Reflection:  Sound familiar? This altercation between Jesus and some religious leaders echoes the famous interaction between Jesus, his disciples, and a bunch of kids, which we pondered a few days ago. The approach of children to Jesus is again being shot down by adults who claim to know more about God than the youngsters. And, again, Jesus succinctly lets them know who is on the right track. How about these kids outside the temple courts? Not only were they heralding Jesus as the long-awaited Saviour in the line of King David, they were shouting it. Shouting! Given Jesus’ reaction to them, I think their largesse was more about unbridled joy than juvenile theatrics. Plus, these prophetic punks were hollering “Hosanna” straight after Jesus purged the temple of the very opposite reaction to God’s goodness. I hope the children yelling out heard Jesus setting straight the chief priests and the teachers of the law. Not because I want them to get cocky. Rather, I want them to know how Jesus pinpoints them as the fulfilment of Holy Scripture – these kids shouting “Hosanna” are the actual realisation of Psalm 8, verse 2 (the line Jesus references).  And that is a psalm all about the magnificence of the Lord God. Yes, wow!

Question:  Has praise for the Lord Jesus been called forth from your lips today?

Prayer:  God of all creation fill my lips each day with praise for the Lord Jesus. As the children outside the temple shouted, give me the courage and cheer to yell “Hosanna” to the promised Son of David. Amen.