[CYM] 37.0 Do Not Despise Little Ones

Yeshua placed great value on humility and childlike faith, often using children as examples of the kind of heart that belongs in the kingdom of God. One of His most direct commands is found in Matthew 18:10:

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.

Here, Yeshua is speaking not only of children but also of humble believers—those who are vulnerable, overlooked, or easily dismissed. The “little ones” represent those who trust God with simplicity and sincerity. Yeshua warns against treating them with contempt, neglect, or harm, and affirms their great worth in God’s eyes.

This command comes in a broader teaching on humility and care for others. In Matthew 18:1–6, Yeshua says that unless one becomes like a little child, they cannot enter the kingdom. He also warns that causing a “little one” to stumble is a serious offense (v. 6), emphasizing protection and responsibility within the community of faith.

In Mark 9:36–37 and Luke 9:46–48, Yeshua places a child before the disciples and says,

And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me; for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

Though not repeated verbatim in John, the theme is consistent with Yeshua’ call to love, serve, and uplift the humble.

Yeshua’ command is clear: never look down on the lowly—cherish and honor them, for they are precious to God.