25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.”
Our Lord here refreshes Himself from His previous discourse of woe over the unrepentant cities by turning His thoughts and focus towards thanksgiving to His Father for His favor upon those to which the mysteries of God had been revealed. It serves as a great encouragement to look up in thanksgiving particularly when we look all around and see only discouragement. It raises the spirits and sets our thinking aright. It is the antidote for dark and disturbing thoughts. It sets our minds on things above. God always remains faithful and able and good. We can trust Him and it benefits His children to be grateful. Also, a thankful heart is a contented heart.
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:16-18 (NIV)
“Contentment isn’t a state of organization, a weight on the scale, a state of better: better kids, better marriage, better health, better house. Contentment is never a matter of circumstances; contentment is always a state of communion — a daily embracing of God. A thankfulness for all the gifts – and moments and life, just as He gives it. Trying harder may only bring harder trials and contentment, it won’t be found in the resolutions, but in the revolutions – in the turning round to God.” Ann Voskamp
Jesus declares that true discipleship can be enjoyed by only those who come to Him in childlike faith. The world’s wisdom knew not God. It made no difference – whether esteemed Jewish scholar or Greek philosopher – it is not in the brilliance of man that one appreciates the plan of God. This remains true to this day. God bestows honor to those whom the world often shows contempt. The brilliance of man is as foolishness in God’s sight. Remember that it is in Christ that are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians:
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. 1 Cor 1:18-25 (NIV)
“It is not self-confident erudition but self-effacing faith that allows one to enter the narrow way.” Bible Knowledge Commentary
“His wisdom’s vast, and knows no bounds, a deep where all our thoughts are drowned.” Isaac Watts
Jesus makes mention of this later in Matthew as well. Greatness in God’s Kingdom is not based upon our great words or our difficult works or our brilliant wisdom rather our childlike humility of the Spirit:
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matt 18:1-6 (NIV)
“True wisdom is gazing at God.” Isaac the Syrian
“God alone knows the depth and riches of His Godhead, and divine wisdom alone can declare His secrets.” Thomas Aquinas