Jesus’ rejoicing isn't just for the disciples' success, but a deep delight that the Father's hidden wisdom is being revealed to those deemed "little children" by the world, underscoring God’s delight in humbling human pride to make way for His grace.
In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “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; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Right after the seventy-two disciples return with incredible reports of their ministry and success in Jesus' name, Jesus is filled with an overwhelming joy. He praises God the Father, highlighting how God's wisdom isn't found in the proud and learned, but rather revealed to those who are humble and child-like. This thanksgiving is a direct response to the disciples' triumphs and the foundational truth that salvation's mysteries are unlocked by God's sovereign choice.
Why would Jesus rejoice that God hides truth from the 'wise'? Dive into the surprising wisdom behind God's divine choice of the humble.
Jesus bursts with joy, not in spite of God's choices, but because of them. He thanks the Father for revealing profound truths – the mysteries of the Kingdom – not to those who think they have it all figured out, but to 'little children.'
A Divine Contrast
Jesus highlights a radical contrast: the 'wise and understanding' versus 'babes.' The 'wise' are often those who rely on their own intellect, status, or perceived righteousness. They're so full of themselves that they can't make room for God's truth. On the other hand, 'babes' represent humility, openness, and a teachable spirit. They recognize their need for God and are ready to receive His revelation.
God's Sovereign Will
Jesus’s joy stems from acknowledging this as the Father's deliberate and good pleasure. It's not an accident; it's a conscious decision by God to show His glory through the humble. This choice confounds human wisdom and showcases the depth of God's grace.
What does it truly mean to be a 'baby' in God's eyes? Discover the profound humility and teachability that Jesus celebrates.
When Jesus speaks of 'little children' or 'babes,' He isn't talking about immaturity or lack of intelligence. He's describing a specific spiritual disposition – one characterized by humility, dependence, and openness.
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Recognizing Need
These 'babes' are those who recognize their utter dependence on God. They don't strut with self-sufficiency. Instead, they come to God acknowledging their spiritual poverty and their inability to grasp divine truths on their own. This humility opens the door for God's Spirit to work.
Receptivity to Revelation
This humble posture makes them receptive. Unlike the 'wise' who might argue with God's Word or try to fit it into their preconceived notions, the 'babes' are ready to listen and learn. They understand that the true 'wisdom' of God's Kingdom isn't found in human intellect but in divine revelation given to those who are willing to receive it.
Understand the original words
pneuma · Greek Noun
A divine Person of the Trinity who illuminates truth, empowers ministry, and dwells within believers to guide and sanctify them. He is the active agent of God’s presence and power in the world.
kurios ouranou kai gēs · Greek Noun phrase
The supreme Ruler of the universe, possessing absolute authority over all created reality. This title emphasizes God's sovereign control and ownership of both the physical and spiritual realms.
sophos · Greek Adjective (substantive)
Refers to those who possess intellectual pride or rely on their own human wisdom rather than divine revelation. Biblically, it often denotes those who are spiritually blind despite their academic or social status.
nēpios · Greek Noun
Those who exhibit humility, dependence, and lack of worldly pretense. They are receptive to God's truth because they do not rely on their own strength or understanding.
eudokia · Greek Noun
The sovereign, favorable choice of God according to His own purpose. It signifies that God's actions are motivated by His own good pleasure and mercy rather than human merit.
This moment captures Jesus' profound joy not just at the success of his disciples, but at God's sovereign choice to reveal His kingdom to the humble and simple, rather than to those who relied on their own worldly wisdom.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus commissions the Seventy
Jesus sends out seventy disciples, equipping them with authority to heal and proclaim the Kingdom of God, marking a significant expansion of his ministry.
c. 30 AD
Return of the Seventy
The seventy disciples return, filled with joy and reporting their success in casting out demons in Jesus' name, highlighting the impact of their mission.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving
In response to the disciples' report and the diverse reactions to his ministry, Jesus offers a profound prayer of thanksgiving to the Father, contrasting the wisdom of the world with the simple faith of the humble.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Teaching on the Son and Father
Jesus then turns to his disciples, revealing the intimate relationship between himself and the Father, emphasizing that true knowledge of God comes through divine revelation.
This passage records Jesus' prayer to the Father, expressing the same sentiment of gratitude for revealing divine mysteries to the humble while hiding them from the self-proclaimed wise. It highlights the theme of God's sovereign choice in who receives spiritual understanding.
1 Corinthians 1:27This verse explains the principle behind God's choice, stating that God chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the wise and strong. It directly supports the idea that God reveals Himself to 'babes' rather than the proud, learned individuals.
Psalm 8:2This Old Testament psalm speaks of God ordaining praise from the mouths of 'infants' and 'children' to silence the enemy. It foreshadows the idea that God uses the seemingly weak and simple to accomplish His purposes and reveal His glory.
1 John 2:27This verse assures believers that the 'anointing' they received from Christ teaches them all things. It echoes the idea of divine revelation to those who are humble and receptive, contrasting with those who rely on their own intellect.
barnesLuke 10:21: "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight."
See the notes at Matthew 11:25-27 .
calvinLuke 10:21-22: "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight."
- At that time Jesus answering said, I acknowledge to thee, [56] O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to little children. 26. Undoubtedly, O Father, such…
Jesus’ rejoicing isn't just for the disciples' success, but a deep delight that the Father's hidden wisdom is being revealed to those deemed "little children" by the world, underscoring God’s delight in humbling human pride to make way for His grace.
Right after the seventy-two disciples return with incredible reports of their ministry and success in Jesus' name, Jesus is filled with an overwhelming joy. He praises God the Father, highlighting how God's wisdom isn't found in the proud and learned, but rather revealed to those who are humble and child-like. This thanksgiving is a direct response to the disciples' triumphs and the foundational truth that salvation's mysteries are unlocked by God's sovereign choice.
Right after the seventy-two disciples return with incredible reports of their ministry and success in Jesus' name, Jesus is filled with an overwhelming joy. He praises God the Father, highlighting how God's wisdom isn't found in the proud and learned, but rather revealed to those who are humble and child-like. This thanksgiving is a direct response to the disciples' triumphs and the foundational truth that salvation's mysteries are unlocked by God's sovereign choice.
"In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “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; yes, Father, for such was yo…" — Jesus’ rejoicing isn't just for the disciples' success, but a deep delight that the Father's hidden wisdom is being revealed to those deemed "little children" by the world, underscoring God’s delight…
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Last reviewed October 2026
