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Matthew 21:15-17

But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.

When the priests and teachers heard the children shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David,” it was more than just simple praise honoring Jesus. “Hosanna” is the Hebrew word meaning “save,” and “Son of David” was a popular Jewish title for the coming Messiah. The children acknowledged Jesus as the One all of Israel had been waiting for. And the religious leaders, well…they were not ready to give up their upfront positions.

In reply to the leaders, Jesus quoted Psalm 8:2. As students of the Old Testament, this response would have felt like a stiff left jab. Psalm 8, written by David, praised God for his sovereign ordering of all creation. David proclaimed that God’s glory is “above the heavens.” Then in Psalm 8:2, David noted that this great God assigns babies and infants to praise him to silence his enemies (foes and the avenger). Jesus was, in effect, calling out these religious leaders as enemies of God! That’s a good way to get yourself put on a cross.

When I read this passage, I always think that it’s so amazing how God uses children. He will often use a child to soften the hearts of parents. Many moms and dads have gotten serious about Jesus after having a baby. Sometimes he uses them to bring grandparents to himself. And here, he uses children to remind the religious pretenders that they were, in fact, nothing more than actors on a stage. And one more thing. Two chapters earlier, Jesus called children to his side. He told his listeners, “Let the little children come to me… for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven”. Hmm, maybe the older we get, the younger we should become.

Father, make me like a little child…trusting, tender, and focused on you. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Today’s Journey Message:

When God Says NO