"But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that (Jesus) did, and heard the children crying out in the temple, 'Hosanna to the Son of David,' they became angry..."
(Matthew 21:15)
The leaders of the Jewish community were getting increasingly frustrated & upset with Jesus (it would soon cost him His life, too!). At the start of what would be his last week of life, in Jerusalem, Jesus is preaching, teaching, healing & even cleansing the temple (see Mt. 21:12-13). "Amazing things," as Matthew puts it, "were happening." But what really sent the leaders off was hearing the children sing praises to Jesus.
It's one thing, I guess, to lead an adult astray... but to "corrupt" the innocent children - that's going too far! (At least that's what the leaders must have thought). Jesus quotes Psalm 8 when he said, "Out of the mouths of babes..." to remind them that God LOVES to hear the children praise Him!
One of my favorite times each Sunday morning in worship is the "Time with the Children." We're also about to start summer VBS at our church here in Aiea. Sunday School and Youth Group also remain a steady part of our church's life. All of these help our children (and youth) learn about God - His amazing Love - and (hopefully) it inspires them to sing their own praises to God. Matthew 21 reminds us that this is a vital necessity - for our children to voice their love & adoration for the King.
PRAYER: May I continue to spend time helping our young people find their own expression of love for you, Lord. May I not discourage even the littlest ones among us to cry out in praise. And may I help other adults come to konw just how much we can learn from our children. AMEN.
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