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Explanation for:
Matthew
18
:
10
See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
9
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In this context, the Lord does not regard as insignificant those who are genuinely humble, but rather those whom many perceive to be such—specifically, the impoverished, the marginalized, and the uninformed. How could anyone who holds greater value than the entire world be considered insignificant? They are friends of God. The Savior refers to those seen as small in the eyes of humanity. He mentions not many, but rather one, as a means to shield from numerous trials. Just as distancing oneself from evil is beneficial, so too is the honoring of the righteous. A prudent individual safeguards against wrongdoing in two ways: by separating from those who lead astray and by offering due respect and reverence to the holy. Moreover, further incentives are offered for honoring these individuals, as it is said, \\"As their angels are in heaven, they must see the face of my Father in heaven.\\" This demonstrates that all saints have angels in the heavenly realm. As the Apostle states, a woman should possess the authority to have angels covering her head (1 Cor. 11:10), and Moses points out, \\"Set the bounds of tongues according to the number of the angels of God\\" (Deut. 32:8). The reference is not limited to angels alone but includes the higher orders of angels as well. When it is mentioned that they behold the face of My Father, it conveys their great boldness and significant honor.\\n\\nPreviously, angels were assigned according to the number of nations; however, now they are allocated based on the count of the faithful. This is affirmed by Christ's declaration, \\"See that ye despise none of these little ones: for I say unto you, that their angels in heaven always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven\\" (Matt. 18:10). Every believer is accompanied by an angel, just as every righteous person has had an angel since the dawn of time, as Jacob acknowledges: \\"The angel that delivereth me from all evil, let him bless these young men\\" (Genesis 48:16)."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Previously, it was stated that any form of connection through hand, foot, or eye that could lead to temptation must be firmly rejected. However, He now tempers this strict admonition with the subsequent commandment, warning, “Take heed lest ye despise one of these little ones.” He emphasizes that while He commands sternness, it must be coupled with compassion. As much as it lies within your power, do not disregard them; rather, work towards their salvation for your own sake. If you notice their continued wrongdoing and surrender to vice, it is preferable for you to be saved on your own than to share in their fate, for their angels in heaven always behold the face of the Father. The worth of human souls is immense, as each has a guardian angel appointed from the moment of its creation. This is affirmed in the Revelation of John, where it is instructed to write to the angel of Ephesus, Thyatira, and the angel of Philadelphia, as well as the angels of the other four churches. Furthermore, the apostle instructs that in the gatherings of believers, women should cover their heads because of the angels."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"He instructs us not to belittle those who are seen as insignificant, specifically the poor in spirit, but rather to uplift those who hold favor with God. For they are so cherished by the Lord that angels serve as their guardians, ensuring that no malevolent spirits can harm them. Each believer, indeed all of humanity, is assigned angels. However, the angels of the meek and lowly in Christ are so intimately connected with God that they are ever in His presence, gazing upon His face. Thus, it becomes evident that while we all possess angels, the angels of the unrepentant, perhaps embarrassed by our lack of compassion, lack the boldness to behold God's face or even intercede on our behalf; while the angels of the humble are able to look upon God's countenance, emboldened by their virtue."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Be cautious not to dismiss any of these little ones, referring to those who may appear insignificant to humans in their simplicity, yet hold great worth in the eyes of God due to their righteousness. If it is clear that none of them should be looked down upon, it follows that neither should two or more. Christ highlights their dignity in another way as well, stating, Their angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven. This implies that righteous individuals have angels assigned to them, as indicated by David’s declaration, The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them (Psalms 33:8). Those under the protection of angels, who possess such confidence before God that they eternally gaze upon Him in heaven, are certainly deserving of respect. This is true, if not solely for their own righteousness, at least for the sake of their heavenly guardians. The phrase My Father's face refers to God Himself; they do not behold Him in His essential glory, but in the manner that is permitted. It is stated that no one has ever seen God in His true essence (John 1:18), not only the physical being but also the non-physical. He further provides additional reasons for why they should not be overlooked."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Son of God, exalted as the Son of Man, had deep compassion for the least among humanity, admonishing not only against condemning them but also directing that they be cherished with love and dignity. With warmth, He embraced the youth and cautioned His disciples: \\"Be vigilant, exercise caution, and ensure that none of these little ones are disregarded; be mindful that such indifference should never manifest itself within you, even unintentionally; protect the young from temptation, do not solely depend on mentors, and take it upon yourselves to guide them; teach them not merely what is enjoyable, but what is valuable, prioritizing lessons that benefit eternal life over mere earthly existence.\\" Out of love for them, temper your affection, reserving it as a reward for their compliance, guiding them towards fruitful teachings (thoughts of Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow). \\n\\n\\"Take heed, do not overlook or dismiss the desires of their guardian angels, for I assure you that the angels of these young ones in Heaven perpetually behold the face of My Father and aspire to cultivate righteous children of My Church from your offspring, preparing them to be worthy citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Consider the care that the angels of God provide for your children; how can you leave them uncared for? Their angels reside in Heaven and descend to earth on their behalf: will you not set aside your earthly pride to attend to their tender age? These angels continually see the face of my Father, as much as created beings are able, and from this blessed vision, they focus on the swaddling cloth and cradles, and they listen to the cries and babbles of infants, finding no shame in this duty; does it not seem small to you to tend to these little ones? And who dispatches angels to the children of man? Surely, it is the Creator of both angels and men. Reflect: Heaven is moved to safeguard the life and purity of your child; are there not some among you who hear the cries of the needy infant without compassion, viewing the growth of their own children with the same indifference as the grass that thrives in the field?\\" (Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow). \\n\\nThus, our Lord reveals the spiritual realm to cultivate a gracious regard for children, showing us not merely the infant and their caregiver, but the soul and its Guardian Angel. \\"Why, then, does He refer solely to the Angels of infants? Do we not also have Angels as we mature? Do our angels not behold the face of our heavenly Father?\\" Are they not all ministering spirits dispatched to serve those destined for salvation? (Heb. 1:14). It is indeed challenging to view our angels in the same light as those of the little ones. Who can say whether these spirits of light are not distanced from us, dimmed by our sinful actions and thoughts? Yet the guardian angels of young hearts, untouched by passion and untainted by vice, act unobstructed between these children and the Heavenly Father, shielding them from darkness and, through their communion, bestowing upon them that which is recognized as angelic in nature (Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow). \\n\\nAlthough we all have guardian angels, Blessed Theophylact notes that the angels of the sinful, ashamed of our excesses, lack the boldness to contemplate the face of God and intercede on our behalf; conversely, the angels of the humble gaze upon God's face, for their righteousness grants them confidence. Thus, it is beneficial for those who, with Christian diligence, care for these little ones to partake in the heavenly angelic ministry, safeguarding and guiding them from the visible realm as angels do from the unseen. This signifies a communion that honors both their and their angels through a shared heavenly fellowship. However, the Lord’s message extends beyond children alone; as St. Chrysostom explains, He also refers to all who possess a childlike faith—those who are poor, disregarded, and ignorant, yet are esteemed before God, embodying humility as they resemble children in spirit."},{"author-name":"Gregorij Djatchenko","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The phrase ‘these little ones’ refers to the followers of Christ, as indicated by the earlier verses in this chapter where Christ directly identifies these individuals as ‘believers in Him’ (Matt. 18:6). They are termed ‘little ones’ due to their childlike qualities of kindness, humility, and gentleness, and because many nonbelievers perceive them as lowly and insignificant. However, Jesus warns against looking down on these little ones, for they possess ‘angels in heaven’ who continually present their needs before God the Father, making it perilous to belittle or scorn them."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"Do not look down upon\\": this closely resembles the notion of do not lead astray (Matt. 18:6), meaning do not regard them as so trivial that leading them into sin would carry no consequence; do not belittle them by enticing them to transgression, viewing them as inconsequential individuals, for whom it would seem that nothing would happen to you. - \\"These little ones\\": refers to those who have become like children, having entered the kingdom of God, - not a single true follower of Christ (‘little ones’ here is not directed at those who are genuinely small, but rather at those perceived as such by many, namely the poor, disregarded, and unlearned. After all, how can anyone be deemed small who holds greater value than the entire world, who is a close friend of God? - Chrysostom, cf. Theophilus). - Those who have humbled themselves to resemble a child for the sake of God's kingdom. - \\"Their angels are in heaven,\\" etc.: this highlights the reason we ought not to look down on any of our neighbors, members of Christ's Church. The rationale is God's particular concern for them, where He assigns each one a special guardian angel devoted to their salvation (Heb. 1:14, Acts 12:15, cf. Tob. 5), who is also in intimate fellowship with God in the heavenly realm. If God cares so profoundly for these little brothers that He appoints heavenly spirits to assist them, and if these pure spirits do not deem it beneath them to work for their salvation, how can humanity justify despising these little ones? - \\"Always see the face,\\" etc.: signifies their close communion with God. This expression derives from the idea that being continuously visible to the king indicates a special favor, intimacy, and trust, as those particularly close to the king were referred to by the Jews as those who see the king's face (4 Sam. 25:19, cf. 3 Sam. 10:8, Tob. 12:15, Esth. 1:14, cf. Lk. 1:19). Therefore, the Savior reminds us not to disregard the least of Christians, the most marginalized and impoverished, for they are attended by the highest and most noble beings, who perpetually dwell in the presence and unique favor of the King of heaven."},{"author-name":"Alexander Swirelin","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c888626d8de9e2f4ee3d8a_Alexander%20Swirelin.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The term \\"little ones,\\" as noted in earlier verses, refers to the followers of Jesus Christ (Matt. 18:6) and also encompasses young children (Matt. 18:2-3). Believers are described as \\"little\\" due to their humility and awareness of their own sinfulness. To look down upon the little ones is to dismiss their significance and fail to appreciate their innocence and purity. The statement that their angels in heaven are always before the face of the Father underscores the importance of valuing these little ones. It emphasizes that God grants each faithful individual a holy guardian angel at the moment of baptism, who safeguards their spirit and body, teaches them righteousness, shields them from evil, and is perpetually in a position of favor with the Father in heaven."},{"author-name":"Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ffb7a2ebaf99e46539_Philaret%20of%20Moscow%20(Drosdow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"While this saying, as a profound parable, is directed towards those with childlike faith, it also applies directly to physical infants, particularly to Christian children who receive the gift of faith through baptism. Therefore, whenever the Lord, through His divine plan, places a child in your life—whether born to you, entrusted to your guardianship through law, or brought into your care due to need—consider that the Lord observes and commands you, \\"Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones.\\" He emphatically reinforces this instruction: \\"I say unto you, I say unto you, that their angels in heaven do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.\\" This illustrates that angels act as guardians for children, giving them watchful attention, care, and respect. How can you disregard their needs and neglect their care? Their angels dwell in the heavens and descend to support them; should you fail to humble your earthly pride in consideration of their innocence? These angels witness the glorious presence of the heavenly Father and then focus their eyes on the tiny garments and the cradle, turning their ears to the sounds of the child's cries or coos. Is providing for these little ones, in your view, a trivial matter? Who appoints angels over the infants of humanity but the very Creator of both angels and mankind? \\n\\nIn light of the Lord's words, let us reflect on the urgent responsibility of nurturing and caring for children. Guard against despising even the smallest of these little ones, and beware of the stealth of neglect, which can arise unobserved. Parents and caretakers, be vigilant not to underestimate any aspect of the little ones you have brought into the world and are raising. It is easy to be unaware of the potential for such disdain, which is precisely why caution is urged. Children may fall into neglect if they are cared for primarily by nurses or caregivers rather than by their own parents. Nature, or more truly, the Creator of nature, ideally provides both nourishment and nurture from the same mother. While circumstances might sometimes necessitate a separation of these roles, one must consider whether this is merely a result of a tendency towards negligence or mere imitation of carelessness. A thoughtful mother should reflect on the implications of her child receiving nourishment from a nurse while her own child is left desiring her love and comfort.\\n\\nThe mother who lovingly nourishes and cradles her infant, and the father who, during moments of rest, engages with the child, imparting sacred and gentle teachings—each plays a vital and beautiful role. Both parents partake in these joyful activities, which not only benefit the child who delights in them but also sow early seeds of love and kindness in the child's heart, setting the foundation for a bountiful future. Never neglect your children, even if your desire is simply to entertain them; especially do not overlook the importance of educating them beyond mere amusement. If learning becomes solely about pleasantness rather than usefulness, it can be said that they are poorly served. Pleasantries serve as mere enhancements to life, akin to seasonings, while true sustenance is what life fundamentally requires. Would it not be peculiar to focus only on gathering delicacies without ensuring the presence of actual nourishment?\\n\\nIt is a failure to prioritize the lasting nurture of the soul if, in providing education, one emphasizes transient benefits over spiritual well-being; when knowledge is prioritized over wisdom, and the heart's garden is neglected, allowing harmful inclinations to thrive instead of nurturing virtuous sentiments. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord: but understanding is good for all who do it; godliness in God establishes true understanding (Proverbs 1:7). As you raise your children to become future citizens, warriors, creators, and artists, take heed not to overlook the more profound task at hand—the nurturing of them as faithful children of the Church, preparing them to be future citizens of heaven whom their heavenly angels desire to assist in their formation."}]}
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