Out of the Mouth of Babes

Matthew 21:14-17

Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant 16 and 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 babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?” 17 Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there.

Jesus was still in the outer court after driving out the merchants and money changers. The outer court was reserved for Gentiles, and also for the blind and lame Jews. Their condition excluded them from entering the inner courts. They were viewed as outcasts among their own people, but not to Jesus. He ministered to them and healed them. The chief priests and scribes were not concerned about the merchants and money changers taking advantage of the multitudes, but they were agitated that Jesus received praise for the wonderful things He did. As a result, they complained about the children referring to Him using the messianic title, “the Son of David.” Yet, Jesus declared Himself to be exactly whom the children said He was by quoting Psalm 8. That Psalm says the Lord has ordained praise for Himself through the little children. Jesus affirmed He was indeed their promised Messiah and Lord.

It is ironic how the little children could see so clearly to call Jesus their Lord and Savior, but the religious leaders who were trained in the Scriptures were not willing to accept the truth. It wasn’t because Jesus hadn’t demonstrated His power and authority to verify His claim. They simply rejected Him because He received the praise they wanted. As Israel’s spiritual leaders, they should have been leading the masses in praise of Jesus. However, their envy and corruption were greater than their desire for God. Of all the things you could desire in this world, there is nothing greater than Jesus. Do not let pride, riches, or the desire for fame and praise hinder you from exalting Him. Don’t become indignant when others praise the Lord. Instead, consider who He is; He is your Lord who is worthy to be praised. Humble yourself and become like a child so that out of your mouth His praise is perfected.