The context is immediately after Jesus has cast the moneychangers out of the temple (Matthew 21:12,13).  As recorded in verse 14 there is a marked contrast between what service Christ would perform in the temple and what had been performed by the moneychangers.  In verses 15, 16a we see the reaction of the chief priests and scribes, and then we are given Jesus’ reply in the latter part of verse 16.  Notice how verses 14-16 read.

        And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.  And when the chief priests and scribes saw the
        wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were
        sore displeased, And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read,
        Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

    The chief priests and scribes were in the presence of the Master Teacher that day, but they were also in the presence of numerous other teachers from whom they could have learned great lessons.  Those teachers were able to hear the children who were crying “Hosanna (a form of praise based upon the salvation Jesus offers) to the Son of David.”  They heard that and they saw the miraculous healing of the blind and lame, but they refused to truly hear or see either.  In this way the chief priests and scribes were missing wonderful lessons about the Lord.  How ironic that these “uneducated” children should recognize the man spoken of in the very prophecies that the “educated” chief priests and scribes supposedly knew better than any.
    Just as those children could have taught the Jewish religious leaders a great lesson so today we can glean lessons from our children.  What are these lessons that we today can learn from children?  I suggest there are four.
    First, we can learn a lesson about simplicity from children.  A child does not understand how much money a toy costs, and may be unimpressed by how many moving parts a given toy has.  The child is interested only in finding amusement from that toy.  Furthermore sometimes the least expensive and most plain toys are the favorites of children.  I Peter 2:2 demonstrates this point by showing what babies want, or require, for sustenance:  Nothing fancy, just milk.  “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”  We can take note from such a lesson on simplicity.  We will best be nourished, and actually only be nourished, when our desire is on God’s Word apart from any human influence.
    Second, we can learn a lesson about trust from children.  Americans trust in virtually anything these days, and yet most of that which draws our trust is meaningless, useless, and fleeting.  In Luke 10:21 Jesus speaks of things hidden from the wise and prudent but revealed unto babes.  Why revealed unto babes?  Because their trust is in Him.  The wise and prudent of this text trust in themselves, or in their own inventions.  When we place our trust in God alone then we will truly lack for nothing.
    Third, we can learn a lesson about innocence from children.  A child may do things that are wrong, but there is no meaning, or motivation, to do evil for evil’s sake.  Jesus said in Matthew 19:13 (as echoed in Mark 10:13; Luke 18:15), “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”  What is the kingdom?  The body of the saved.  How is that kingdom like little children?  In its innocence.  Matthew 18:3, seen below, is of similar note.  We should strive to be innocent as little children, unmotivated by any wrong intentions.
    Last, we can learn a lesson about submission from children.  Children see their place as followers.  They understand that for a while they are in subjection to their parents and must heed their instructions and warnings.  As Matthew 18:3,4 reads, “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  We must realize that Jesus wants to lead us for our safety and our protection, and he instructs and warns for that very purpose.
    There are great lessons to be learned from children.  If only we will do better than the chief priests and scribes and accept these lessons we shall be rewarded.