Sheep Among Wolves

Matthew 10:11-16

I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16)

DURING A BRIEF PERSECUTION that included Stephen’s martyrdom, many early believers fled Jerusalem and settled in towns in Judea, Samaria, and the regions beyond (Acts 8:1-2). Other first-century Christians went willingly so they could spread the message of their faith. In their new environments, believers encountered both eager listeners and hostile resisters, and they had to learn how to handle controversy. Would they get into heated verbal exchanges? Appeal to higher authorities for protection? Take on the character of their surroundings? Attack the faith of others? Focus on the virtues of their own? The answers to some of these questions were obvious. Other responses were more uncertain. They had to embody the shalom of God’s Kingdom without getting killed or run out of town.

Jesus had warned of such encounters, and he gave clear instructions: Be as harmless as sheep even though you are surrounded by wolves, but don’t be as ignorant as sheep. In your mind, understand the manipulations and strategies of human adversaries without engaging in them. Think like a snake to protect yourself; live like a dove to protect the message you carry. One requires street smarts that will keep you from being deceived or exploited; the other requires an innocence that will keep you from being accused of deceiving or exploiting. Know that harm might be done to you, but never do it to others.

That is not an easy balance to achieve, but it is necessary for carrying the Kingdom message into this world. Jesus knew the hearts of those who criticized and conspired against him and did not entrust himself to them. But he never stooped to their level. He saw political maneuvers without engaging in them; he responded to hate with love; he escaped plots without pulling any strings. Your mission in this world has the same character. You are a sheep among wolves, with no protection other than your insights and his promises. And that is enough.

{Jesus, may I never take on the character of those who oppose my faith and your message. You have called me to be like you—even when it hurts. Direct my steps, protect my heart, and multiply my fruit. Amen.