God doesnt give everyone to see the truth Matt 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.
26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
@brightfame52
Let’s analyze the text and explore how to address the broader theological question with biblical principles brother--
Text Analysis (Matthew 11:25-26):
Greek Text:
Verse 25: "Ἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ καιρῷ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν, Ἐξομολογοῦμαί σοι, Πάτερ, Κύριε τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τῆς γῆς, ὅτι ἔκρυψας ταῦτα ἀπὸ σοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν καὶ ἀπεκάλυψας αὐτὰ νηπίοις·"
Verse 26: "ναί, ὁ Πατήρ, ὅτι οὕτως ἐγένετο εὐδοκία ἔμπροσθέν σου."
English Translation:
Verse 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."
Verse 26: "Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight."
Exegesis and Hermeneutical Analysis:
Contextual Background:
Immediate Context: In Matthew 11,
Jesus is addressing various cities that witnessed His miracles but did not repent. His prayer in verses 25-26 comes as a response to the rejection of His message by the learned and the acceptance of it by the humble.
Broader Context: The Gospel of Matthew frequently contrasts the responses to Jesus’ ministry between the religious leaders and the common people, highlighting the reversal of expectations in God’s kingdom.
Key Terms:
Wise and Prudent (σοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν): Refers to those who rely on their own understanding and wisdom, often the religious leaders and scholars.
Babes (νηπίοις): Symbolizes those who are humble and receptive, often considered insignificant by societal standards.
Theological Implications:
Divine Revelation: God’s revelation is a gracious act, given according to His will. It is not based on human wisdom or merit but on humility and openness to God’s truth.
Sovereignty and Grace: The passage underscores God’s sovereignty in revealing or hiding spiritual truths. It emphasizes that divine revelation is an act of grace, not a result of human effort or intellect.
Corrective Approach Using Biblical Exegesis and Hermeneutics:
God’s Desire for All to Know the Truth:
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:3-4
Text: "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
Context and Analysis: This verse indicates God’s desire for all to be saved and know the truth, showing that God’s selective revelation in Matthew 11:25-26 does not imply an absolute exclusion but serves a specific purpose in His redemptive plan.
Responsibility of Human Response:
Scripture: Matthew 7:7-8
Text: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
Context and Analysis: Jesus encourages persistence in seeking God, indicating that the opportunity for revelation is available to those who earnestly seek it.
Inclusivity of the Gospel Message:
Scripture: John 3:16-17
Text: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
Context and Analysis: The gospel is presented as a universal offer of salvation, demonstrating God’s inclusive intent.
God’s Use of the Humble:
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:27-29
Text: "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."
Context and Analysis: Paul explains that God often chooses those who are considered foolish or weak by the world’s standards to accomplish His purposes, emphasizing humility and dependence on God over human wisdom.
Conclusion:
The passage in Matthew 11:25-26 highlights the selective nature of God’s revelation, favoring the humble and receptive over the proud and self-reliant. However, this selective revelation serves a specific purpose within God’s redemptive plan and does not negate God’s desire for all to know the truth. By considering the broader biblical context,
we see that God’s ultimate aim is inclusive and redemptive, inviting all to seek and find Him. Using principles of exegesis and hermeneutics, we can appreciate the balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in understanding and responding to God’s truth.
I'm not admonishing you brother-just giving you the context and the broader picture.
God bless
Johann