What Jesus Did! 'The Father's Choice' — Matthew 11:25-26

Monday, May 26, 2025

[After his condemnation of cities where people wouldn't believe,] Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!"
— Matthew 11:25-26 NLT

Key Thought

God has always despised arrogance. Yet, it is a repeated sin of his creatures. Satan's rebellion and Adam and Eve's sin have their source in the arrogance of being rivals to God. We should not be surprised that God's will, his choice, his delight, is to hide his plan from the arrogant religious leaders of the day and others "who think themselves wise and clever" and reveal it to common everyday people. Only those who are willing to receive the Kingdom like children will find it (Matthew 18:3) - not because God wants simpletons, but because those who are wise in their own eyes are often the most abusive and ignorant of all.

Today's Prayer

O holy and majestic Father, I want my heart to be pure not only from immorality but also from the stain of arrogance and pride. Your ways are far beyond my own, so guard my heart from the presumption of thinking I know all of your ways or confining you to my own little notions of your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Isaiah 57:15
  • 1 Corinthians 1:19-25
  • Romans 11:33-36

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 11:25-26 NLT — "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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