The Parable of The Children in The Marketplace, Children Sitting in The Markets, Children Sitting in the Market place ~ Parable Meaning, Verses, Explanation
The Parable of the Children in the Marketplace has also been referred to as “The Parable of the Brats”. This parable is probably the shortest parable told by Jesus. The actual parable is only about 2 verses long (Matthew 11:16-17), but to be able to put it in proper context, we also explore the Bible Verses that surround the parable.
See also: List of Parables in the Bible
(Please scroll down to read The Parable of the Children in the Marketplace Meaning, Explanation, Lessons & Prayers.)
When we look at the scriptures surrounding this parable, we see that Jesus was very frustrated with the Pharisees for being so difficult to please, stubborn, obstinate, and discontented. They refused to accept the gospel, always finding something to criticize, complaining and grumbling, and just generally being bratty.
John the Baptist came preaching the gospel of repentance – drinking no wine, and not eating much at all. They complained that John was too serious – that he was just a crazy demonic guy!
Jesus Christ came preaching the gospel of salvation and grace – he ate with everyone, mingled with them, laughed with them, cried with them. He accepted everyone and offered the gift of salvation and grace to ALL. Jesus ate, he drank, he turned water into wine, he healed the sick, raised the dead, ministered life and freedom from condemnation, and enjoyed times of fellowship with everyone from all walks of life.
But they still were not satisfied. They complained that Jesus Christ was hanging out with sinners and tax collectors, that he was a glutton, and he was a drunk. They conveniently ignored all the signs and wonders that accompanied Jesus. NOTHING was good enough for them! Thus, they were acting like spoiled little children who would never be satisfied: “my way or the highway!” Read on for relevant scriptures and prayers.
Selected Verses for the Parable of the Children in the Marketplace Meaning, Explanation & Lessons
Matthew 11, ESV ~
1 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
16 But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,
17 “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
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, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”
Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank you for your mercies on us. We thank you because you keep teaching and reteaching us, and you give us so many opportunities to live the life that you have called us to live. We have witnessed your goodness and mercies in our lives and in other people’s lives. We have so many church denominations, so many styles of music, so many styles and varieties of worship. We have the opportunity to listen and read the gospel on so many mediums, in so many styles. We can approach you anywhere and anytime. You have made access to you so straightforward.
Please Lord, help us not to be bratty, always finding fault, always complaining about something, always criticizing. Please open our eyes and our hearts so your precious word can come into us, permeate us, and change us. Open up our hearts Lord ~ Let us let you in, Let us see you, Let us experience you, Let us know you more and more. May our lives glorify you and honor you! May our lives be an example to others! May our lives, words and actions be pleasing to you, and may we draw others to you as well! In Jesus’ name we pray.
Ephesians 1:18, NLT I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called – his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
Bible Verses about Open Eyes, Open Mind, Open Hands, Open Hearts
2 Corinthians 4:6, NLT For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
Ezekiel 36:26, NLT And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
Psalm 19:14, NLT May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Amen)
Thanks for reading, Dear Friends – Have a wonderfully blessed, stress-free, productive, and joyful day!
Much Love & Blessings,
Bomi Jolly ~ JollyNotes.com
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