Matthew 18:10

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.”

Then Jesus returns to His main theme. Little ones who believe in Him, whether little in stature or little in outward importance, or little because of their humility, are not to be despised, for they are so important that they are represented by angels before the face of His Father in Heaven. This is not a doctrine of guardian angels as such, but an indication that believers are important enough to be represented by angels before the very face of God (compare also Hebrews 1:14). Every believer can know that his name is written in Heaven, and that someone represents him in the very presence of God, and constantly reminds God of his need, because he is so important to God. Compare the twenty four elders in Revelation 4-5 whose duty it is to perform such a function.

Note the link between this verse, earlier verses in 3-5 and Matthew 18:14 in the reference to ‘little ones'. The theme is continual throughout. These little ones are the poor in spirit to whom belong the Kingly Rule of Heaven (Matthew 5:3), in which they find true greatness (Matthew 18:4). They are the true heavenly people. They are as important to Jesus as Himself (Matthew 18:5). They are those who believe in Him and are thus under His care and protection (Matthew 18:6). They are those who have been truly forgiven (Matthew 18:21). They are the members of the new ‘congregation' (Matthew 18:17). And therefore their interests must be safeguarded.

‘My Father in Heaven.' We note again that whereas in the first part of the Gospel the emphasis had been on ‘your Father', as Jesus sought to build up their recognition of how important they were as a group before their Father, in this second part the emphasis is on ‘My Father' as He seeks to bring home to them His unique Sonship. They are important to the Father because they believe in Jesus, and He is His Father's Son.