The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “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, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” (Matthew 21:14-16)

I was at church early last Sunday, because it was my turn to do announcements. I found a quiet spot to read through them, and as I did I heard the sweetest sound: a child’s voice singing along with the worship team as they rehearsed. I couldn’t see him, but I could hear him moving through the space while he sang loud and proud and amazingly on key.

“This is the sound of dry bones rattling…Holy Spirit, you are welcome here…You called my naaaaame, and I RAN OUT OF THAT GRAVE!”

Matthew 21:14-16 follows Jesus clearing the Temple of those who used it for business rather than prayer; afterward he performed several healings of the blind and lame. The children there sang his praises while Jesus, once again, faced ridicule from the religious leaders…this time in the form of a dig at the kids:

“Do you hear what these children are saying?”

For Jesus’s entire life most of the religious leaders of his day refused to step into his story, but the kids around him jumped in with both feet. Jesus made it known that children were welcome in his presence, and surely they were drawn to him just as much as the adults were! I imagine them peeking around columns or out from under benches in the Temple, watching in awe as Jesus healed those who came to him. 

Kids have this wonderful ability to see things for what they are without all the rules and laws and politics and baggage we grown-ups bring with us. They know when someone is genuine, they know when they’ve seen a miracle, and they’re not likely to be quiet about it! The kids in the Temple that day knew they were in the presence of the King and rightly sang his praises. Three cheers for the kids!

How many children witnessed Jesus’s miracles and signs? How many families believed because their children brought home good news of what Jesus was all about? Let’s take a note from the kids in our lives today and step (jump!) in with both feet to the story Jesus began writing all those years ago. Loud and proud, y’all, just like the young singer I was so blessed to hear! It’s Holy Week, and we’ve got something to celebrate!