Matthew 10:16
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.
As I was walking and praying, this verse came to mind. Really, what does this mean, this admonition by Jesus to his disciples?
Upon initial examination, the words convey just what they say. We are sent out by Jesus into a maelstrom of wolves and so we are to be wise, yet innocent. Looking at Jesus' words, though, gives us an even clearer picture of what he means, and I believe, they require greater reflection.
The word he uses for sheep is the same word used of any grazing, four footed animal, but it is used mostly as applied to sheep or goats. We've all heard teaching about sheep. Sheep are a bit on the dull side and they, like other ruminants, have only the next mouthful in mind as they haplessly graze. Sheep are a bit like our labrador/point mutt…she follows her nose and her instincts and she ends up miles away in just a short time. What she goes running off to, we do not know, but it is in the pointer makeup to run and run. So it is with sheep…they graze and graze without really thinking about trouble until it is upon them.
We tend to fall into two categories…those who are like the sheep described above, happily grazing and enjoying life without the least comprehension of what's ahead or we are obsessed with the “what if” of the future and worry needlessly about potential catastrophes. Neurotically, I have fallen into both camps at the same time on different issues! So, if you are anything like me, we are truly sheep and who need our Shepherd to guide us. He gives us our daily bread, leads us away from temptation and forgives our trespassing.
Then Jesus says he sends us. He sent his twelve disciples to the lost sheep of Israel to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. We are to go out from His presence and take the good news to others. As born again Christians with God's Holy Spirit, we carry Jesus with us as we go. The Great Commission begins with “as you go…” So, we are to go, but not without specific instructions.
Then, he says he is sending us, called sheep, into the midst of wolves. Most of us have not witnessed the cunning and viciousness of a predator such as a wolf, so the meaning is lost on us urbanites, but the word itself should give us pause. In talking with ranchers, I have seen the results of hungry wolves, who in one night, overtake a calf or a horse and strip it of its flesh. Wolves in this passage mean cruel, greedy, rapacious, destructive men who take by force or plunder. They are ravenous. They are voracious. They subsist on live prey. Rapacious means excessively grasping or covetous while voracious means excessively eager or having a huge appetite. This is what Jesus sends his disciples out into? Friends, this is what he sends us out into as we carry the gospel.
Next, Jesus says we are to be shrewd as serpents. If you are like me, the first serpent that comes to mind is the enemy himself. Jesus says we are to be like him? No, he says we are to be wise or as shrewd as a serpent. This word, shrewd or wise means to be intelligent, prudent and mindful of one's interests. Why are we to be this way? Remember the rapacious, voracious wolves? They would devour us. We are to be as shrewd or wise and mindful of our own interests as they are.
Next, Jesus says something almost incomprehensible. While being shrewd as serpents, we are to be innocent as doves. The word for innocent or harmless means unmixed, pure of the mind, without mixture of evil and to be free from guile or deceitful cunning. To be innocent and simple.
Now, to be innocent and simple and free from guile while also being wise or shrewd as serpents because we are set out amongst wolves is a real anomaly to me. Is it to you? How, do you think this balance is to be achieved? What dynamics of our Christian life come into play as we live out this scripture? You might say that this does not apply to us, for a variety of reasons, but you cannot deny that Jesus charges us with carrying the gospel. And, the heart of man has not changed. I think this does apply to us and I wondered if you would share your thoughts.
St. Francis of Assisi is known for being gentle as a dove. “Lord make me an instrument of your peace”, etc. He would say: “Preach the Good News at all times, (Gospel) to all men, and if necessary use words.” I think that is being wise as a serpent.
hmmm, always just took the obvious out of this passage…have to think a bit…Jesus was sending the 12 into the Jewish population (wolves?) - very religious people and then He told them to be wise and harmless (evidently, not the same thing as ineffective, eh?)…
I have watched coyotes on the snow-covered hill behind my house run down a deer by tiring it (never seen a kill, thankfully). I think maybe right now the sheep here are weary of being chased…green pasture and cool water time
Psa 55:6 “And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! [for then] would I fly away, and be at rest”
A companion verse to this exhortation in Matthew 10:16 might be Romans 12:18 (in context)
12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, [1] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. [2] 2 Do not be conformed to this world, [3] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. [4]
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, [5] and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, [6] with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, [7] serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. [8] Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it [9] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This whole passage of Romans gives us a “code of conduct”, given our salvation, our sanctification and God’s sovereignty.
It’s interesting to note that Romans 12:18 says “if it is possible…” which acknowledges the fact that it is not always possible. even after offer ourselves as a living sacrifice.
I have experienced this kind of opposition, when in all good faith, I have lived in a way that blesses rather than curses.
Given the background of Matthew 10:16, Romans 12:18 takes on a different connotation….that we are called to live as sacrifices, but that even so, there are those who will not be at peace with us, and we need to be aware of that fact.
Something interesting in the nature of snakes: they don’t seek attention. snakes don’t hesitate; they act; they strike. no procrastination with snakes.
doves… they wouldn’t hurt anyone.
the above is not a common description of most people I know. I wish it described me.
Thanks for a fine article Linnea! It’s interesting that Jesus sent the 12 out with power as he commanded them to do the following in verse 8 “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons.”
He also sent them pretty much empty handed, as their lives were in the hands of God.
It’s interesting how Jesus sends His sheep to the lost sheep in order to win them for Christ. They were to go to those who were in a spiritual state they once were in.
As sheep are defenseless by nature, Jesus was sending them out amongst wolves who would love to devour them. Being wise as serpents seems to indicate the serpent’s knack at self preservation and the 12 would do so by not provoking or inviting persecution.
As they go out harmless as doves they are, like the dove, going in innocence. That makes it hard for anyone to persecute them as they are conducting themselves so wisely. Yet we know that in their futures, their innocence would not shield them from persecution and eventually martyrdom.
How does all of this apply to me? It causes me to remember that which Paul spoke of in 1 Corinthians. I used to be just like those God has called me to share with and that leaves no room for pride. I go with the knowledge but for the grace of God, I would still be among them and from my gratitude to God, I seek to offer the same gift to them that I so freely received.
1Corinthians 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor abusers, nor homosexuals,
1Corinthians 6:10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you. But you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
The world we live in is a scary place. Both physically and spiritually. If the enemy can’t kill us then he’d love to deceive us so our end is separation from God for eternity. We see that with all of the false religion out there.
Realizing our lives are in the hand of God and His Spirit indwells us, we can boldly go into the world filled with power as the 12 did and share Jesus with a dying world. He promises to never leave or forsake us and we cling to that as we engage the world.
As I look at what you shared from Romans I am reminded that we so desperately need to walk in the Spirit, so as not to fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Ephesians 6:14 Therefore stand, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness
Ephesians 6:15 and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
“Wolves in this passage mean:
cruel, greedy, rapacious, destructive men who take by force or plunder.
They are ravenous.
They are voracious.
They subsist on live prey.
Rapacious means excessively grasping or covetous
voracious means excessively eager or having a huge appetite.
Wise as serpents,
Think that means to be aware of wolves devices,
to recognize the characteristics of a wolf
This post gives me pause to consider the ways of a snake in the midst of dangerous situations,,, what does a snake do…?
Yet, to be as gentle as a Dove,
Means not to strike back as a snake would when cornered.
Not to be deceitful, or repay evil for evil.
But to be at peace, to walk in peace, react peacefully,
and maybe fly away from dangerous situations,
Not to remain and attempt to work things out with a wolf.
Hmmm.
Thanks for some thought provoking words Linnea!
I love the graphic!
I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven’s door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.
But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp–
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.
There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money! twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.
Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.
I nudged Jesus, ‘What’s the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How’d all these sinners get up here?
God must’ve made a mistake.
‘And why’s everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.’
‘Hush, child,’ He said, ‘they’re all in shock.
No one thought they’d be seeing you.’
Great stuf, Linea.
Sometimes I want to get all preachy…like against snakes.
They’re always bad in the Bible…
Then you remind us of this!
…Then I read John 3:14 where Jesus says He’ll be like the serpent from Moses’ time
D’oh!
I guess I can’t be legalistic (thank God).
“[2] 2 Do not be conformed to this world, [3] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
“19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it [9] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Michael wrote,”While being shrewd as serpents, we are to be innocent as doves. The word for innocent or harmless means unmixed, pure of the mind, without mixture of evil and to be free from guile or deceitful cunning. To be innocent and simple.
Now, to be innocent and simple and free from guile while also being wise or shrewd as serpents because we are set out amongst wolves is a real anomaly to me. Is it to you? How, do you think this balance is to be achieved? What dynamics of our Christian life come into play as we live out this scripture?”
Michael,
I see it as trusting God, hearing/learning His Word so that we can protect our spirit/heart and to stay away from evil (as much as possible) yet, given the opportunity, share God’s Word in a loving way. Not to uproot the tares, but to share/teach God’s Word so that people will know/learn the Truth (but through love, not hatred, evil or anger). Leaving the anger to God, He will deal with evildoers. We overcome evil with good, God is good. His Word is living and through God a non-believer can be given the gift of Faith (through Christ’s love).