“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16
Jesus is giving a few instructions to the disciples as He is sending them out to be a witness. He talks about going just among those in Israel, not to take extra money or food, and only go to those who will listen. Now He tells them to be like sheep among wolves.
Sheep are a very calm type of animal. They do not go around harming anything. Wolves love to eat sheep and will seek them out for easy food.
Then Jesus tells them to be as shrewd as snakes. This is very interesting in the fact that the snake is usually representative of the devil.
Jesus is not saying take on the actions of the snake or the devil, but to be shrewd like the snake. Shrewd is another term for being wise or prudent.
Snakes are very shrewd in that they can sneak quietly up on its prey without being noticed. Some snakes even have a way of mesmerizing its prey till they strike.
As a believer you must be shrewd or wise in the same way. You are sent out into the world where the devil wants to destroy you. The world will fight against you and try to tear you down. You must use wisdom in getting into the enemy’s camp to release some prisoners for Jesus.
Just as a snake does not purposefully place itself in danger, do not do so yourself. Do not give the enemy a reason to strike you other than your stand for Jesus.
This comes to Jesus’ second part: be innocent as a dove. Doves are creatures known as a symbol of peace and innocence.
Live your life in such a way that nothing can be honestly brought against you. The enemy loves to use negative things in your life, do not let him have any. Let the only evidence against you be evidence of your following Jesus. Bring the news of God wanting to make peace with every person.
As you witness be both these things. Do not be harsh and condemning, but full of God’s love and mercy. Go out into the world and be God’s witness today. Go out as a sheep among wolves.
I pray today that God will give you the strength to be His witness; that God will give you the wisdom you need; that you will live a life of innocence; that God will make a way for you into the enemy’s camp; and that God will draw many to Jesus through you and build His kingdom.
Leave a Reply