Wisdom and Mysteries

“I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.” (Matt. 11:25b)

Have you ever looked at one of those “Magic Eye” illustrations? There’s a complex, often repetitive pattern and it’s (quite frankly) hard to look at. At first glance, it’s just a bit of eclectic “art,” and nothing else. But when you allow your eyes to drift out of focus, a “hidden” image can be seen. It’s often 3d, and sometimes beautiful. I know some people who say they’ve never seen the “hidden” images, and who think it’s all just a silly prank. Curiously, these are often intelligent and academic people.

I wonder if this might have been what Jesus was praying about in Matthew 11:25.

In the preceding verses (20-24) Jesus denounced the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because the people did not repent. Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum… I wonder what cities might have been added to the list later in His ministry.

The people of these cities (at large) lacked “eyes to see” and “ears to hear.” The same was true (at large) of the Sadducees and chief priests and scribes and teachers of the law (rabbis). For all their learning and study, they lacked “eyes to see” and “ears to hear” what God was doing and speaking.

Why is it that the wise and intelligent often struggle to find the rest Jesus spoke of? I think it’s because of the first three words in verse 28: “Come to Me.”

“Come to Me” is not a profound academic insight, nor does it require astounding wisdom to perform. Instead, “Come to Me” is accessible to everyone – even to spiritual infants.

Do you remember the story about the guy who was trapped during a flood and some people came by in a boat and helicopter to save him, but he refused each time saying, “God will rescue me.” Eventually the man died in the flood and got to heaven where he discovered God had sent the boat and the helicopter to rescue him.

Sometimes we overcomplicate things.

Sometimes we wait for God to provide a miracle that looks the way we want it to and so miss the miracle He’s providing.

Is wisdom bad? No.

Is intelligence bad? No.

I think what Jesus means in this prayer (in Matthew 11:25) is that the mysteries and miracles of God can’t be achieved and understood through our own power and intellect. These can only achieved and understood as we humble ourselves and seek Jesus.

Let’s Pray!

Lord of all wisdom and mysteries, we thank You for our dependence on You. Thank You that You’re not waiting for us to be ‘smart enough’ or ‘wise enough’ to receive Your invitation. Thank You that all we have to do is come to You. Grant us the grace and humility to do just that. Amen.