How should we respond to Jesus' works today, as seen in Matthew 21:15? Setting the Scene “Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there” (Matthew 21:12). Moments later, “the blind and the lame came to Him at the temple, and He healed them” (Matthew 21:14). Verse 15 records two very different reactions: • “the children shouting in the temple courts, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’” • “the chief priests and scribes… were indignant.” Two Contrasting Reactions • Children—spontaneous, joyful praise. • Religious leaders—jealous indignation. The same Savior stands before both groups, yet their hearts determine their response. Called to Childlike Praise Scripture affirms the children’s response: “From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise” (Psalm 8:2; quoted by Jesus in Matthew 21:16). Practical ways to echo that praise today: • Speak aloud what Jesus has done—salvation, answered prayer, daily provision. • Sing or listen to worship that exalts His name (Colossians 3:16). • Celebrate testimonies in the church, giving glory to God rather than to people (Psalm 107:2). Guarding Against Religious Pride The chief priests knew Scripture yet missed its fulfillment standing in front of them. Warning signs of similar pride: • Resenting attention given to Christ’s work in others. • Measuring spiritual success by rituals instead of relationship (Isaiah 29:13). • Critiquing rather than celebrating genuine moves of God. Remedy: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10). Celebrating His Ongoing Works Jesus still performs “wonderful things” (Matthew 21:15): • He saves: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). • He heals: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). • He transforms lives: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our role is to recognize, announce, and delight in these works. Practicing Daily Hosannas • Begin each morning declaring, “Hosanna—Lord, save!” acknowledging continual dependence (Psalm 118:25–26). • Keep a written record of answered prayers; review it often. • Share fresh testimonies at the dinner table, small group, or online. • Offer “a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name” (Hebrews 13:15). Scripture Echoes • Luke 19:40—If disciples keep silent, stones will cry out. • Revelation 5:12—All heaven praises the Lamb. • 1 Peter 2:9—We are saved “to proclaim the virtues of Him who called” us. When Jesus works, the only fitting response mirrors the children in the temple: wholehearted, public, childlike praise—“Hosanna to the Son of David!” |
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