Definition: Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 18:10. It’s a really important and fascinating passage about how Jesus deals with his followers. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is telling his disciples – the leaders of his community – to be very gentle and kind to these young people, who are called "little ones." He’s emphasizing that they deserve respect and understanding. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Take heed…” : This is a warning from Jesus. He's urging them to be careful and thoughtful. “…that ye despise not one of these little ones…” : This is the most crucial part. "Despise" means to think less of someone or to treat them with contempt. Jesus wants his followers to not hold anyone in low regard. He’s saying he’s particularly concerned about these young people. “…for I say unto you…” : This is a key phrase – it's like Jesus is giving a direct instruction from heaven. It means he’s telling them something important and serious. “That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” : This is where it gets really profound. Jesus is comparing his followers to angels – beings who watch over God in Heaven. He's saying: "Their Angels" : These aren’t just any angels; they are watching and observing . “The face of my Father which is in heaven” : This is a very powerful image. It means Jesus sees his Father (God) all the time. He's constantly aware of God’s presence and love. It suggests that God loves these young people just as much as he loves Him self. So, what does it mean ? Jesus is saying that because he’s so close to God, he’s always looking down on his followers. He wants them to treat each other with the same love and respect as angels – who are incredibly important and watchful. He wants them to understand that these young people are precious and deserve care and kindness. Why is this important? This verse speaks to a fundamental truth about Jesus: God loves everyone, especially those he’s closest to. It shows us that God cares deeply about his followers and wants to protect them from harm and disrespect. It also highlights the importance of treating each other with dignity and compassion. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give some examples of how this verse applies to real-life situations?