Matthew 21:16-17…Ready

Matthew 21:16-17…Ready

21:16 “Do you hear what these children (Consisting of both preteens & teens, boys and girls) are saying? they asked him. (What they were really asking was “Are you aware of this apparent blaspheme-(New) “Yes, replied Jesus “have you never read, (They must have been flipping out when Jesus said this. “Have we never read!” That’s all they did was read and copy biblical manuscripts for a living,. Of course they heard and read. There were bible passages they could have recited in their sleep, but they never really grasped.-(New)  ‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise? (The point being the children displayed greater praise and worship than the Jewish religious leaders, whose job it was, and did it better!  In fact God was using them to embarrass their arrogant unbelief) 17 And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany where he spent the night. (Jesus probably sought out the hospitality of Marry, Martha, and Lazarus who resided in Bethany-(New) (For Compete Expository See Book)

Extended Sermons

“Teaches how as parents we should be leading our children in the praise & worship of the Lord by our example.” → Are you leaving your children an example. Not only in bringing them to the house of the Lord, but in our homes and in our private lives. Our children are like little sponges, they soak up everything we say and do. The way we model worship at home and in everyday life profoundly shapes our children’s understanding of faith and devotion. When they see us prioritizing time with God, expressing gratitude, and lifting our voices in praise, it teaches them that worship isn’t reserved for church services alone, but is meant to be woven into the fabric of daily living. Our consistency and authenticity in following Christ become a living testimony, inviting our children to join in and discover the joy of praising Him, not only with their words but through sincere hearts and actions. In this way, we guide them to embrace worship as a natural response to God’s goodness, helping them grow into faithful followers who delight in honoring the Lord in all circumstances.

“Teaches by speaking praises of God we’re silencing the enemy, allowing the Lord to have the last word, not Satan.” → By using “praise” as a spiritual weapon we silence the inner critic. Just as the children’s cries silenced the indignant religious leaders. Vocalizing God’s grace and goodness can help quiet our own anxieties and opposition.

“Even today, the church is to create an atmosphere where younger believers and those who have little social standing can voice and express their faith. Instead of dismissing and writing lowly people off due to their age, qualifications, or lack of formal training, were to value their spiritual insights and perspectives as a great asset.” → As a Church we should encourage children and new believers to share their insights and faith.  No one should be excluded of their knowledge of Christ on account of their standing in society, their academic achievements, or even their age. This means that the church should be intentional in creating space for all voices to be heard, encouraging participation from those who might otherwise feel invisible or overlooked. By nurturing an environment that recognizes the value and potential in every believer. We avoid silencing or dismissing them, that their perspectives are often the most accurate. As we do this, we not only broaden our understanding of God’s work among us but also strengthen the whole body of Christ, for it is often through the faith and fresh perspective of those least expected that the Spirit brings renewal and deeper unity. In doing so, we affirm that the church is not a place for the privileged few, but a diverse family where each person’s worship and testimony is cherished, and all are invited to offer their praise freely, just as the children in the temple did, much to the surprise of the religious leaders of their day. (Matt. 11:25, 1-Corn. 1:20-26)

Additional Notes & Applications

Teaches how we can still imitate what is right and good even if we don’t understand it all.

Teaches rather than get all greedy and caught up in the world we should be praising Jesus in being Saved, and happy with that.

Teaches how our most powerful defense against Satan’s lies, isn’t our own intellect or bank accounts, it’s our vocalized gratitude.

Teaches those who recognize the truth about Jesus will speak up in all that He has done and accomplished.

Teaches how we should be encouraging worship, not discouraging it. Are you really going to tell someone they’re singing to loud or praying to loud,

Teaches when confronted with an objection or defending the truth we should always explain it in light of God’s Word, God’s will, and God’s purpose.

Calls for not allowing anyone to tell us that our children too young to cry to Jesus or too young to pray to Jesus because He sees and hears little children.

Displays how childlike faith is better at worshipping God than the professional religionists who are too busy with their religious rules and rituals.

Warns against excluding younger ones from worship just because they’re incapable of understanding what is being preached. (When you hear a baby cry in the sanctuary, smile and say to yourself, “Out of the mouth of babes and suckling’s thou hast perfected praise.”)

Displays how God makes up for the deficiencies of others. (God will be glorified. When the great one’s stay silent, God will open the mouths of children.)

Note: What’s interesting in what upset these religious leaders. They were not upset about the thievery or the blasphemy that was going on in the Temple every day. That didn’t phase them. They weren’t indigent about that. But what really upset them was when the children praised Him as the Son of David.

Note: This is not about parenting in keeping their children under control from making noise during worship service or keeping them quiet in church.

Note: The children by shouting “Hosanna” “Save us we pray” confirms the fact that all children need to be Saved from their sins. (Does not mean that all children will be able to draw out all the implications of their confession, that will come as thy grow older and mature physically and spiritually.)

Note: As minsters and elders were not to criticize the simple belief of younger children in the church who take a literal approach to scripture. Children who see the six days of creations as a literal six 24 hour days. Who view a literal worldwide flood. Who view a literal fish swallowing Jonah, etc. A child might imagine angels having physical wings or see Heaven as a literal cloud, while adults learn deeper truths about spiritual beings and God’s presence.  A child might see God as a Father with a long white beard. Whereas adults see God as a spiritual being rather than just a physical one. A child might ask, “Why doesn’t God stop the bad things?” An adult learns that sin broke the world, but God promises to redeem it and right all wrongs.  A child expects immediate answers or rewards. An adult learns to wait and trust God’s timing and the promise of future knowledge.

Note:  We need to be careful or we can carelessly misapply Psalm 8:2 as is often done.  When a child says something odd, awkward, or embarrassingly many adults jest, “Out of the mouth of babes!”  When it is only meant when a child speaks an accidental truth. Not as a rule that everything they speak is wise. Usually when those who hear the remark “Out of the mouth of babes”, will understand that the speaker has uttered a truth quite unaware of what he/she has said. The term also highlights a moment where a child’s innocence cuts through adult complexity or hypocrisy. A good example is the famous fairy tale called ”The Emperor’s New Clothes” (by Hans Christian Andersen) Which tells the story about a vain emperor tricked by swindlers who pretend to weave him magical, invisible clothes, which only “smart” people can see; everyone, including the emperor, pretends to see them, until a child simply blurts out “He has nothing on”.