Children with a mind of their own (1) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

To what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, We have played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you, and you did not lament.
Matthew 11: 16.17.

Children with a mind of their own (1)
Jesus speaks, and His words are direct and purposeful. Here He had observed His listeners and told them that they were like children described in the verses above.

Then He told them a parable. There were children who decided things for others. First they wanted to play at weddings; the others didn't want to. Then they suggested something sad; again, the others wouldn't co-operate. On both occasions they decided, dominated and then complained: "We wanted to, but you were spoilsports!"

Jesus was comparing His listeners with such defiant, self-willed children. They, too, had their own ideas and wanted others to dance to their tune. When the others refused to do so, reproaches were heaped against them.

People sometimes have their own opinion about God. Some find Him unjust: "How can God allow that?" they ask. Others imagine that a God of love will never send anyone to hell. Yet others want to haggle with Him.

God is, however, quite different from what people think. God is righteous: He will therefore punish the guilty. But God is also love; therefore He sent His Son Jesus Christ as the Saviour. God is holy and pure, but He is also merciful, gracious and good.

How true is Job's utterance: .

(to be continued tomorrow)