Matthew 10:16

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” ~ Matthew 10:16


These words of Jesus are a contradiction when set together. On the one hand we are to be sheep: gentle, needing a shepherd, followers not defenders. When I read this line, I sense we are told to go into the grassy pastures around us and settle in while also knowing there will be those who are ready to attack us, thereby being an easy target for the wolf. Next, we are told to be as shrewd as snakes who lie in wait ready to attack its victim from within the bush or from under the rock. We turn from being the victim to the aggressor if provoked, but all the while being gentle. It all can sound a bit confusing, but what Jesus is telling us is to be gentle while also be on guard and wise when we go out into the world. Paul the Apostle said we are to be like a Jew to a Jew and under the law to those who are under the law (though he is not under the law) to win them for Christ. When we spread the word of God to others, we are not to pound them over the head with the Bible. That will never win anyone over to know Jesus as their Lord. Relationship is how we will win people to Christ. So, we go out into the world as a sheep, but wise enough to know how to spread His word without trying to turn people away from listening to you. At the same time, we know that the word of God is offensive to those who do know want to hear it, but we are not to be the offenders.

Pastor Julia

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