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, ESV

 

We live in a changing world that is fast losing touch with reality as it makes up its own rules and standards, and presses people to conform to them, as it rejects anyone who may subscribe to higher wisdom and hold to their own values and beliefs that revere God and endorse goodness and upright living. It was no different in Jesus’ time in a world of Roman rule, on one level, and the often-hypocritical spirituality under the Religious Leaders on another.

 

When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples to preach to the “lost sheep of Israel” (10:6, NIV), he warned that they would be, “as sheep in the midst of wolves”, and gave them clear instructions as to his requirements. He advised them to, “be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves” – shrewd like a serpent in action, watching and waiting for the best moment to do as he’d instructed them, but gentle and pure in their living to demonstrate his righteousness within them.

 

Preaching spiritual change was top priority because judgement was looming, “The kingdom of heaven has come near”; (10:7, NIV) then addressing the people’s physical and psychological needs followed, instructing them to, “heal those whpo are ill, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons”(10:8a, NIV) – and all this with no holding back – because of their own experience: “Freely you have received, freely give.” (10:8b, NIV)

 

They were to travel light, taking no money, bag, extra tunic, sandals or staff, “for the worker is worth his keep”, (10:10, NIV) showing faith and vulnerability. Could you imagine setting out on a journey like this?

 

Jesus was teaching the disciples how to humbly embrace his values, to put the mission first and not be hindered unnecessarily; but he also wanted them to be seen for what they were – men vulnerable in their obedience to him and whole-hearted in their caring – discerningly addressing the needs of their fellowman.

 

So serious was their mission that Jesus ordered them to “shake the dust off [their] feet” (10:14, NIV) when they left any person or town that didn’t welcome them or listen to their message, as a solemn warning to them for rejecting God’s message.

 

The disciples were no silly sheep; they embraced the mandate that Jesus had given them, as Mark reports, “They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed with oil many people who were ill and healed them." (Mark 6:12-13, NIV)

 

Do you feel as though you’re a sheep among wolves, never entirely sure who you can trust as you live in a superficial world of hypocrisy and opposition to your beliefs? Take heart, Jesus knows.

 

“...we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100:3) and, as such, can choose to follow the disciples’ example.

 

Will you?

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, would you lead and guide us on the narrow way that pleases you and may we learn to be shrewd, yet blameless, as we go out in your name to reach the lost. Amen