Jesus Praises the Father

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.