07-26 The Lord Praised by Children

Matthew 21:14-17

Key Verse: “Because of Your adversaries, You have established strength through the mouths of children and infants, to silence the enemy and the avenger.” (Psalm 8:2)

Reflection Questions:

• What did Jesus do for the disabled, and how was He praised?

• How did the priests react?

• Having received great grace from the Lord, how should you live?

After Jesus cleared out the money changers and sellers from the outer courts of the temple, the disabled—those rejected by their own people—came to Him and were all healed. Jesus compassionately soothed their pain, yet the priests and scribes were completely indifferent. Witnessing Jesus’ miraculous works, they did not praise Him. Instead, they became angry when they heard the praises from the mouths of children. They were furious because the song “Hosanna to the Son of David” once again affirmed that Jesus is the Messiah—something the priests and scribes refused to acknowledge. They demanded that Jesus silence the children, but Jesus quoted Psalm 8:2, telling them that even little children and nursing infants would praise God when they witness His works.

Tragically, the priests and scribes—adults with knowledge—did not worship God but instead tried to hinder others from doing so. Luke 19:40 records Jesus' reply when the priests asked Him to silence His disciples: “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Jesus wanted them to recognize the hardness of their own hearts—while even inanimate creation longed to praise Him.

Today, we must recognize that we were once spiritually blind and have been healed by the Lord. We were once Gentiles, unable to draw near to God in worship because of the Law’s regulations. But now, through Jesus Christ, we have received the great privilege of entering God’s house freely to worship and praise Him. Let us be people who praise God with all our hearts, dedicating our lives to serve Him. Let us not be like the priests and scribes of old who failed to recognize the Lord’s grace and did not worship or honor Him. May none of us live indifferently to what God has done for us, and may we never judge or hinder our brothers and sisters from glorifying and praising God.

Let us not worship God alone, but also encourage and help many others to join in praising Him.

Are your life and words hindering others from praising God?

Let us pray:

Almighty God, I acknowledge that I have received great grace through the death of Jesus Christ, who saved and restored my life. Help me always to praise Your grace in every circumstance, and to encourage many others to worship and praise You too.

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