“But when the chief priests and the teachers
of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the
temple area, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant. ‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’
they asked him. ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus,
‘have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained
praise’?’” (Matthew 21:15-16)
Why would anyone criticize others, especially
children, for praising God?
Jealousy perhaps. No one shouted praise to them like these
children were doing to Jesus.
Fear that Jesus was going to take away their
places of honor and power.
Fear of change. If Jesus was the Messiah, He might well point
out some areas in their lives that were not pleasing to God and change would be
required.
A protective spirit. They were comfortable with the status quo and
anything that threatened to alter it would be viewed with great suspicion.
Indignation over what they thought was
blasphemy. The priests and teachers were
not convinced Jesus was the Messiah, yet the praise of the children attributed
that title (“Son of David”) to Him. We,
too, would be upset by what we considered blasphemy. On the other hand, the miracles and teachings
of Jesus should have already convinced these leaders of God’s people that Jesus
was the Messiah. They had been given
ample opportunity to consider Him and more than sufficient evidence to be
convincing.
Anytime something new comes along, criticism
will always come along with it. Change
is hard. But the question is not, “Do I
like the change?” or any other question like that, but, “Is it from God?” If it is from God, nothing else matters.
His, by Grace,
Steve
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