Topical Bible: Children: Children in the Temple

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In the biblical narrative, children hold a significant place, often depicted as symbols of innocence, purity, and receptivity to divine truths. One of the notable instances involving children in the New Testament is their presence in the temple during Jesus' ministry. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and highlights the role of children in recognizing and proclaiming the messianic identity of Jesus.

Biblical Account

The account of children in the temple is found in Matthew 21:14-16. After Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He went to the temple and drove out those who were buying and selling, overturning the tables of the money changers. Following this act of cleansing, Jesus healed the blind and the lame who came to Him in the temple. Witnessing these miraculous deeds, the children present began to shout praises, saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" (Matthew 21:15).

The chief priests and scribes, observing the wonderful things Jesus did and hearing the children, were indignant. They questioned Jesus, asking if He heard what the children were saying. Jesus responded affirmatively and quoted Psalm 8:2, saying, "From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise" (Matthew 21:16). This response underscores the divine ordination of praise from the lips of children, affirming their spiritual insight and purity of heart.

Theological Significance

The presence and actions of children in the temple carry profound theological implications. Their spontaneous praise of Jesus as the "Son of David" signifies their recognition of Him as the Messiah, a truth that the religious leaders of the time failed to accept. This incident illustrates the biblical theme that God often reveals His truths to the humble and pure-hearted, as seen in Jesus' words in Matthew 11:25: "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children" .

Furthermore, the children's praise in the temple serves as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan. Their acclamation of Jesus aligns with the messianic expectations rooted in the Davidic covenant, highlighting Jesus' rightful place as the promised King.

Role of Children in Worship

The account of children in the temple also speaks to the broader role of children in worship and the community of faith. It affirms that children are not only passive recipients of religious instruction but active participants in the worship of God. Their ability to perceive and respond to spiritual truths challenges believers to cultivate a childlike faith characterized by trust, openness, and sincerity.

In the life of the church, this narrative encourages the inclusion of children in worship and acknowledges their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the spiritual life of the community. It serves as a reminder of the value Jesus placed on children, as seen in His words in Matthew 19:14: "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" .

Conclusion

The account of children in the temple is a powerful testament to the spiritual insight and purity that children can possess. Their recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and their role in the temple worship underscore the importance of childlike faith and the active participation of children in the life of the faith community. Through their example, believers are reminded of the value of humility, openness, and the divine ordination of praise from the mouths of the young.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 21:15
And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Children in the Temple.
... THE NEW TESTAMENT. CHAPTER XXXV. THE CHILDREN IN THE TEMPLE. The next morning
Jesus went early with His disciples to the Temple. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxv the children in.htm

The Children's Bible
The Children's Bible. <. The Children's Bible Henry A. Sherman. ... A YOUNG MAN'S
WISE CHOICE. BUILDING A GREAT TEMPLE. A RULER WHO WRONGED HIS PEOPLE. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

The Second Day in Passion-Week - the Barren Fig-Tree - the ...
... It rang through the courts and porches of the Temple, this Children's Hosanna.
They heard it, whom the wonders He had spoken and ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the second day.htm

Child's Story of the Bible
... CHAPTER XXXIV. THE PRINCE OF PEACE. CHAPTER XXXV. THE CHILDREN IN THE TEMPLE.
CHAPTER XXXVI. THE LAST DAY IN THE TEMPLE. CHAPTER XXXVII. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lathbury/childs story of the bible/

That the Church which Before had Been Barren Should have More ...
... in the temple; and Samuel being born, was a type of Christ. Also in the first book
of Kings: "The barren hath borne seven and she that had many children has ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/20 that the church which.htm

The Promised King and Temple-Builder
... chasten Him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men ... step
in a process which was intended to end in the erection of a permanent Temple. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/the promised king and temple-builder.htm

Building a Great Temple
The Children's Bible. <. ... THE OLD TESTAMENT BUILDING A GREAT TEMPLE. In the
fourth year of Solomon's rule over Israel he built the temple of Jehovah. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/building a great temple.htm

Rebuilding the Temple
The Children's Bible. <. ... THE OLD TESTAMENT REBUILDING THE TEMPLE.
That the promise made by Jehovah through the mouth of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/rebuilding the temple.htm

The Millennium in Relation to Israel.
... dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for
ever ... Furthermore, the Temple itself will be re-built, built under the immediate ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/4 the millennium in relation.htm

Thy Chastening Is, as a Mother of Our Infancy: --Her Rebuke is ...
... infancy:"her rebuke is merciful, in that Thou hast restrained,"the children from
folly ... I had triumphed."Iniquity has dared to set up, a temple wherein I ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xi thy chastening is.htm