“Yes, Father”

Christ showed wonderful meekness in the very situation where He called His disciples to learn meekness from Him. The context is very remarkable, because the passage begins with the words, “At that time Jesus declared...” (Matthew 11:25).  

What was that time? It was the time when Christ had shown His love, His goodness and His compassion towards people in a wonderful way.  

He had touched and cleansed lepers, healed the lame and given them the strength to walk, given sight to the blind, raised the dead and preached the gospel of the kingdom to lost souls. 

What was the common reaction to this? They rejected Him, laughed at Him and blasphemed Him. Some called Him a glutton and a drunkard.  

Others accused Him of blasphemy, of having a demon and even of casting out evil spirits through the prince of demons. Men have literally shown Him evil for good and hatred for His love (see Ps. 109:5). 

It’s clear, then, that the words “at that time” refer to the time of His utter rejection by Israel. What must it have been like for Him to go from village to village, doing God’s will and being insulted and despised again and again! 

Imagine God commissioning you to do good to people and preach the gospel to them. In response, you’re laughed at, rejected and attacked. How would you react in this situation?  

Many of us would probably become discontent. We might resign, complain, or even have thoughts of revenge in our hearts. This is exactly what the flesh brings out: tit for tat! 

But the Lord reacted quite differently—without even a spark of discontent or bitterness in His heart, He prayed, “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” (Matt. 11:25-26).  

Praise instead of rebellion! Without grumbling or speaking up, He accepted the circumstances from the hand of God with admirable meekness and justified Him for His actions. 

J.P.S.