Praise for Salvation

Read: Matthew 11:25-26
Listen: Matthew 11

This year in Beyond the Weekend, journey through different biblical models of prayer—one each month. January’s focus is Prayers of Praise.

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” Matthew 11:25

Tension leaps off the page as Jesus praises the Father. Jesus has emptied himself by teaching throughout Galilee, yet many still misunderstand his ministry. Even his cousin, John the Baptist, sends others to ask him if he is the Messiah (Matthew 11:1-6). Jesus points them to Isaiah’s words, affirming that his actions are those of the promised one. He denounces the crowd’s blindness. Despite their learned wisdom, they cannot see that God-in-flesh stands before them. They only see that Jesus spends time with tax collectors and sinners. Amid their rejection and doubt, Jesus praises God the Father for his ultimate plan. Salvation is for all who are humble enough to see their sin and believe in him for forgiveness and restoration.

We may also feel misunderstood and experience the sting of rejection for our faith in Jesus. Prayers of praise and remembering God’s ultimate plan of salvation will strengthen us. Jesus taught that his followers would experience intense rejection (Matthew 5:11). This is the cost of following him in a world that is still broken. As we praise God, we find comfort knowing that he is not surprised by our rejection or pain. We find hope that even death itself is not the end. Jesus has conquered sin and death. Praising God for his mighty work revealed through Jesus strengthens us as we trust that God is with us and in control.

TODAY: Praise God for his ultimate plan. “Thank you, Jesus, for revealing to me the truth that I am your child. I praise you for making your plan visible in Jesus, and that it is being accomplished despite my circumstances.”