Children Get It
Rev. Blake Altman, Lead Pastor

God intends to change you by His Word. How is He at work in you to do that?  Read the following passage and consider these questions. 

READ

Matthew 11:25-30 (ESV)

25 At that time Jesus declared, "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. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

QUESTIONS (40 minutes)

1. The Greek word for "thank" in v. 25 is eksomologeo, which in most other places in scripture is translated "confess" (cf. Mark 1:5, Rom 14:11, James 5:16). How does our understanding of the passage differ if v. 25 were to use the word "confess" instead of "thank"?

2. What is the relationship of confession to gratitude?

3. When Jesus uses the words "little children" in v. 25 he means those who are childlike. How does someone who is childlike "get it" in ways that others do not? What obstacles to faith do "the wise and understanding" have that "little children" do not?

4. What's the difference between being "childlike" and "childish"?

5. How does this passage lead us to gratitude?

PRAYER (15 minutes) 

Take prayer requests. Pray together that during this Advent season the Spirit would make us a people overflowing with gratitude.