In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.” (Luke 10:21, ESV)
Jesus talked in parables, dropping riddles and paradoxes all through His teaching: weakness is strength, service is greatness, the poor will inherit the kingdom, you must die to live, you must become like a child to understand great things.
It’s no wonder that so many people were puzzled and confused by Jesus. He said things that were totally unexpected, even a little “out there.”
But never without a reason.
Here Jesus praises His Father God that the truth has been hidden from those who think they know so much, too smart to see the truth. It’s the humble, the willing, the open-hearted who are shown the truth. Those who come like a child, eager to see and learn everything.
Why did Jesus hide the truth from some but made it plain to others? Probably because He knows our hearts. He knows our tendency to take credit for what we know, to become proud and boastful. No, Jesus wants us to remember it’s all God’s work and not our own.
In 1 Corinthians 1:18-29, the apostle Paul writes about the “foolish things” that God did or used, things that didn’t make sense by our standards, like sending His own Son to endure the cross and pay the penalty for our sins. It’s all Him, and nothing we did or could ever do for ourselves.
It pleased God to hide the truth from those who didn’t really want it, and instead reveal it to those seeking it, those who were willing and ready to hear and receive it. “Foolish” ones like you and me who come to Him with the simple trust and acceptance of a child.
