Wisdom Wednesday: Wisdom for Children
Submitted by Debbie’s Dad
At that time Jesus 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 this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.
(Matthew 11:25–26 NASB 1995)
In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus was in the midst of his ministry in Galilee when he sent his disciples out (Chapter 10). Jesus continued to teach and word of His ministry reached John the Baptist, who was in prison (Chapter 11). John sent a question to Jesus–seeking affirmation of Jesus’ authority, and Jesus sent men to report to him the things that Jesus was doing–miracles that affirmed Him as Messiah, and the message of the Gospel of salvation. Jesus then told the men with Him that John was indeed more than a prophet, he was preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry. Next, he strongly denounced the cities he had visited because, in spite of the miracles and the Gospel message, they did not repent. (10:20-24).
Immediately after the denunciation, he spoke our 2 verses for today, praising the Father for two things:
- Concealing the Gospel message from the “wise and intelligent”, while,
- Revealing it to “infants” (Greek nēpios, a simple or immature child)
Jesus was simply distinguishing between the haughty people with prideful minds (men steeped in philosophy and intellectual knowledge) and hardened hearts that rejected His message outright, and the humble people with open hearts that readily accepted his message of repentance and salvation.
Paul emphasized this same concept when he distinguishes between the wise of this world who consider the Gospel to be foolishness, and those who are called that accept the true wisdom from God (I Corinthians 1:18-30).
It is not demeaning to characterize new believers as children who are open to God’s Word–it is a compliment that they are humble, trusting, receptive, and repentant to receive God’s gift of salvation.
In the immediately following verse, Jesus tells these infants, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (11:28) This is God’s wisdom for His children.