August 14: Hidden from the “wise”

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. All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."    (Matthew 11:25-27 — New American Standard Bible)

There are two kinds of wisdom and intelligence. The wisdom of the world often fills people with pride; they can become impressed with how much they know, how wise they are, and how much they are able to accomplish. It’s difficult for them to listen to others, or to admit that there are things they do not know. Jesus is referring to these people when He says that God has hidden things from the wise and intelligent. Proud people will not go to God, and God cannot teach proud people. Proud people commonly deny that there is a God; and even if they do admit that He exists, they do not feel the need for His help. They will never admit to feeling powerless or being sinners, and repentance is a meaningless word to them.

But there is another wisdom which is from God. He gives this wisdom and intelligence to the humble. This is what Jesus meant when He said God had revealed things “to infants". After all, when we stand before God, can we ever be anything more than infants? What do we know compared to Him? What are we compared to the absolutely pure and sinless Jesus? What have we accomplished in comparison to His immense creation? And this is the entire point of this passage: there is hope for us only when we admit our sins, our dependence on Him, and our lack of true wisdom. God will reveal Himself to us when we seek Him with humble hearts. 

The big mistake that the “wise and intelligent” make is that they think they can understand and do anything if they put their minds to it, whereas the truly wise and intelligent understand that they can achieve great things through effort and hard work, but the most important things in life have to be revealed to us by the Son. Are you seeking God and His wisdom, and ready to apply it to your life? If so, your future is guaranteed, and not only will He direct and exalt you, He will save you.