Wisdom and Peace Under Pressure

SCRIPTURE

' “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, 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. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 

Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. ' (Matthew 10:16-23)

STAND AGAINST WOLVES WITH WISDOM

' “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.' (Matthew 10:16)

1. Sent Out: Greek - apostellō

2. 
   

   1. The disciples' journey with Jesus began with His invitation, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19). Up to this point, they were "disciples"—dedicated learners—who observed and participated in His ministry under His guidance. But here in Matthew 10, their mission changes.

      
      

   2. The term apostle means "one who is sent" by a master to fulfill a purpose, reflecting a significant shift in their role. Jesus entrusted the disciples to carry His message of the kingdom, empowering them with His authority to heal every disease, cast out demons, and represent Him.

      
      

   3. Everyone who has been with Jesus, heard His message, and experienced His power as a fully devoted follower of Jesus should not continue to follow simply for personal growth. Instead, they are to become “sent ones,” taking up the mission to bring God’s kingdom to those in darkness.

      
      

3. Sheep among wolves: Jesus uses the metaphor of “sheep among wolves” to convey the vulnerability and danger His followers will experience. Wolves are natural predators of sheep, symbolizing those who might oppose, threaten, or harm them for their faith. This imagery reminds believers to be aware of the spiritual and practical risks of living out the gospel in a world that may resist it.

   
   

4. When sheep sense wolves or other predators nearby, they often react with fear and heightened anxiety. Sheep are naturally defenseless animals and depend on their flock for safety, so they exhibit strong herd behavior when danger is near. Here’s how they typically respond:

   
   

   1. Grouping Together – Strength in CommunityJust as sheep instinctively gather for protection, believers should seek unity and fellowship within the body of Christ. Isolation can make one vulnerable to attacks, whether they come as doubts, pressures, or conflicts. Together, believers provide mutual support, encouragement, and accountability, which strengthens their resilience.

      
      

   2. Following the Leader – Looking to JesusSheep look to a shepherd or a dominant flock member for direction in dangerous situations. For believers, this means looking to Jesus, the "Good Shepherd," and following His lead through prayer, Scripture, and spiritual discernment. Staying focused on Jesus helps believers navigate hostility without reacting in fear or aggression.

      
      

   3. Freezing or Fleeing – Exercising DiscernmentSheep sometimes freeze or flee to avoid predators, showing a kind of self-preservation instinct. For believers, this mirrors the need for discernment in moments of danger or opposition. Sometimes, silence or restraint is wise; at other times, it may be necessary to withdraw from harmful situations. This does not mean abandoning mission, but rather waiting for the right moment or a safer opportunity to act.

      
      

   4. Remaining Silent – Practicing Humility and PeacefulnessSheep tend to stay quiet when wolves are nearby to avoid drawing attention. For believers, this illustrates the value of humility, calmness, and a peaceful spirit when under attack. Choosing a peaceful response over defensiveness or hostility can be disarming to opposition and helps maintain a clear witness to the gospel, fulfilling Jesus’ call to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

   
   

5. Wise as serpents: show care and thought for the future, sensible, practical

   
   

   1. Jesus instructed His disciples to be wise like serpents, which in biblical symbolism often represents a cautious or discerning wisdom (e.g., Genesis 3:1). This wisdom isn’t about deceit but rather about being alert, discerning, and strategic in action, especially in hostile situations.

      
      

   2. Paul echoes this need for wisdom, encouraging believers to carefully consider their actions in light of the times.

      
      

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

5. Harmless as doves. Unmixed, pure, singleminded

   
   

   1. By adding "harmless as doves," Jesus was directing His disciples to maintain purity of heart and integrity in their mission. This quality prevents the wisdom of the serpent from becoming manipulative or self-serving. The innocence of a dove symbolizes gentleness, peace, and a heart free of intent to do harm

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.". (Romans 12:18)

6. When we are sent we are not sent alone. God has given us a message with power, a community for protection, and wisdom to face persecution. 

   
   

7. Fully devoted followers of Christ are willing to follow Jesus both to the mount to hear a sermon and the hill to be crucified. Our lives are not our own. Like Jesus who is the spotless lamb sacrificed for the sins of the world we should be willing to lay down our lives for the sake of proclaiming His name.

   
   

8. Our lives become a living sacrifice when we decide that I’m not going to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom because it is easy, but because He is worthy! 

EPOWERED WITNESSES SPEAK SPIRIT INSPIRED WORDS

'Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, 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. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. ' (Matthew 10:17-20)

1. Jesus warned of three areas that the apostles would experience opposition. Though not exhaustive, these examples highlight how the gospel would encounter resistance even from the most influential powers in society.

   
   

   1. Legal Opposition: Courts represent the legal power to prosecute or challenge the disciples, reflecting societal authority used to restrict the gospel. 

“They will deliver you over to courts…”

2. Religious Opposition: Synagogues and flogging highlight religious authority’s power to punish those seen as heretics. This internal opposition would be especially painful, coming from within their faith community.

“And flog you in their synagogues…”

3. Political Opposition: Governors and kings represent political authority, with the power to imprison or influence public perception.

“You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake…”

2. The level of opposition the gospel receives is another indicator that the message of the gospel is not simply love, forgiveness, and acceptance. The gospel demands change and calls people and nations to accountability. The values of God’s kingdom stand in direct, forceful opposition to the kingdom of darkness, challenging the very systems and beliefs that resist true change.

   
   

3. You will be given words to speak: Our response when we experience opposition for the sake of the Gospel is not to anxiously defend ourselves in an attempt of self preservation. Rather we are to receive the ministry of the Holy Spirit who comforts, teaches, and brings the teaching of Jesus to our remembrance. 

   
   

4. As Jesus promised in John 14:26, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

   
   

5. God is raising up bold messengers who do not fold in the face of opposition. Where are those who will challenge a the wicked in the power of the Holy Spirit? Out of the local church God is raising up apostolic messengers who will stand in the face of judges, religious leaders, and political authorities. 

   
   

REMAINING FAITHFUL YOUR FAMILY FIGHTS AGAINST YOU

'Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. ' (Matthew 10:21-23)

1.  The message that we carry will even divide families. The division will be active, forceful resistance as family members deliver us over to the power of the courts, religious leaders, and political authorities.

   
   

2. Disciples of Jesus in the middle and far east are familiar with persecution from their own families. Many who give their lives to Jesus are excommunicated, beaten, or murdered for their faith.

   
   

'And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. ' (Matthew 19:29)

3. Leaving a family and inheritance is not a formula to earn salvation. A true disciple sees the Jesus as worthy of the sacrifice. These are the actions of wholehearted love.

   
   

4. Endures to the end: Endurance is more than survival. To endure is to continue faithfully in the mission of preaching the gospel of the kingdom without compromising the message. If we are going to experience the salvation Jesus offers we must be true to His Word.

   
   

5. Because Jesus endured the cross for our salvation, we should take up our cross and endure it for His glory!

   
   

   Application: 

   1. Who here recognizes that Jesus is worthy of your life? Who is ready to embrace the call of a sent one?

      
      

   2. Those who are new followers of Jesus, pursue growth and grace to be fully devoted followers of Jesus. Jesus offered up His life as a sacrifice for you. It is your turn to offer your life as a living sacrifice for Him. Put away your sinful actions and live to glorify Jesus. 

      
      

   3. Those who are seasoned believers, it is time to take being a witness for Jesus seriously. Learn the gospel, and boldly declare the righteous standards of God’s kingdom in a wicked world. 

      
      

   4. Come lay down your life in the altar and receive grace for faithfulness.