Send us a text

What does it mean to be sent "as sheep among wolves"? In this profound examination of Matthew 10:16-23, we explore Jesus' challenging instructions to His disciples before their first missionary journey—words that remain just as relevant for Christians today.

Jesus begins with powerful words that change everything: "Behold, I am sending you." This isn't a casual suggestion but a divine commission. When we grasp that Jesus—who identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd—is the one sending us, we realize we're never truly alone in hostile territory. The same shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep walks alongside us through every valley of opposition.

The call to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" provides our strategic framework for navigating a hostile world. This perfect balance of discernment and moral purity allows believers to protect their witness while maintaining their character. We dig deep into what this means practically—from carefully choosing our influences to recognizing when to speak and when to remain silent.

Perhaps most comforting is Jesus' promise that the Holy Spirit will provide exactly what we need to say when facing persecution. "Do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour." This divine assistance has sustained believers through centuries of opposition, from ancient Roman courts to modern-day persecution.

Whether you're facing outright hostility for your faith or simply struggling with fear in sharing the gospel, this message will equip you to move beyond paralysis into purposeful witness. Remember: "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." As ambassadors for Christ, we aren't spectators but active participants in God's redemptive mission—sheep among wolves, yet never without our Shepherd.