Children of Wisdom

Jesus has just hailed John the Baptist as the greatest man before Him. Some accepted this fact while others did not.

Jesus then proceeds to talk of two categories of people – children of wisdom and children of this generation.

Children of This Generation

They:

- Call the shots

- Curb God’s people and

- Cannot hold their ground

The generation Jesus was talking about could even be referring to the current age so that includes us as well.

In Matthew 11:16 and 17, Jesus says, “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:

“‘We played the pipe for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not mourn'."

They are actively trying to lure children of wisdom away like the fabled Pied Piper of Hamelin. They could be influential and call the shots. John and Jesus did not dance to their tune, so they were blacklisted - just as the prophets of old.

Timothy prophesies, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” 2 Timothy 4:3

This generation also cannot hold their ground. They hop from one viewpoint to the other.

Matthew 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’

How do we deal with flippancy and injustice? Peter encourages us with the words “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 1 Peter 3:14

Children of Wisdom

They justify wisdom - Luke 7:35. The wisdom which appears foolish to the wise of the world - 1 Corinthians 1:18. They follow the ways of wisdom, more specifically Christ and His Word. Proverbs 8:32-36 cites, “Now therefore listen to me, O you children: for blessed are they that keep my ways."

So while there may be a clash of opinions with the other children of “this generation," children of wisdom need to lead the way with incredible patience and love.

In what areas do we need to make a stand and not join the bandwagon?