Matthew 11:26 - Printer Friendly

While talking to the crowds around Him, Jesus turns to speak with God the Father in heaven. It is a prayer of thanks. He thanks God for hiding the truth about His role as Messiah and the coming kingdom from those who are wise and understanding according to the world's standards. He thanks the Father for revealing those truths to little children—in this context, meaning those who are either dismissed by the world, or those who trustingly accept Him without ulterior motives (Matthew 18:1–5).

This raises a natural, very human question: is that fair? Our natural reaction to the idea is negative. Why would God hide something essential from anyone?

First, note that this Scripture doesn't specify whether God is taking extra steps—making things excessively difficult—or whether He's "hiding" things in the sense that He simply chooses not to overcome a person's own arrogant, willful ignorance. Earlier, Jesus criticized the attitude some people had, where no matter what they saw, they would simply demand the opposite (Matthew 11:16–19).

Second, Scripture gives examples of God allowing people to make free choices, and then—based on those choices—magnifying their stubbornness in order to make an example. The Pharaoh who initially refused to allow Israel to leave Egypt (Exodus 7:22; 8:15, 32) was later punished by God actively hardening his heart (Exodus 9:12; 10:20; 14:8).

In either case, "fairness" is not the issue. A major factor is humility. Those who reject the evidence God gives are not being sincere (Romans 1:18–20). Children express candid trust based on what they see and are told. Adults have a greater habit of manipulating their own thoughts in order to protect their preferences.

It's also important to note that God's will is "gracious," according to Jesus. Since all people are sinners (Romans 3:10), nobody deserves good from God. That He reveals Himself to anyone, at all, is an act of grace on His part. The fact that anyone would see His power on display—as did many in Israel—and still refuse to believe is an act of foolish arrogance.

Matthew 11:25–30 begins with Jesus' prayer of thanks to His Father for hiding the truth from those thought to be wise by the world's standards. Instead, the gospel has been revealed to those the unbelieving world dismisses as virtual children. Jesus declares that He and the Father know each other completely and that He can reveal the Father to anyone He chooses. He offers rest for the souls of all who are weighed down and weary if they will take on His yoke, saying that His burden is easy and light.

John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask if Jesus is really the Messiah. Jesus gives them a specific answer to use to reassure John and then upholds John to the crowds. John fulfills the prophecy about the one who would prepare the people for the Messiah. This generation, though, refused to hear John or Jesus, deciding John had a demon and Jesus was a glutton and drunkard. Jesus condemns the cities that refuse to repent and thanks the Father for revealing the truth to little children. He offers rest for those who are weary and burdened.

Matthew 11 follows Jesus' instructions to the apostles about taking His message and miracles to the towns of Israel with His own continued ministry of teaching (Matthew 10). Jesus answers a question from John the Baptist's followers, and upholds John's ministry. Jesus condemns several cities in Galilee for rejecting His teaching, despite obvious signs. He thanks His Father for hiding the truth from those who arrogantly think they are wise. He offers rest for those who will take His yoke. This leads to further confrontations with critics, recorded in chapter 12.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.