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

Why and how does God hide and reveal the things of his kingdom?

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;

We do not know. That is God’s secret. God’s way of working becomes evident from the reaction of people. That is how Jesus talks about it. Sometimes God reveals the gospel and sometimes he hides it:

  • When Capernaum refuses to believe, Jesus says his Father hides the gospel (This verse as a reaction to Matthew 11:23–24).

  • When Peter goes to confess him, Jesus says that the Father reveals it to him. Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven (Matthew 16:17).