There are several passages in the Bible that talk about truth being “hidden” from some people while being “revealed” to others. Seeing, understanding, and walking in truth is foundational to a right relationship with the Lord, so it’s rather disturbing to read in the scriptures that some people have important truths that are kept from them. The problem isn’t that the truth is too complicated or too difficult to understand. The problem is that people are being denied the opportunity to see and understand truth that is actually right in front of them. This doesn’t happen indiscriminately. God doesn’t draw straws to determine who gets it and who doesn’t. There are principles at work that determine whether truths are hidden from us or revealed to us, and ultimately it’s the condition of our heart that sets us up to see or leaves us in the dark.
Jesus Sends Out The Seventy
“When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’ I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, 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 was your good pleasure. (Luke 10:8-9, 19, 21 NIV)
Jesus instructed his disciples to preach the kingdom of God, heal the sick, and operate in the authority he had given them. The kingdom of God can be defined simply as the rule of God. In effect, Jesus told them to proclaim the rule of God, and then to demonstrate the rule of God by healing the sick. His instructions were quite simple, profound maybe, but simple.
Hidden From The Wise
After the disciples returned from their mission they shared joyfully, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Jesus, in turn, rejoiced that the Father had “hidden these things from the wise”. Proverbs 3:7 warns us, “Do not be wise in your own eyes”. Those who are wise in their own eyes have a lot of confidence in their own ability; what they can accomplish through their creativity, strategies, and organized efforts. In contrast, the disciples put their confidence in declaring the message of the kingdom of God, because they knew the power of God is present and active when He is ruling. Throughout the Bible, whenever the rule of God is proclaimed fully and boldly, it results in tangible demonstrations of God’s power and presence. But Jesus said this truth is hidden from those who are self-reliant and self-sufficient. The issue is not that “the wise” have merely chosen an alternate method, the issue is that God’s method is actually hidden from them.
Revealed To Little Children
Jesus went on to say that the Father was pleased to “reveal” these things “to little children”. Like little children, the disciples took what Jesus said at face value. They didn’t question if it would actually work, they didn’t adapt it to fit the current culture, and they didn’t feel the need to add some glitz through their personal creativity; they simply believed it and did it. Their faith in the words of Jesus was demonstrated by their actions, and their obedience to his plan brought about amazing results. What results might the church see today if we would quit being wise in our own eyes and simply respond to Jesus as little children?
Test Everything 