The Nugget:
Mat 11:25 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. (KJV)
Mat 11:25 Answering at that time, Jesus said, I praise You, Father, Lord of Heaven and of earth, because You hid these things from the sophisticated and cunning and revealed them to babes. (Literal Translation of the Holy Bible)
The Context:
Mat 11:25 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.
Mat 11:26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
Mat 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (KJV)
My Comment:
There is much food for thought in this passage for those who will read carefully. Once again, we see Jesus showing great respect for the innocence and receptivity of children. Jesus tells us that God has hid these things from the wise and prudent. The wise may be a reference to those who are the educated. DeBurgh remarks, “Referring to acquired knowledge.” The prudent may be those who are naturally gifted apart from formal education. DeBurgh comments, “Referring to natural abilities.”
Jesus next explains that only those persons can fully know the Father or the Son who are those to whom the Son “may will to reveal Him” (Lavender’s New Testament).
Then Jesus invites us all to “Come unto me” in those more familiar words of invitation, comfort, and instruction, “all ye who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
The subjunctive mood, “may will to reveal Him,” likely reflects the following contingency, “Come unto me.”