But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets,

and calling unto their fellows, and saying. We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced;

we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. Matthew 11:16

 

      Games are fun when others play along but that is not the case here. The rules of this musical game are that when happy songs are played the children should dance and when sad songs are played it should make them sad. One group of children plays the music and the others respond. The responders were not cooperating.

       The generation in place during the time of Jesus played the roles of the complaining children. John and Jesus were the other “children” who did not respond accordingly. 

       When a child or group of children doesn’t play by the rules, the other children shun them. When it came to Jesus, John and the disciples the other “children” not only shunned them but despised and killed them. Jesus was crucified and the rest were martyred in various brutal ways. Only Jesus came back to the pipers and asked them to play the game differently.  He wanted to be the sole piper and have them follow Him.

     Some of those who didn’t believe in Him before His death did come to faith after. There was a centurion at the cross who proclaimed Him the Son of God. He and many others are the ones who understood that Jesus and John were rebels, yes but rebels with a cause. They followed that cause, leaving the childish game behind.

        This generation is not so different. We are still like children who want things our way and are unwilling to let Jesus change the game to make it more beneficial for all.