We know the truth. Jesus Christ is the only begotten son of God, sent into the world to die in atonement for our sins. How often do we stop and rejoice at knowing the truth? Do we take time to give thanks for the gift of that knowledge? More than just that, do we treasure that knowledge and take seriously our responsibility to share that knowledge? As we continue on our Advent journey, let us take time to pause and give thanks for the gift that is Jesus Christ and rejoice that we know the savior.
Jesus Rejoices
In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will. All things have been delivered 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 any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see what you see! 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.” Luke 10 : 21-24
Scriptural Analysis
Jesus had just sent out the seventy and they returned from their mission rejoicing and sharing their excitement over all they had seen and done. Jesus confirms their ministry just prior to this Gospel passage.
Jesus then turns to address the Father: the events of their mission still in his thoughts. Jesus is rejoicing, exulting in the Holy Spirit. The expression used here is the same as Mary at the beginning of the Magnificat. His prayer to God takes the form of a Jewish Thanksgiving prayer. He addresses God as Father which is not something that would have been typical in the Old Testament.
The reason for the praise is the reversal of fortune that God is working. The mission of the disciples was carried out by humble souls: not the learned and wise men of the time. Yet God revealed the mysteries of the kingdom to them. This was prophesied by Isaiah, “and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hid.” (29:14) This has unfolded. Those that were supposed to be wise did not recognize Jesus or his mission whereas the humble and simple did.
Jesus then discusses the relationship between himself and the father. He notes that all authority had been given to him. Jesus also reflects upon his relationship as Son to the Father. Lastly, as Son, Jesus is the one who reveals the Father to those he wishes to: his disciples. Thus the mission he sent them on was all about making known to them the Father’s plan for salvation. Having been part of this, Jesus expresses the unique privilege that the disciples have been given in knowing the truth and the mission of Jesus.
Daily Application
Just like the disciples in the Gospel, we too know the Father’s plan for salvation. We have the benefit of looking back at these actions of Jesus through the lens of the resurrection. We also have been challenged, entrusted with the responsibility to share that plan, to share the Gospel with the rest of the world. Do we recognize just how great of a gift we have been given with this knowledge?
I know I often take it for granted. For my entire life, I have known Christ. I have known his plan for salvation. There was never a point that I can recall where I did not have this knowledge. It is so familiar to me that on a day-to-day basis, I don’t appreciate what a treasure this knowledge is. The fact that God loved us so much that he created us, gave us free will that allowed us to turn against him, and when we did, he came up with a plan to sacrifice his son to atone for it, should leave us all speechless.
This Advent season let us pause and give thanks. Let us thank God for the gift of his son, the gift of salvation. Let us also give thanks that we possess this knowledge of who Jesus is and what he did for us. Then let us also ask God to open our eyes so we may see those around us who don’t know Jesus and also to grant us the courage to be bold and share the good news with them.
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