10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10 (ESV)
Jesus continued His instructions to His disciples concerning who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:1-9). The comparison to children was predominant. That theme continues in today’s text.
Jesus began with another command: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones.” The phrase see that you do not (ὁράω μή; horao me’) is a present, active imperative verb. It is a command to be continuously obeyed. It means to pay attention and understand.
What was it that Jesus commanded His disciples, then and now, to understand? The directive was to not despise little ones. To despise (καταφρονέω; kataphroneo) means to look down upon and to scorn. It may mean to ridicule. The phrase little ones (μικρός; mikros) refers to those who are younger and seemingly unimportant.
“At the root of all self-exaltation lies sinful pride, a looking down, or, as the Greek literally expresses it, a thinking down upon others. The proper attitude is that conveyed so touchingly by Paul: “in humble-mindedness each counting the other better than himself” (Phil. 2:3),” explains Dr. William Hendriksen. “The words of Jesus are very emphatic. He warns the disciples constantly to see to it not to make even a single one of those whom he considers his own the object of scorn or disdain, of belittlement or contempt.”
Matthew 18:10 records His warning that we not “despise one of these little ones.” Given that chapter 18 has thus far emphasized our need for humility (vv. 1–9), Christ is telling us that we must not become puffed up with self-pride and look down on other Christians. Despising another believer means to treat him with disrespect, refusing to receive him as our equal in God’s eyes (see v. 5),” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.
Then Jesus said, “For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven,” What did Jesus mean by this statement?
Scripture teaches that angels protect and minister to God’s people (Psalm 91:11; Acts 12:15; Heb. 1:14). In some cases, they may have specific responsibilities (Dan. 12:1). No matter what status or lack thereof a believer in Christ has in this world and the church, they are important in God’s sight.
In his Commentary on A Harmony to the Evangelists Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John Calvin writes,“It is no light matter to despise those who have angels for their companions and friends.… We ought therefore to guard ourselves against despising their salvation, which even angels have been commissioned to promote.… The care of the entire Church is committed to angels, to assist each member as his needs require.”
Are their individuals in your church that you, if not despise, look down upon and ridicule? You do not hold them in high esteem or high regard. Resolve to not only pray for them but also to encourage them in their journey of faith in Christ. Maybe someone else will do the same for you.
Soli deo Gloria!
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