Are there guardian angels?

Today’s question deals with angels. Specifically, does Matthew 18:10 say that there are guardian angels for children? If ‘guardian angels’ are for children does that mean that we ‘grown’ Christians still have guardian angels? Before I address this question in Scripture let me say this, there is a vast amount of information—mostly unbiblical—about angels in today’s world. Beliefs about angels range from fantasy to superstition to religious (not necessarily biblical). My point is that answering this question does not involve a feeling, experience, or opinion regarding angels. The Bible gives us the undisputed truth about the role that these glorious creatures have in the plan of God and that is more than sufficient for us. Having said that, let’s move on to tackle the question of guardian angels in this verse of Scripture.

One of the most essential parts of interpreting any passage or verse involves understanding the context. Prior to verse 10 we have clues as to the meaning that Jesus is driving at: He teaches that anyone who wants to enter the kingdom of heaven must become as a child. Those who trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior come to Him with a child-like faith and humility. From this point forward Jesus refers to those who come into the kingdom as “little ones.” Whoever receives one of these “little ones” receives the Lord Jesus Himself. Those who cause one of these “little ones” to stumble and sin will be punished. Also, immediately after verse 10 Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep. This parable has a powerful punch at the conclusion as Jesus remarks “Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” (Matt. 18:14).

Since we understand “little ones” to be ordinary Christians who come to Christ with child-like faith, let’s deal with our question today. Matthew 18:10 says, “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.” Jesus is speaking to His disciples that anyone—much less other Christians—should not “despise” one another by treating them unkindly or indifferently. And when believers in Jesus Christ are mistreated the care of the Father will be exercised through the activity of angelic hosts. The phrase “their angels” has a collective sense in the pronoun used and refers to the fact that believers are served and helped by angels. Here we are reminded that Hebrews 1:14 mentions about angels being “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.” Jesus says that angels “always see the face of My Father” and stand at the ready to receive the command of the Father to bring supernatural aid to His “little ones” who are being mistreated. So then, this verse of Scripture doesn’t teach us about guardian angels, better than that—Jesus tells us that when His followers (“little ones”) are mistreated or neglected the Father sends His divine help through the angelic hosts of heaven! Let this encourage your heart today, dear friend—God knows exactly where you are today and His supernatural help will give you exactly what you need when you need it! What a mighty God we serve!