Luke 10:21-24 21At that same time, he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was pleasing before you.
Upon the return of the seventy-two disciples from their mission of proclamation, Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit. Verse 21 is connected to the previous passage by the phrase, at that same time. Time (hōra) can be translated in different ways, including hour, time of day, or soon after. All of Jesus’ ministry was done through the Holy Spirit. Luke, in particular, emphasized the Holy Spirit in his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. The Spirit brings the inspiration of joy as one of the fruits of walking in obedience (Galatians 5:22). Jesus lived in perfect obedience and so must have expressed joy on many occasions. This was only one mention of many possible times of joy. Jesus also expressed the emotions of disappointment and anger.
Jesus expressed his joy by recognizing the Father’s sovereignty as Lord of heaven and earth and his grace of revelation. God may choose how, when, and to whom his reveals his will. He is in control. To receive his revelation is a matter of his grace. The message goes out to all, but only those with child-like faith receive it. The identity of these things is unclear, whether it is referring back to the success of preaching the message of the kingdom or the revelation in verse 22. The message of the kingdom and the revelation of Jesus’ identity are connected, and so Jesus may be referring to the whole coming of the King and his kingdom.
God hid the meaning of the kingdom from those who were proud in themselves. In the context of Jesus’ ministry, these included the Pharisees, scribes, Sadducees, and other elite Jews who opposed him and did not believe in him. This thought echoes the pattern in the Old Testament when the people of Israel hardened their hearts against God and so closed themselves off from further revelation and insight. Those who think they can figure out God will not experience the power of the gospel because they are relying on their own thinking (1 Corinthians 1:19-25). It only takes simple faith to understand the kingdom.
Those who come in this faith participate in God’s eternal plan because they come in humble worship and willingness to receive what God desires to communicate to them. Little children (nēpiois) refers to young children below the age of puberty. Children of this age are not necessarily innocent of wrong choices (because of inbred sin), but they are open to loving correction and direction. This is the age when patterns for life are established, language is solidified, and important morals are determined. Children serve as models of discipleship because of their trust and openness to the guidance of loving teachers. Disciples who come to God in simple faith will receive the grace of the gospel.
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