Luke 7: 32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
When we look at today’s scripture, it may seem a simple statement of marketplace event where children are teasing each other, saying I played the fute and you did not dance, I lamented for you, and you did not weep.
It is only when we dig deeper into the Greek word that we understand the profound teaching in this verse.
The Greek word used for children is ‘paidion’ (Strong <3813>). These were not normal children but those who were stricken with serious medical issues or deformities, whom we call as ‘Children with special needs and disabilities’. One surprising fact I learned was that these children are more vulnerable to colour blindness.
In those days, poor families would disown them, and they were used for things like washing the feet of those entering the houses of the rich, and they would be given the leftovers of the table. Jesus was not mocking them but showing them a mirror of their spiritual state.
If we understand the background, then only will we understand the depth of today’s scripture. It speaks of these broken people entertaining each other with their traditions.
There are times when the Lord has shown me the spiritual state of some people, and it is frightening. A religious person was depicted as a dog, its skin fully covered in sores. A sweet-talking, deceptive person was depicted as completely covered in long, dark hair, like the character ‘Cousin Itt’ in the horror-comedy movie ‘The Addams Family’, only scarier.
The word ‘paidion’ is used in places showing children in trouble or suffering. What may surprise most is that the word ‘paidion’ was used in all the Gospels for the infant Lord Jesus Christ, showing us the level of His humbling and coming as man. When we come to the Lord we are not called to come as innocent, cute children but as ‘paidion’, children who are suffering and helpless.
A couple of days back, someone was telling me about a movie named ‘Unnecessary Calamity’. A person without spiritual discernment may find it good, although the movie is supposed to be about spiritual discernment. The movie is a prime example of a blind leading the blind.
Let us be aware of our spiritual state and growth. Let us not be like ‘paidion’ Jews who seek to do foolish things to please themselves and entertain/gain the attention of people, but let us, as ‘paidion’ seek the Lord who greets us with open arms and restores us.
[Prayer Starter]
Lord, You are Almighty God. You, Lord, humbled Yourself and took a low form so that we who are of low form may be restored to greater glory in You. Lord, we pray we do not be contented with what we are and get into foolish things, but seek restoration in You for You greet us with open arms…
This prayer we make in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Mark 7:28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s <3813> crumbs.
Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child <3813>, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child <3813> in my name receiveth me.
Matthew 2:20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child <3813> and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child s <3813> life.
Mark 10:13-14
13 And they brought young children <3813> to him, that he should touch them: and [his] disciples rebuked those that brought [them].
14 But when Jesus saw [it], he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children <3813> to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Mark 5:39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel <3813> is not dead, but sleepeth.
Dated 30 April 2026
Bro Rollwyn