Coming to Christ

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’”—Matthew 11:25–30 (NIV)

This passage captures some of the most familiar and cherished words of Jesus. No understanding of Him would be complete apart from His invitation to the worn and weary to “Come to [Him]” and His promise to “give you rest . . . rest for your souls.” What could ever articulate God’s heart for humanity more perfectly?

But as wonderful as this invitation of promise is, we shouldn’t overlook the detail that it’s proceeded by the words, “At that time.” What time does this refer to, and does it shed more light on what Jesus is saying here?

The “time” referred to is the time when Jesus was actually rebuking the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, which had all witnessed many of His works but ultimately rejected Him. There was a spiritual expectation the people of these cities had not fulfilled, and Christ called them out on it.

So, understand that it’s in response to being rejected that Jesus now prays to His Father and thanks Him for hiding things from the wise and revealing them to little children. What’s going on here with this prayer?

Again, the context clarifies that the “wise” were those who’d just rejected Him. They’re “wise” only in the sense that they’re wise within themselves. Instead of seeing their need for Jesus and what He offers them, they see themselves as having everything all figured out. And it’s to this attitude of heart the Father keeps the realities of Christ and His kingdom hidden—and not just to the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, but to anyone who shares their attitude.

By contrast, the “little children” point to those who are totally convinced they need Christ and all He offers. It’s to them the Father works to reveal the truth of Jesus and His kingdom. These are those who hear and heed the invitation to “come” and who receive the promise of “rest for [their] souls.” And this promise is certain and sure because it’s the Father, Himself, who’s working to accomplish it!

The Father conceals from those who reject Jesus, and He reveals to those who receive Him. Some struggle at this point because they draw the conclusion that the Father is the cause behind every person’s rejection. But Jesus doesn’t say that, and neither should we.

Instead, Jesus affirms that His Father is actively working just as the parables work by concealing truth from closed hearts while revealing truth to open hearts (Matthew 13:10–17). This also parallels the principle that those who know they’re spiritually blind are to be given spiritual sight, while those who think they have 20/20 vision will stay spiritually blind (John 9:41).

What should our response be to all of this? It should be the same response we see in Jesus, which is praise and thanks to the Father. When we see the Son say to the Father, “I praise You,” we need to be 100% in step with that. In what He conceals and in what He reveals, God is to be praised and trusted because trust is the foundation of praise.

Pause: What is the point Jesus is making here?

Practice: How does this passage affect your understanding of salvation and the Father’s role in it? Sit today and pray for the Lord to help you see Him, His grace, and your calling through the eyes of a child.

Pray: Father, we thank You for all that You do in opening eyes to see Your Son. May we have the heart of a little child, recognizing our profound need for You, and may You continue the great work of opening eyes and saving souls through Your Son. Amen.