Like children sitting in the marketplace

Like children sitting in the marketplace

Scripture:

“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “‘We played the pipe for you,  and you did not dance; we sang a dirge,  and you did not mourn.’

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” Matthew 11:16-19

Observation:

In this curious passage, our Lord compares the generation to children sitting in the marketplace. In the first instance, the children play the pipe, encouraging some others to dance and be merry but they don’t. In the second, the children sing a dirge, which is a funeral song or lament for the dead, but those they sing a song to do not mourn.

The first instance is representative of John the Baptist who came neither eating nor drinking. His countenance was strict, and his main message was for everyone to repent, for the kingdom of God was near. Like the children in the marketplace, the Jewish leaders refused to accept his message of warning but condemned him as demon-possessed.

The second instance is representative of our Lord Jesus who came and spent time eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners whom He led to repentance and changed lives. However, the Jewish leaders did not see the great things done by the Lord, but instead condemned Him as a glutton and one who mixed with bad folk.

Although both John and Jesus were sent by God, albeit in different ways, the Jewish leaders accepted neither. They were only looking for a Messiah that fit their particular mold of thinking, and rejected the Lord because they had their own ideas and envisioned a different type of Messiah.

Jesus concludes the passage but stating that wisdom is proved right by her deeds. The proof of the many people who repented and changed their way of life for the better was proof that John had the Spirit of God, and the proof of the changed lives of the sinners Jesus spent time with also showed the truth of the Lord’s ministry from God.

Application:

In today’s church, there are those who focus on a very strict and solemn service, deeply revering the ceremony of worshipping God. Then, there are also those who spend time in great celebration of praise and rejoicing. The lesson for us is not to judge but to find the value and joy inherent in both approaches. There are times to be quiet and revere the Lord solemnly and there are times to rejoice and praise Him with great shouts, clapping and dancing. Wherever we may be called to, let us be open to what the Lord may be teaching us, and learn to worship Him accordingly.

Remember that wisdom is proved right by her actions. Pray to God for wisdom in our actions, that we might do the right things according to His will and purpose.

Prayer:

I thank You, Heavenly Father, that You are the God of infinite variety. Forgive me O Lord, for the times I may have judged other congregations or denominations. Teach me O Lord, to find the value in the different ways different people serve and worship You. Enrich my experience and knowledge O Lord, even as I seek to know You and Your people on a deeper level. Grant me more and more of Your wisdom, that I may know how to do the right things, according to Your will, according to Your purpose. In Your great name I pray. Amen.