THE CHILDREN
Today's reading: Matthew 20-22

"The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the little children in the Temple shouting, Praise God for the Son of David! But they were indignant and asked Jesus, Do you hear what these children are saying? Yes, Jesus replied. Haven't you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, You have taught infants and children to give you praise." Matthew 21:15-16 NLT

As our group wandered the narrow streets of Jerusalem, a little curly headed girl joined us.

She had separated herself from what seemed to be an older brother who was supposed to be watching her, and she walked along with us for a block or so.

I am not sure what big brother told her as he caught up with her, but I do believe it was a scolding--but she continued smiling. I'm glad I snapped the picture just before he located her and corrected her path.

I thought of her as I read this Scripture.

The priests were offended by what the children were doing. Well, maybe not offended, maybe embarrassed. Or maybe shamed.

I can see a little one, just like the child who walked with us, praising God as she followed Jesus into the city that Palm Sunday.

Would I have been ashamed that she shouted 'Hosanna' louder than I did? Would I have been shamed by her belief in Who He was compared to my doubt? Would I have been offended by her naivete?

I can just picture this little one waving a palm branch and praising my Lord!