You have revealed them to the childlike

There are many differences between childish and childlike attitudes. “Childish” behavior is seen in an adult who acts annoyingly and immaturely, incommensurate with his or her age, with self-centered, petulant, irresponsible, and reckless conduct.

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“Childlikeness,” on the other hand, indicates a trusting attitude, appreciative of goodness and beauty, open to awe and wonder, humble and obedient toward elders. Jesus reveals the mysteries of the Father’s Kingdom to the childlike (Greek nepioi)— the “little ones” in the eyes of society: the humble and the poor.

In contrast, the reign of God is hidden from the “wise and learned” — from the scribes and Pharisees—who burden the people with their interpretations of the Law and condemn Jesus for defending those they take as violators of the Law. If Jesus opposes the scribes and the Pharisees, it is because he refers to the spirit rather than the letters of the Law, and he knows the will of God “from the beginning” (Jn 1:1).