Hosanna youth choir

Matthew 21:15-16 (ESV)

15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read,

“‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies

    you have prepared praise’?”

Jesus’ disciples had a problem with Jesus’ child followers, and ironically so did his enemies. The crowds of people who welcomed King Jesus to Jerusalem, his royal capital, on Palm Sunday with their palms and psalms had set up a rhythmic Hebrew chant: ba-RUCH ha-BA’ b’SHEM adoNAI. “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Psalm 118:25,26). Hosanna means “Save us now!” The kids loved it. All the rest of that day and into Monday they played with the leftover palms and kept the “Hosanna” chant going.

Jesus’ enemies hated it: “When the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant. ‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’ they asked him. ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus, ‘have you never read, “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise”?’” (Matthew 21:15,16).

Isn’t it ironic that these kids figured out deep spiritual truths that the religious professionals could not see? They were applying Psalm 118’s messianic prophecy to the humble man riding on his little donkey and giving him worship and praise that belonged only to Israel’s king. This Hosanna choir, these child champions, were giving the Lord the praise, he deserved.

Dear Lord, help us to hear children’s voices praying and singing in our church. Help us to take the time to listen and encourage. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.