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Gospel Matthew 11:25-27 |
25 At that time Jesus exclaimed: “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. 26 Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. 27 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.”
Spiritual truth is not a reward for intellect but a gift to the humble. Jesus affirms that true revelation comes not from mastering doctrines, but from receiving insight with childlike trust. He positions himself as the mediator and revealer of the Father’s will, drawing the hearts of the receptive toward divine communion.
The Prayer of the Unlearned
O Father, Lord of earth and sky,
You hide Your wonders from the wise,
Yet to the lowly You disclose
The love that in Your mercy flows.
Not by knowledge, not by fame,
But through the whisper of Your name—
You gave to Christ, Your holy Son,
The key by which all hearts are won.
So let me come, not cloaked in pride,
But as a child with arms stretched wide,
To gaze upon the mystery,
Unfolded through His love for me.
Lord Jesus,
You praised the Father for revealing heavenly truths to those who come like children. I come to You not in strength, but in surrender. Teach me what the learned fail to grasp. Let me not rely on my own wisdom, but on the grace you offer in knowing you—and through you, knowing the Father.
You hold all things and offer them to those who trust. I receive this invitation not with boldness of intellect, but with the quiet hope of faith.
Amen.
Pericope
IV: Opposition from Israel
THE PRAISE OF THE FATHER
Matthew 11:25-27
Gospel Acclamation
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
Historical Background
This occurs after Jesus denounces the unrepentant cities (vv. 20–24), highlighting how many rejected the miracles and message of the kingdom. Though addressed to the disciples and nearby listeners, this prayer reveals Jesus' relationship with the Father and the way divine truths are disclosed.
In Jewish tradition, spiritual knowledge was often tied to scholarly study. Jesus challenges this by showing that childlike faith—not intellectual pride—opens the door to understanding divine mysteries.
Theological Context
Jesus thanks the Father for revealing truths not to the “wise and learned,” but to “little children,” suggesting humility and dependence are key to spiritual insight.
Verse 27 foreshadows the deeper invitation of verse 28 ("Come to me, all you who are weary…"), showing that revelation is a gift rooted in relationship
This passage affirms a profound unity between Jesus and God—the Father entrusts all things to the Son, and only through the Son can the Father be truly known.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
