Children of Bible times, just like kids today, played games of make-believe. These children described by Jesus were pretending to be attending weddings and funerals. They called all their friends to join the fun, but some refused to play.      Jesus compared the scribes and Pharisees to these don’t want-to-play children. He had come to bring God’s grace and forgiveness to all people. But these self-righteous religious leaders stood on the sideline, refusing to accept His offer of abundant life and resenting those who were in the game.

MATTHEW 11:16-17- It is like unto children sitting in the markets. . . and saying. We have piped [played the flute, NIV] unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you [we sang a dirge, NIV], and ye have not lamented [did not mourn, NIV].