Anchor My Faith

A Unique Relationship

Scripture: Matthew 11:25-27; Luke 10:21

In the previous lesson the seventy-two returned from their mission experience rejoicing over the power they experienced in the name of Jesus. Jesus listened to them and then he reminded them that there was something better to rejoice in; they were to rejoice because their names were written in heaven. This fact was to be a source of hope when facing trials, like persecution for our faith. In this lesson we will enjoy being with Jesus as he spends some quality time with his Father in prayer.

^{Mt 11:25} “At that time Jesus ^{Lk 10:21} rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ^{Mt 11:25} “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; ²⁶ yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. ²⁷ All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”’

Following the return of the seventy-two, we find Jesus rejoicing in the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was being baptized “the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22 ESV). In Luke 4:1 ESV, “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness.” Then in Luke 4:14 ESV, “Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country.” These verses show the involvement of the Holy Spirit; coming upon Jesus, indwelling him and leading him. In this context Jesus was rejoicing in what the Holy Spirit did in and through the seventy-two while they were on their missionary assignment that caused them to return with joy.

Jesus then turns to the Father in prayer and, rejoicing in the Holy Spirit, thanks him for revealing to those with childlike faith the presence of the kingdom and Satan’s fall; things that have been hidden from those who profess to be wise and have understanding; those who have rejected the gospel. It is the Father’s gracious will that those who are unrepentant and stubbornly refuse to accept the gospel will not be able to understand spiritual things and will see them as foolish.

Knowledge that all things have been handed over to him, indicates a profound divine self-consciousness on the part of Jesus. This delegating of all things to the Son shows that supreme authority resides with the Father with in the Trinity. These “all things” probably refer to everything needed to carry out Christ’s ministry of redemption, including the revelation of salvation to those to whom he chooses to reveal the Father to.

The fact that “no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him” shows an exclusive relationship between the Father and the Son and with those whom the Son chooses. This is a strong view that only those chosen by the Son will know the Father. Jesus said in John 14:6 ESV: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” As the “door” Jesus determines who is allowed entrance.

Conclusion

Jesus told the seventy-two when they returned that their joy should be based, not on ministry results, but on the fact that their names were written in heaven. Are you able to rejoice with them because your name is written in heaven? If not now is the time to humbly surrender yourself into the hands of Jesus.