The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, "Praise God for the Son of David." But the leaders were indignant.

Matthew 21:14-15

This passage epitomizes the contrasting responses to Jesus. On the one hand, those in need of healing came freely and eagerly to him. On the other hand, the religious leaders were indignant. They were incensed because Jesus allowed himself to receive praise as the Messiah, even from children.

When the leaders raised their concern with Jesus, he made matters far worse, quoting a portion of the Old Testament that speaks of God teaching children to praise him. By implication, it was fine for the children to honor Jesus, not only because he was the Messiah, but also because he was identifying himself with God. Thus the religious leaders were doubly scandalized.

As I read this passage, I remember that I am a religious leader. Though I want to identify with those who came to Jesus for healing, and in many ways I do, I wonder if there are ways I'm like the Jewish leaders in this passage. Do I sometimes get upset about how people come to Jesus because the process doesn't fit my expectations? Do I worry so much about getting the details right that I can fail to see what God is doing in my midst? Might I even quench the Spirit in my zeal to keep everything decent and in order? I wonder.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: What about you? To whom do you relate in this story? How do you respond to Jesus in your own life? Why? Do you come with openness and neediness? Or do you come in your own self-sufficiency?

PRAYER: Gracious Lord, like the blind and the lame in this story, I have come to you "just as I am," needy and ailing. You have healed me, not only in body, but in heart, mind, and soul. You have given me the gift of eternal life. How I praise and thank you!

Yet I must confess that, like the leaders in this story, I can let my critical spirit get in the way of marveling at your works. I can think of churches where you're doing wonderful works, but which bother me because they're not getting everything right, at least by my standards. I can easily put myself in the place of judgment. Though it's right to discern carefully what you're doing, I fear that sometimes my self-righteousness and need for control get in the way of rejoicing in your activity. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have missed what you were doing because of my own prejudices. Help me to be truly discerning, weighing all things by your Word. But may I also be open to you, to the ways you will surprise me in your grace and mercy. Amen.