02/28/2019

Matthew 11:25-30

²⁵ At that time Jesus declared, “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; ²⁶ yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. ²⁷ All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ²⁸ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

This is one of the greatest passages in the Bible.  It is also one of my favorites.  So let us begin with a brief analysis.

1.       Matthew 11:25-26  Jesus praises the Father for Sovereign oversight of Gospel revelation.

2.       Matthew 11:37  Jesus states the Father’s method of Gospel revelation.

3.       Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus states the Gospel invitation and why it should be heeded.

a.       The saving truth of God must be revealed.

b.      The saving truth is hidden from some.

c.       Jesus gives thanks for the exercise of this prerogative.

d.      The distinction of revealing and hiding has its ultimate cause—the will of God.

That the points listed above are the content of vss 25-26 can hardly be disputed.  They are stated in the words of the context.  Next comes the matter of interpretation.

The context appears to me to be a statement of God’s sovereign control of the means of salvation.  He hides and He reveals, therefore He controls the reception.