Knowing The Word in Luke 10:21-24

Jesus Rejoices in the Father's Will

10:21 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. 22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

23 Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

Comments

This section of Luke is a “Johannine bolt from the Synoptic blue!” Matthew, Mark, and Luke, known as the Synoptic Gospels, are similar while being distinctive from John. Here Luke sounds like John. The Jesus we hear in Luke sounds like the Jesus we hear in John, which only makes sense because they are writing about the same Jesus.

Jesus was thrilled with joy. He had received revelation from the Father, leading him to pray a prayer of thanksgiving. Verse 22 in particular is Johannine in its wording, giving credit to the style of John’s Gospel as consistent with the way Jesus spoke. However, the main point is that people can only truly know God through Jesus who chooses to whom he will reveal the fullness of the Father. In Jesus—in his words and deeds—we see the fullness of the Father. The long-expected Messiah has been revealed to these men, and they are blessed.

Application

What has Jesus revealed about himself to you? In your Bible reading and prayers, have you heard Jesus speak to you and reveal something new you never knew before?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you that you speak to me through your Spirit when I pray to you and when I read your word. Speak to me now in the silence and reveal yourself to me in a new way today.