“‘Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’ In that same hour 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 understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.’” (Luke 10:20–21)

What God has done and is doing for us is always greater and more important than what we are allowed to do for Him. He first wants to do a work in us, and then to work through us. His grace always comes first! We should therefore rejoice much more in what He does for us than in our service to Him. For this reason, the Lord Jesus also told His disciples that they should rejoice much more over the fact that their names were written in heaven, than over the fact that demonic spirits were subject to them.

The Son of God came in grace to His people as the promised Messiah. He was commissioned by His Father to go from village to village to preach the gospel, cast out demons and heal the sick. But although He faithfully fulfilled this commission, the people rejected Him and His message. How did He react to this?

At this point we are told for the first time what the Lord Jesus said to His Father in prayer, “I thank you, Father.” Is that not remarkable? In these adverse circumstances, He praised His Father and thereby glorified Him (see Ps. 50:23).Moreover, in prayer He had the greatness of God before His eyes, joyfully acknowledged His authority and submitted Himself to His will. This was the mindset and attitude of heart with which He prayed. A challenging example for us!

The Son of God rejoiced with all His heart over the weak and despised of society whom the Father had chosen, those whom He now drew to Him in grace (see 1 Cor. 1:26–29). Children were also especially dear to His heart. That’s why He said to His disciples, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 19:14). He was approachable to everyone who came to Him in faith. However, He often stayed with the lowly who were outcasts from society but recognized their sinfulness. His opponents took this as an opportunity to accuse Him of being a friend of tax collectors and sinners (see Mt. 11:19).

While the Pharisees and scribes boasted of the Law, the Lord boasted of the grace of God that opened children’s eyes as to Who He was. He praised the wisdom of the Father, Who had decided in His purposes that a rejected Christ should be the door into the presence of God for these people. Peter and John, for example, were unlearned and uneducated people, but their names are written in heaven (see Acts 4:13). How many ‘unknown people’ are there in the world, but who are “well known” in heaven (see 2 Cor. 6:9)!

What is your mind more occupied with—what the grace of God has done and is doing for you, or what you are allowed to do for God? In view of the circumstances that God allows in your life, can you also say “Yes, Father” or, “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice” (Deut. 32:4)? How does your life show that you stand up for the lowly and care for those who have nothing with which to repay you (see Rom. 12:16; Luke 14:13–14)?