Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth… I. THE CHARACTERS NAMED in the text from whom certain truths are hidden. 1. "The wise " seem to be those who are seeking to become acquainted with Divine truth by the exercise of their natural faculties. 2. The " prudent " man is one who always shapes his course in the path which is most consistent with his worldly interests. 3. "The babe" is the direct opposite of those we have described, and yet one to whom the Lord graciously condescends to reveal these things which He hides from them. The feature of the babe is (1) helplessness, (2) ignorance. But we need not limit the "babe " to the age of infancy. (3) Great teachability, II. WHAT ARE THESE THINGS THAT GOD HIDES FROM ONE CHARACTER AND MAKES KNOWN TO THE OTHER? 1. The workings of godly fears in the soul is a branch of Divine truth which the Lord hides from the wise and prudent and reveals unto babes. 2. God hides from the wise and prudent a spiritual acquaintance with His law. 3. The operations and exercises of a living faith in a tender conscience are hidden from the wise and prudent. 4. God hides from them the exercise of a living hope. 5. The breathing forth of spiritual affections he hides. 6. He hides all the savour, and unction, and sweetness, and power of truth. (J. C. Philpot.) Parallel Verses KJV: At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. |
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