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OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES AND NURSING INFANTS

Text: P salm 8; Matthew 21:15-16; Luke 19:28-40
2 May 2010

(I) THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT

1. The Triumphal Entry of Jesus

2. The Adoration of the Multitudes

a) The Disciples of Jesus ( Matthew 21:6 )

b) A great multitude ( Matthew 21:9 )

i) Before Jesus

ii) Behind Jesus

iii) Cry of the multitude

“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! Hosanna in the highest” Matthew 21:9

c) Children crying out in the temple

“Hosanna to the Son of David” Matthew 21:15

(II) THE INDIGNATION OF THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND SCRIBES

1. They were indignant (Matthew 21:15)

2. They protested to Jesus (Matthew 21:16a)

3. Their probable reasoning:-

a) The Children could not possibly understand what they were saying

b) How could they have concluded that Jesus was indeed The Son of David?

c) They could not have fathomed what they were singing to Jesus

d) They themselves could not come to the conclusion that Jesus was the Messiah, the Divine Son of David

(III) THE DEFENCE OF JESUS

1. An authoritative defence

2. A defence from the Scriptures

“Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise.” Matthews 21:16 (Cf. Psalm 8:2)

3. Explanation of this Defence

a) Jesus offered a slightly different application of Psalm 8

i) Original version… “You have ordained strength” Psalm 8:2

ii) Jesus’ version… “You have perfected praise” Matthew 21:16

b) Significance of the words of Jesus

i) It was God Himself who inspired the children to sing to Jesus

ii) The praise of the children was considered “perfect praise”

iii) Their words may not have depth but their adoration came from true hearts

iv) The children had more spiritual understanding than the chief priests and scribes!

(IV) OUR CHALLENGE

1. Never despise children

2. God can give to children spiritual understanding

3. God can perfect praise from the lips of little children

4. We are to help our children to grow up in the fear of the Lord