How can we cultivate childlike faith as seen in Matthew 21:15? Childlike faith on display Matthew 21:15: “But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonders He performed, and the children shouting in the temple courts, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ they were indignant.” • The children saw Jesus’ miracles and burst into spontaneous praise. • They called Him “Son of David,” an unmistakable confession that He is Messiah. • Their response was immediate, joyful, and unhindered by fear of religious authorities. Why the children’s praise stirred opposition • The chief priests and scribes loved control; childlike adoration threatened their power. • Their unbelief could not tolerate open acknowledgement of Jesus’ Messianic identity. • Jesus affirmed the children (Matthew 21:16), quoting Psalm 8:2 to validate their worship. Traits worth imitating • Humble dependence – Psalm 131:2; Proverbs 3:5. • Quick responsiveness – Hebrews 3:15, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” • Joyful enthusiasm – Nehemiah 8:10, “the joy of the LORD is your strength.” • Bold confession – Romans 10:9-10, openly declaring Christ regardless of opposition. • Trust beyond comprehension – Hebrews 11:1, faith as “the assurance of what we do not see.” Practical ways to nurture childlike faith • Daily Scripture intake – Read aloud as families or alone; hearing God’s Word builds simple trust (Romans 10:17). • Express praise out loud – Sing hymns or psalms; verbal worship trains the heart to adore like the temple-court children. • Pray with expectancy – Present requests believing the Father delights to answer (Matthew 7:11). • Celebrate God’s works – Keep a written record of answered prayer and providences; review often. • Fellowship with believers who model simplicity – Acts 2:46, believers met “with glad and sincere hearts.” • Serve in unnoticed places – Mark 10:43-45 shows greatness through servanthood, preserving humility. • Confess sin quickly – 1 John 1:9, keeping conscience clear so cynicism cannot harden the heart. • Guard media intake – Philippians 4:8 directs minds toward what is pure; skepticism breeds where cynicism is fed. Safeguards to keep faith childlike, not childish • Root emotions in doctrine – Ephesians 4:14 warns against being “tossed by waves.” • Test experiences by Scripture – Acts 17:11; obedience is never naïve credulity. • Pursue growth – 2 Peter 3:18, mature understanding strengthens simple trust instead of replacing it. • Submit to godly oversight – Hebrews 13:17; accountability protects sincerity from error. Closing encouragement from related passages • Matthew 18:3, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” • Mark 10:15, “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” • Luke 18:16-17, Jesus invites children, underscoring their place in His kingdom. • Hebrews 11:6, “without faith it is impossible to please God.” The same Lord who welcomed shouts of “Hosanna” still delights in simple, wholehearted trust today; He remains worthy of childlike faith that praises Him openly, relies on Him completely, and magnifies His name without reservation. |
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