by Cheryl Barnette

Created on: March 24, 2010   Last Updated: March 30, 2010

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

Jesus used allegories at times within his parables when preaching, He would use traits of animals depicting their characters as people, and He used them adequately. He spoke these words more than 2,000 years ago, but these words ring true more today than they ever did. In this particular sermon, Jesus summons his disciples and advises them to be aware when going out in the "world"; to be wise to the ways of the "world". The first sentence, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves," is indicative of the current world beliefs and secular traditions in those times. The sheep were the disciples who were testifying to the born again status, and the wolves were the Romans and other unbelievers who were sure to attack the authenticity of Christ's status.

The Romans were persecuting Christians on a regular basis. The disciples were being forewarned by Jesus that it was going to be a rough road to follow and a hard path to stay on, but in the end, it would all be worth it, for they would surely have life everlasting through their faith in Jesus Christ, God's Holy Son.

A sheep by definition is a mild-mannered animal, even in temperament. These animals provided sustenance for the shepherder and his family. They were a source of food and clothing, providing relief from the elements. The temperatures in the Middle East during the days were hot, but by nightfall, the mercury dropped. The sheep provided the material from their skins for blankets and warmth, as well as the traditional garbs of the day and for food. Since sheep are flock animals, they feel secure when together, but may feel threatened if separated from the flock. Since they have no natural defenses, they find security by being with other sheep. Jesus was advising his flock, who were the disciples, to stay together and gain security from each other, to strengthen one another by praying for each other. Wolves are predators of sheep, so the safety of sheep alone without a shepherd to guard them leaves them open to all sorts of predation and attacks. When sheep are approached in a closed area, they usually run, but Jesus's advice was for his "sheep" not to run, but to stay put and challenge gently the predators of the world (wolves). Jesus knows what is in the future for his followers as they go out and about baptizing and trying to reform man from his sinful

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next Page >>