Sheep Among Wolves

Matthew 10:16 ESV
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

Jesus told His disciples that He was sending them out as sheep, a simple, docile animal, in the middle of a world full of wolves at every turn. It doesn’t sound like a pleasant assignment, but never-the-less it was their assignment, as is it ours.

Wolves, scatter sheep, frighten sheep and are predators of sheep. That is what is in the world, wild, uninhibited wolves that devour anything in their paths. So why would Jesus send the disciples, and us, out into that kind of world, because the fields are ripe with the harvest.

Souls are ready to give their lives to Jesus Christ, even some wolves are ready to turn their lives around. We have to bring the gospel of peace to everyone. Jesus also told His disciples to be wise as serpents, and I know that freaks a lot of people out but there is a deeper meaning.

Jesus was telling His disciples, and us, to have the same totally realistic and sophisticated knowledge of a hostile world, both in heart and in action. Don’t stand out but listen, watch and move with purpose. Jesus adds a contrast, be shrewd, but also be innocent. A lot of Christians can be one or the other but few are both.

Prayer:
Lord, the harvest is great, send me into Your harvest. It’s not for the faint of heart, but with You all things are possible.