The Grace of Revelation to the Humble
Reflection on Matthew 11:25–27
“At that time Jesus said in reply, ‘I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.’”
In this short yet profound passage, Jesus offers a prayer of praise—a rare moment in the Gospels where we glimpse the intimate communion between the Son and the Father. Here, Jesus gives thanks not for what has been accomplished through human power or intellect, but for the divine wisdom revealed to those who are “childlike.”
What does it mean to be “childlike” in the eyes of Jesus? The childlike are those who approach God with humility, simplicity, and openness. They are not puffed up by worldly knowledge or status, but come before the Lord with a heart ready to listen and receive. This is not an attack on education or intelligence, but a challenge to our pride. Often, our desire to be self-sufficient, to rely solely on logic or prestige, blinds us from seeing God's work in our lives. The childlike, on the other hand, trust God as a child trusts a loving parent.
Jesus contrasts this childlike openness with the posture of the “wise and learned” of the world—those who think they already know everything, who depend on their own understanding, and who may close themselves off from the surprises of grace. God does not hide truth out of malice; He withholds it from those who refuse to see. Revelation is not something we earn—it is something we receive. And God, in His mercy, reveals Himself to the humble.
The second part of the passage is deeply theological: Jesus speaks of the unique relationship between Him and the Father. “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son...” This mutual knowing signifies a deep, eternal relationship within the Trinity. But Jesus adds a crucial invitation: the Father can be known “by anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” Revelation is not a puzzle we solve; it is a gift the Son freely gives.
This verse reminds us of the tremendous grace we receive through Jesus Christ. He is not just a wise teacher or a moral example—He is the key to knowing God. All true knowledge of the Father comes through Him. And who does Jesus choose to reveal the Father to? Those who are humble, those who are childlike in spirit.
This passage calls us to reflect on how we approach God. Do we come like the “wise and learned,” confident in our own answers? Or do we come like children—curious, trusting, and receptive? The spiritual life requires this continual return to humility. Our intellect, our accomplishments, our plans—all these must be laid down so we can receive the true wisdom that comes from God.
Let us also take comfort in knowing that we do not need to have all the answers to draw near to God. In fact, it is when we admit that we do not know everything, when we acknowledge our dependence on Him, that we become truly open to His revelation. The path to the Father passes through the Son, and the path to the Son is opened through a heart that is humble and ready to receive.
Key Takeaway:
God reveals His truth not to the proud or self-reliant, but to the humble and childlike. To know the Father, we must come to Jesus with a trusting and open heart, ready to receive the wisdom that only He can give.
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