace of irritation, of the capricious inconsistency of condemning Himself and John
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Sodom, Capernaum, Manchester
'Then began He to upbraid the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not.' --MATT. xi. 20. These words, and the woes which they introduce, are found in another connection in Luke's Gospel. He attaches them to his report of the mission of the seventy disciples. Matthew here introduces them in an order which seems not to depend upon time, but upon identity of subject. It is his method in his Gospel to group together similar events, as we have it exemplified, for instance,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Strange Thanksgiving
'I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.' --MATT. xi. 25. When Jesus was about to cure one dumb man, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and sighed. Sorrow filled His soul in the act of working deliverance. The thought of the depth of the miseries He had come to heal, and of the ocean of them which He was then diminishing but by one poor drop, saddened Him. When Jesus thought of the woes that had
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

John's Doubts of Jesus, and Jesus' Praise of John
'Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3. And said unto Him, Art Thou He that should come, or do we look for another? 4. Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5. The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me. 7.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Rest Giver
'Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.'--MATT. xi. 28, 29. One does not know whether tenderness or majesty is predominant in these wonderful words. A divine penetration into man's true condition, and a divine pity, are expressed in them. Jesus looks with clearsighted compassion into the inmost history of all hearts, and sees the toil and the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Rest for the Weary
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. W hich shall we admire most -- the majesty, or the grace, conspicuous in this invitation? How soon would the greatest earthly monarch be impoverished, and his treasures utterly exhausted, if all, that are poor and miserable, had encouragement to apply freely to him, with a promise of relief, fully answerable to their wants and wishes! But the riches of Christ are unsearchable and inexhaustible. If millions and millions
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2.
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Yoke of Christ.
"Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."--Matt. xi. 29, 30. These words, which are brought before us in the Gospel of to-day's festival[1], are also found in the address made to us upon Ash Wednesday, in which we are told that if we "return unto Him who is the merciful Receiver of all true penitent sinners, if we will take His easy yoke and light burden upon us, to follow Him
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 2, "Now when John Heard in the Prison the Works of the Christ, He Sent by his Disciples,
1. The lesson of the Holy Gospel has set before us a question touching John the Baptist. May the Lord assist me to resolve it to you, as He hath resolved it to us. John was commended, as ye have heard, by the testimony of Christ, and in such terms commended, as that there had not risen a greater among those who were born of women. But a greater than he had been born of a Virgin. How much greater? Let the herald himself declare, how great the difference is between himself and his Judge, whose herald
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 25, "I Thank Thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, that Thou Didst Hide These Things From
1. When the Holy Gospel was being read, we heard that the Lord Jesus exulted in Spirit, and said, "I confess to Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." [2252] Thus much to begin [2253] with, we find before we pass on further, if we consider the words of the Lord with due attention, with diligence, and above all with piety, that we ought not invariably to understand when we read of "confession" in
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Again on the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 25, "I Thank Thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth," Etc.
1. We have heard the Son of God saying, "I confess to Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth." What doth he confess to Him? Wherein doth he praise Him? "Because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." [2288] Who are the "wise and prudent"? Who the "babes"? What hath He hid from the wise and prudent, and revealed unto babes? By the "wise and prudent," He signifieth those of whom St. Paul speaks; "Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Again on the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 28, "Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour and are Heavy Laden, and I Will Give You
1. It seems strange to some, Brethren, when they hear the Lord say, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." [2323] And they consider that they who have fearlessly bowed their necks to this yoke, and have with much submission taken this burden upon their shoulders, are tossed about and exercised by so great
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

The Sinner's Friend
"Savior of sinners they proclaim, Sinners of whom the chief I am." What the invidious Jews said in bitter spleen, has been turned by the Holy Spirit to the most gracious account. Where they poured out vials of hate, odours of sacred incense arise. Troubled consciences have found a sweet balm in the very sound. Jesus, "the friend of publicans and sinners," has proved himself friendly to them, and they have become friends with him; so completely has he justified the very name which his enemies gave
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

Rest, Rest
We will, this morning, if we can, conduct you into the inner chambers of out text, place its words under the microscope, and peer into the recesses of each sentence. We only wish our microscope were of a greater magnifying power, and our ability to expound the text more complete; for there are mines of instruction here. Superficially read, this royal promise has cheered and encouraged tens of thousands, but there is a wealth in it which the diligent digger and miner shall alone discover. Its shallows
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Holy violence
"But," says one, "do you wish us to understand, that if a man is to be saved he must use violence and vehement earnestness in order to obtain salvation?" I do, most assuredly; that is the doctrine of the text. "But," says one, "I thought it was all the work of God." So it is, from first to last. But when God has begun the work in the soul, the constant effect of God's work in us is to set us working; and where God's Spirit is really striving with us, we shall begin to strive too. This is just a test
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

The Meek and Lowly One
I. First, then, I am to consider THE FIRST QUALITY WHICH JESUS CHRIST CLAIMS. He declares that he is "MEEK." Christ is no egotist; he takes no praise to himself. If ever he utters a word in self-commendation, it is not with that object; it is with another design, namely that he may entice souls to come to him. Here, in order to exhibit this meekness, I shall have to speak of him in several ways. 1. First, Christ is meek, as opposed to the ferocity of spirit manifested by zealots and bigots. Take,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Powerful Persuasives
I HAVE preached to you, dear friends, several times from the words, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." There is such sweetness in the precept, such solace in the promise, that I could fain hope to preach from it many times more. But I have no intention just now to repeat what I have said in any former discourse, or to follow the same vein of thought that we have previously explored. This kindly and gracious invitation needs only to be held up in different
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

Sermon for the Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
(From the Gospel for St. Matthias'-day, 24th February) Of the proper marks of true humility. Matt. xi. 29.--"Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart." CHRIST, our blessed Lord, the true master and teacher of all art and virtue, and a pattern of all perfection, when He came down from Heaven to instruct us poor ignorant men, did not see fit to make use of great subtleties, or mysterious and ingenious statements of truth; but in short, plain, simple words He delivered to us a maxim, and gave us
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

Sermon for the Third Sunday in Advent
(From the Gospel for the day) How that we must wholly come out from ourselves, that we may go into the wilderness and behold God. Matt. xi. 7.--"What went ye out into the wilderness for to see?" OUR Lord Jesus Christ said unto the Jews, "What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?" In these words let us consider three things: First, the going out; secondly, the wilderness; thirdly, what we are to see there. First, let us consider the going out. This blessed going
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

Sixth Day. Thankfulness.
"I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth."--Matt. xi. 25. A thankful spirit pervaded the entire life of Jesus, and surrounded with a heavenly halo His otherwise darkened path. In moments we least expect to find it, this beauteous ray breaks through the gloom. In instituting the memorial of His death, He "gave thanks!" Even in crossing the Kedron to Gethsemane, "He sang an hymn!" We know in seasons of deep sorrow and trial that every thing wears a gloomy aspect. Dumb Nature herself to
John R. Macduff—The Mind of Jesus

Fifth Day. Meekness.
"I am meek and lowly in heart."--Matt. xi. 29. There is often a beautiful blending of majesty and humility, magnanimity and lowliness, in great minds. The mightiest and holiest of all Beings that ever trod our world was the meekest of all. The Ancient of Days was as the "infant of days." He who had listened to nothing but angel-melodies from all eternity, found, while on earth, melody in the lispings of an infant's voice, or in an outcast's tears! No wonder an innocent lamb was His emblem, or
John R. Macduff—The Mind of Jesus

"I Will Give You Rest. "
A COMMUNION ADDRESS AT MENTONE. "I will give you rest."--Matthew xi. 28. "I WILL GIVE YOU REST." WE have a thousand times considered these words as an encouragement to the labouring and the laden; and we may, therefore, have failed to read them as a promise to ourselves. But, beloved friends, we have come to Jesus, and therefore He stands engaged to fufil this priceless pledge to us. We may now enjoy the promise; for we have obeyed the precept. The faithful and true Witness, whose word is truth,
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

A Devout Exhortation to the Holy Communion the Voice of Christ
Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you,(1) saith the Lord. The bread that I will give is My flesh which I give for the life of the world.(2) Take, eat: this is My Body, which is given for you; this do in remembrance of Me.(3) He that eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood dwelleth in Me and I in him. The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.(4) (1) Matthew xi. 28 (2) John vi. 51. (3) Matthew xxi. 26; Luke xxii. 19. (4) John vi.
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XI. 2-30; ^C Luke VII. 18-35. ^c 18 And the disciples of John told him of all these things. ^a 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent by his disciples ^c 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them unto the Lord [John had been cast into prison about December, a.d. 27, and it was now after the Passover, possibly in May or June, a.d. 28. Herod Antipas had cast John into prison because John had reproved him for taking his brother's wife.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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