How can we apply the humility of children in our daily faith practice? Setting the Scene Matthew 21 finds Jesus in the temple courts after the triumphal entry. Religious leaders are indignant because children are crying out “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Jesus answers their complaint: “ ‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’ they asked. ‘Yes,’ Jesus answered. ‘Have you never read: “From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise”?’ ” (Matthew 21:16) Why Does Jesus Highlight Children? • Psalm 8:2 is His quotation—proof that Scripture has long affirmed God-given praise rising from the least expected voices. • Children represent dependence, honesty, and unself-conscious worship. • Jesus has already taught, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4). Childlike humility is therefore not optional; it is kingdom entry-level. Childlike Humility—Key Traits • Dependence: little ones know they cannot provide for themselves (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Trust: they believe a parent’s promise without scheming for loopholes (Psalm 37:5). • Transparency: what is in the heart comes out of the mouth—no calculated image-crafting (Luke 6:45). • Receptivity: eager learners who ask “why?” and “how?” (James 1:21). • Joyful praise: energy pours out in song before any worship leader cues them (Psalm 98:4). Daily Practices to Cultivate This Humility Depend Fully Each Morning – Begin the day confessing your need for God’s strength (Isaiah 40:29). – Physically open your hands as a reminder that everything you have is received, not earned. Stay Teachable – Keep an open Bible and an open mind; the Spirit instructs through both (John 14:26). – Invite correction from mature believers; “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Repent Quickly – Children rarely nurse grudges. Follow suit by confessing sin as soon as the Spirit pricks the conscience (1 John 1:9). Praise Spontaneously – Speak or sing short bursts of gratitude during ordinary tasks; Psalm 34:1 calls for praise “at all times.” – Share testimonies of God’s help with family or coworkers; it mirrors the temple-court children who couldn’t keep silent. Trust Over Worry – Replace anxious inner monologues with “Father, You know” (Matthew 6:32). – Memorize Philippians 4:6-7 and pray it when stress rises. Serve Without Spotlight – Volunteer for tasks that rarely receive applause. Jesus “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). – Keep tally of God’s mercies, not of your own sacrifices (Luke 17:10). Strength That Flows From Humility • Psalm 8:2 links childlike praise to silencing the enemy. Humility is spiritual warfare. • 1 Peter 5:5-6 promises exaltation in God’s timing to the humble. • 2 Corinthians 12:9 shows Christ’s power perfected in acknowledged weakness. Walking Forward Let the temple scene echo through your day: when you hear children laugh, when you notice your own impulse to self-promote, when spontaneous gratitude bubbles up. Welcome those moments as invitations to step into the childlike humility Jesus celebrates—trusting, praising, teachable, and entirely at rest in the Father’s care. |
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