1. Matthew 11:25 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What reaction would we expect from Jesus after his rejection by the people of Israel (Matthew 11:1-24)?

Matthew 11:25 (ESV)

25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;

You would have expected disappointment or anger in Jesus’ conversation with his Father as a reaction to the unbelief in Israel. But Jesus only expresses gratitude. He sees God’s plan becoming manifest as faith and unbelief come to light around him. God wants to save people. But how and who God wants to save is special. God takes pleasure in saving people who cannot save themselves—and who know it!