Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16).
Jesus never shied away from telling His disciples of the dangers they were going to face as His ambassadors. Such realities would happen after Christ’s resurrection and ascension. They faced devils and sicknesses when they were sent out two by two during Jesus’ earthly ministry. (Mk. 6:7-13). But after Pentecost the disciples were going to be faced with new opposition and be greeted by new enemies of the gospel. In spite of these dangers the disciples would be equipped by the Holy Spirit, and with the abiding presence of Jesus Christ (Mt. 28:20).
Modern believers are faced with many of the same challenges of the first church. Our adversaries may not be Jewish leaders and Roman overlords, but they are just as dangerous. As the culture and world grow darker by the hour, the Christian must heed the advice of Jesus if we are going to be able to navigate the dangerous terrain of our world.
Behold, I Am Sending You
Jesus begins with, “Behold.” This indicates that Jesus wanted His disciple’s undivided attention. The Greek word for behold was used to liven up a Hebrew style narrative. It was a word used to get people’s attention. Jesus was about to give some serious instructions, and He didn’t want His disciples to miss the significance. Brothers and sisters, we should be very attentive to what the Spirit is saying to the church today. Our ears should be tuned to the Spirit, and our hearts should be sensitized to the need of the hour.
Next Jesus states, “I am sending you out.” The disciples were not going out on their own accord. First of all, no one with common sense willing goes out into dangerous territory. People usually don’t put themselves in harm’s way, especially if it entails scorn, mistreatment, loss of reputation and sacrificing popularity. I am sure the disciples would have chosen to do the easy task, much like all of us prefer.
This is why it is imperative that you know you are called of God, and not of yourself. Going out and doing something you are not called to do leaves you without the spiritual protection that is needed. The seven sons of Sceva were such men. They entangled themselves with a demonic oppressed individual and were overpowered (Acts 19:13-16).
In the Midst of Wolves
Jesus was sending the disciples out to the wolves. In Palestine, wolves were the most common natural enemy of sheep. They roamed the hills and valleys, looking for a sheep that strayed away from the flock or lagged behind. When a wolf found such a sheep it quickly attacked and tore it to pieces. Even a grown, healthy sheep was utterly defenseless against a wolf. Wolves are known for being merciless and ferocious (Ezek. 22:27).
Christians are commissioned to go into the wolves’ territory. We are called to rescue the prey from the devourer. Such a mission is dangerous and critical. No doubt the church is dealing with many precarious situations. Darkness and evil are prevalent in every community whether you are in the suburbs or the metropolis. The culture is growing more tolerant of wickedness and growing more intolerant of righteousness. Just as Nero blamed the Christians for burning down Rome, which began some of the worst Christian persecution in history, the modern culture is waiting for the right opportunity to cast the blame of any event on Christians. We should be warned that Christian persecution is at our doorstep, and the wolves’ appetite is increasing.
Dependent Sheep
Jesus likened the disciples to sheep. The natural enemy of the sheep is the wolf. Sheep are considered the prey of wolves. Sheep are defenseless without a shepherd. Sheep do not have claws or sharp teeth, nor do they have any hard covering on their body to protect them. They are meek and rely on their shepherd to protect and keep them from harm.
Sheep are dependent upon their shepherd. The shepherd leads them through the rough contours. Lovingly the shepherd prods the sheep to stay with the flock on the right path. The shepherd protects against enemies and danger. Without the shepherd they vulnerable to predators.
The Christian is dependent upon Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd (Jn. 10:11). You and I are nothing without Christ. Everyday we are dependent upon his guidance, provision and protection. Every obstacle, problem and issue needs the instruction of the Good Shepherd. The Christian must recognize her own deficiencies, casting all of her care upon Christ because He cares (1 Pt. 3:5). To maneuver through the delicate conditions of each situation it is critical to depend on God’s wisdom and power
Wise Serpents
How were the disciples to handle such perilous conditions? Jesus said they were to be as wise as serpents. In Egyptian hieroglyphics and Ancient Near East lore the serpent was considered wise. Serpents represented cunning, craftiness, and caution. Serpents were thought of as subtile and shrewd.
To handle opponents and opposition the disciples needed to have the characteristics of being as wise as serpents. Along with being dependent upon the Shepherd, they were to handle situations with shrewdness and caution. Paul told the Colossians to conduct themselves with wisdom towards outsiders (Col. 4:5). James wrote that if any man lacks wisdom he should pray to receive it from God (Jam. 1:5). Of course God is willing to give wisdom to those who ask in faith.
With such chaos and confusion in this world it calls for godly people to be endowed with wisdom. This isn’t just knowledge and information, but it is the application of knowing what to do and when to do it. Wisdom is also about knowing what to say and knowing when not to say it. Our counsel must be baptized with wisdom, and immersed with prudence. The book Proverbs is replete with advice on how one should take caution with the words they speak. Jesus even said that the Holy Spirit would teach the disciples what to say during turbulent times (Lk. 12:12; Jn. 14:26).
Harmless Doves
The disciples were to be wise as serpents and to be as harmless like doves. Notice that Jesus does not tell them that they should take the defensive posture of a serpent, ready to attack. No, Jesus wants the disciples to be wise and harmless. The wise Christian is gentle. The spirit-filled individual will be taught what to say by the Holy Spirit, and be as gentle as the Holy Spirit. Perhaps this is why the imagery of the dove is used in connection with the Holy Spirit (Jn. 1:32). We should note that gentleness is a fruit of being filled with the Spirit (Gal. 5:23).
Delicacy is necessary for many of the situations that believers find themselves in. People’s hurt, and brokenness that proceeds from the original fall of humanity, requires gentleness. Being sensitive to people’s problems isn’t evidence of compromise, but instead demonstrates compassion. And this world definitely needs more compassion with the truth that we preach (Eph. 4:15).
Instead of avoiding the conflicts that the church is being confronted with, we should equip ourselves with the instructions of Jesus Christ. The wolves of our communities may never become extinct. However, we can be dependent as sheep, wise as serpents and harmless as doves.