Luke 10:21 - Printer Friendly

What does Luke 10:21 mean?

ESV: 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.

NIV: At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, '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. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

NASB: At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, 'I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for doing so was well pleasing in Your sight.

CSB: At that time he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, because this was your good pleasure.

NLT: At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, 'O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way.

KJV: In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

NKJV: In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.

Verse Commentary:

Jesus thanks God the Father for the work He has done in the lives of the disciples. Jesus is not thankful for the disciples' ability to heal and cast out demons, but for their salvation and their God-given understanding of the Father, the Son, and their relationship (Luke 10:17–20).

Jesus' description of His faithful followers as children in contrast to those who are "wise" or have "understanding" can be confusing. "Wise," in a biblical context, means knowing how to practically apply godly knowledge (Proverbs 1:1–7). "Understanding" means to have good sense, and the ability to pass wisdom to others. Consistently in Scripture, God tells us to be wise and understanding (Psalm 94:8; Proverbs 1:5). So, why would Jesus be happy that His disciples are unwise, misunderstanding children?

Context is key: the wisdom and understanding Jesus dismisses are referenced with irony, or even sarcasm. He refers to the wisdom of the world and the understanding of religion twisted by men. The leaders of Jesus' time adhered to religious beliefs placing unnecessary burdens on people and taking them away from God's love and grace. Their worldly understanding incited them to reject their Messiah to hold on to their earthy authority.

In contrast, the disciples are "children" who accept Jesus humbly, with no pretense (Mark 10:15). Because their hearts are not filled with religious pride, they are better able to accept God's revelation about His kingdom and the need for repentance. They also have eyes to see Jesus' relationship with God the Father (Luke 10:22–24).

This is the plan the sovereign God decided in heaven and manifested on earth. In the disciples' past, kings and prophets looked forward to God's future revelation. It is that very revelation of the Son which the disciples get to experience (Luke 10:24). That understanding is far more important than either academic learning or miracles. That doesn't mean academic learning is useless but that learning must submit to the context of the more important truths about our sinfulness, the Father's love, and the Son's sacrifice.

When Peter and John are called before the Sanhedrin, the leaders consider them "uneducated, common men." Even so, the council members are "astonished" that the pair could argue so eloquently (Acts 4:13). The disciples are given understanding of God's truth through the Holy Spirit. They accept what Jesus says and do not rely on their own understanding or human speculation. They know it is better to be foolish in the world's eyes (1 Corinthians 1:18) but know our "names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20).

This verse is one of many that mentions all three Persons of the Trinity. Critics sometimes claim the Trinity is not explicitly found in the Bible. It is true the word "Trinity" is not in the Bible, but the three Persons are mentioned together in over one hundred passages in the New Testament (Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:9–11; John 14:16–17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:6; Hebrews 2:2–4; 1 Peter 1:2).

Luke 10:21–24 records Jesus' praise to God the Father and a celebration of the salvation offered to believers. Jesus told seventy-two returning disciples that Satan is already defeated and their real victory is that God has given them salvation (Luke 10:17–20). Now, Jesus praises God the Father for their salvation (Luke 10:21–24). Matthew records the same words but places them in different contexts (Matthew 11:25–27; 13:16–17).

Chapter Summary:

Jesus commissions seventy-two of His followers for a unique mission. They are sent into towns and villages, preparing people for Jesus' ministry. Those who accept the message will be blessed; those who reject it will be left behind. The disciples return celebrating what they have seen and accomplished. Jesus reminds them that salvation is the real victory. The parable of the good Samaritan explains that the obligation to love extends to anyone and everyone. A visit to the home of Martha and Mary offers a contrast between good things and the best things.

Chapter Context:

Luke 10 provides the bulk of the first section of what some refer to as Jesus' travelogue (Luke 9:51—19:27). In this extended description of travels and events, Jesus draws away from public ministry and theological debates. His focus is preparing His disciples for what will happen in Jerusalem, by teaching them about the kingdom of God. In Luke 9:51—11:13, the disciples gradually learn how to properly follow Jesus. Next, the Pharisees will reject Jesus (Luke 11:14–54) and Jesus will teach more about the kingdom (Luke 12:1—19:27). After the travelogue, Jesus will enter Jerusalem and face crucifixion.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.

Accessed 5/4/2024 6:36:21 AM