People often act on the basis that we are smart enough to figure out any particular problem, from everyday things like running personal finances to global issues like world peace and the meaning of life. Then we discover, awkwardly, that the challenge is too hard for us: life is complicated. Having realized that, we often scoff at those with less learning and more faith who simply believe what God has revealed to them.

But listen to what Jesus prayed: “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants: yes, Father, for such was your gracious will” (Matthew 11:25).

Jesus sometimes taught with large speeches – lectures, we would call them today – and sometimes with short memorable sayings, and sometimes with parables. But here we get something a little different: the teaching comes as we are overhearing one of Jesus’ prayers. We learn about the gracious will of the Father by listening to Jesus giving thanks to his Father.

Wanting as I do to consider myself one of the wise and intelligent ones, I need to hear the warning Jesus provided: the answers I seek are hidden from people like me. I’m not going to figure God out on my own: “no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him” (11:27). I can only respond to Jesus’ gracious invitation: “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (11:28).

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Let me come to you, Jesus, to find the rest my soul needs. I know I cannot get there on my own: without your gracious will it is not possible. But by your invitation, by your holy call, I venture to step forward. I trust in you, O Lord, now and forever.