Mat 11:25-27 | NETfull | STEP | At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and revealed them to little children.

Matthew 11:25-27

Jesus’ Invitation

25 At that time Jesus said, ^{▼▼ Grk “At that time, answering, Jesus said.” This construction is somewhat redundant in English and has been simplified in the translation.} “I praise ^{▼▼ Or “thank.”} you, Father, Lord ^{▼▼ The title Lord is an important name for God, showing his sovereignty, but it is interesting that it comes next to a reference to the Father, a term indicative of God’s care. The two concepts are often related in the NT; see Eph 1:3–6.} of heaven and earth, because ^{▼▼ Or “that.”} you have hidden these things from the wise ^{▼▼ See 1 Cor 1:26–31.} and intelligent, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this was your gracious will. ^{▼▼ Grk “for (to do) thus was well-pleasing before you,” BDAG 325 s.v. ἔμπροσθεν 1.b.δ; speaking of something taking place “before” God is a reverential way of avoiding direct connection of the action to him.} 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father. ^{▼▼ This verse has been noted for its conceptual similarity to teaching in John’s Gospel (10:15; 17:2). The authority of the Son and the Father are totally intertwined.} No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son decides ^{▼▼ Or “wishes”; or “intends”; or “plans” (cf. BDAG 182 s.v. βούλομαι 2.b). Here it is the Son who has sovereignty.} to reveal him.