Daily Devotions
Matthew
Concern for "Little Ones"
Text: Matthew 18 : 1 - 14
Three times, Jesus used the phrase “little ones” (Matthew 18:6, 10, 14). At first reading, we might think that He was thinking of little children. He did bring a little child close to Him, to help illustrate a point He wanted to make to His disciples (Matthew 18:2).
The phrase “little child” translates “paidion”. The phrase “little ones” translates another word, “micron”. The former, without question is a reference to a child. The latter however has a wider scope in mind. The word “micron” may be used to describe “the weak, the insignificant, the small people of the world”. The people who belonged to this group of people would be the poor, the downtrodden, or even the hapless sinners… the people despised by the scribes and Pharisees. The phrase “little ones” would also include little children (paidia). As far as the disciples were concerned, they were given specific instructions that they were not to despise them!
“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones,
for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face
of My father who is in heaven.”
MATTHEW 18:10
“The little ones” are not to be despised! How gracious and compassionate Jesus was towards the weak and helpless!
AN APPRECIATION OF THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS
A. “Their angels…”
How did Jesus mean this thought to be understood? Let us consider the following thoughts.
1. It cannot mean that everyone has angels looking after them
This meaning must be ruled out! Obviously, the wicked do not have angels looking after them!
2. It is a reference to “the elect”
God’s elect may be “the little ones”. The elect of God may be either very “important people” or they also may be virtually insignificant people, as far as social standing is concerned.
3. No clear identification of the elect little ones
Jesus did not specify how the disciples may recognize “the little ones”. This would mean that great care must be taken at all times, lest they are despised!
B. “Their angels always see the face of My Father in heaven”
Angels perform many functions. Let us consider some of them revealed in the Scriptures.
1. They attend God’s throne
“I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up…
Above it stood seraphim (angels)…”
Isaiah 6:1-2
2. They battle against powerful and evil demonic forces
“And now I (an angel) must return to fight
with the prince of Persia…”
Daniel 10:20a
3. They are sent as messengers to help people understand His Word
“Now I have come to make you understand…”
Daniel 10:14a
4. They have special care for God’s elect – “the little ones”
Jesus introduced another aspect of the work of angels. They represent the elect “little ones”. This point was noted by the author of the epistle to the Hebrews.
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister
for those who will inherit salvation.”
HEBREWS 1:14
THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS
The disciples had apparently forgotten the ministry of their Teacher. They needed a reminder as to why He came to earth at all. Thus, quietly Jesus declared,
“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.”
MATTHEW 18:11
a) The humility of Jesus versus the search for greatness by the disciples
The term “Son of Man” may be understood in a number of ways. One of the most striking uses of it is that it represents the humility of Jesus. Used in this manner, Jesus was highlighting the fact that He had left heaven’s glory and put on flesh (Cf. John 1:14).
How the disciples must be humbled by the way Jesus saw and described Himself! If anyone deserved greatness, He did! Yet, He set aside greatness but instead chose humility! What were the disciples thinking about when they vied for greatness? Worse, they had achieved nothing significant when they were arguing with each other concerning who was the greatest among themselves!
b) The noble mission of Jesus eclipsed any discussion of greatness
Jesus was so clear-sighted with reference to His purpose and mission in life! This text clarified once and for all why Jesus had come to earth.
i) He had come to save.
ii) He had come to save the lost.
Who were among “the lost”? In this context, Jesus made it very clear that “the little ones” were among the lost that He had come to save! It would do the disciples a world of good if they were to capture the focus that Jesus had in His life!