Matthew 10:16
”“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.“
Matthew 10:16 NRSV
So this is Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, saying to his disciples, “I’m sending you out like sheep in the middle of wolves.” And it’s a clear reminder to every single one of us who is His follower. Jesus has not designed us to live a life of comfort and ease, where all we receive is applause and reward from this world.
And that’s not what Jesus is saying here to his disciples then, and to His disciples all throughout the gospels and what we see all throughout the New Testament to follow Jesus is to go into a world where people are adversarial towards you.
This is an evil and sinful world. It is a place where people push you out of the way to get the last of the newest toy on the shelf. This is where drugs, sex and murder are an everyday occurrence and selfishness deception and greed keep us on the offense.
When Jesus said the ruler of the world is coming, He wasn’t talking figuratively. He meant it. The ruler of the world is here and he rules with a vicious hatred that is unmatched. And it is in this place of darkness where God has placed us to be the brightest light.
Wise as serpents and innocent as doves. I don't know about you but that almost sounds like an oxymoron to me. You know, like "Pretty ugly". "A little big.” “Act Natural." “Adult children.” “Altogether separate."
Words we put together but are exact opposites. But the difference here is that God is telling us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. He's combining the attributes.
We aren't to be only wise. That can lead to pride and haughtiness. However, neither are we to be only be innocent. While that’s definitely a needed trait in a believer, He doesn't want us to be oblivious to circumstances in our life situations we may find ourselves in.
That all being said, while so many of us emphasize and strive for the innocent factor in our life, when was the last time we said to ourselves I need to work on being wise like a serpent?
Those who follow Jesus will be like sheep hunted by a den of wolves. In such circumstances, two qualities are not only essential they are commanded.
Jesus followers are to be bright, insightful, strategic, smart, clever, and wise. In other words, we won't stupidly muddle through when opposed. We do not want to bring unnecessary shame or hardship on ourselves, the cause of Christ, or Jesus people.
Second, even if we are hounded, criticized, and despised, make sure we are a people of character, peace, and purity.
Clearly the apostle Peter got the message, because a reading of 1 Peter teaches us how to practically live out what Jesus teaches here purity and prudence in a hostile world.
The world in which we live as witnesses to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. Let this be a focus in your time of meditation throughout the day.
As we navigate the complexities of living out our faith in a world that can be challenging, let Jesus Words provide a guiding principle. The call to be wise yet harmless captures the essence of a discipleship that is discerning, ethical, and characterized by the values of the Kingdom!!!
Father thank you for this day and the breathe of Your Word that sustains us. Lord open the floodgates of heaven and rain down Your abundant blessings upon my friend and family. Lord give us wisdom to face those who despise Your Name, Your cause, Your message, and Your people. Lord create in us a pure heart that we might know and live Your ways in witness to those who do not know You. Lord use my friend to be a light in this dark and fallen world. Be a blessing. Love ya
Father, we love You amen. !
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