Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 11:27

"All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal [him.]" — Matthew 11:27 (ASV)

Like the term “Son of Man” (see comment on Mk 8:31), so with “Son of God,” it appears that Jesus used this designation not firmly defined and open to several interpretations as part of his gradual self-disclosure—a revelation that could be fully grasped only after the Cross and Resurrection. Thus for Matthew there is no doubt of what Jesus is saying in v.27 because Matthew’s “Son” or “Son of God” categories must be seen against the backdrop, not only of the prologue, but also of 3:17.

Verse 27 is a Christological claim of prime importance, fitting easily into the context. After vv.25–26, Jesus adds that he is the exclusive agent of the Father’s revelation. The reciprocal knowledge of Son and Father, where the Father is God, presupposes a special sonship indeed. And this unique mutual knowledge guarantees that the revelation the Son gives is true. No mere mortal could honestly make the claim Jesus makes here. There is a self-enclosed world of Father and Son that is opened to others only by the revelation provided by the Son. The Son reveals the Father to those whom he, from time to time, wills (cf. Jn 3:35; 8:19; 10:15; 14:9). This text places enormous emphasis on Jesus’ person and authority. What is made clear in this passage is that sonship and messiahship are not quite the same.