Living Wisely and Gently in a Challenging World
Matthew 10:16 is a striking verse where Jesus tells his followers, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves.” It’s a vivid image—being as vulnerable as sheep surrounded by hungry wolves. But Jesus doesn’t leave his disciples unprepared; He gives them advice that’s as practical now as it was then: be both wise and good.
Sheep Among Wolves: Embracing Vulnerability
When Jesus talks about His disciples being “sheep among wolves,” He’s acknowledging that following Him—living out His teachings—might put us in tough or even dangerous situations. Sheep are gentle, defenseless creatures, while wolves are known for being aggressive hunters. In simple terms, Jesus is saying, “You’re going to feel exposed and at risk because the world can be harsh, especially when you stand for what’s right.”
But there’s more here than just a warning. Jesus Himself is called the “Lamb of God,” and He knows what it means to be vulnerable for a greater purpose. Christians, by following Him, share in that experience. We’re not called to act like wolves—dominating, attacking, or seeking power over others. Instead, we’re called to live as living examples of Jesus’ sacrifice and love, even when that means facing opposition or misunderstanding.
Wise as Serpents: Navigating with Care
Jesus tells us to be “wise as serpents,” which might sound odd at first. In the Bible, snakes are often symbols of caution and cleverness. Here, Jesus is encouraging His followers to use their heads—to be alert, discerning, and careful, especially in tricky situations. He’s not asking us to be sneaky or deceitful, but to avoid unnecessary danger, to think before we act, and to make choices that are smart and safe.
For example, if you know speaking up about your faith could put you in danger, wisdom might mean being careful about how and when you share. It’s not about hiding your beliefs, but about not walking into trouble just for the sake of it. Jesus wants us to be cautious, not anxious; to trust God, but also to use the good sense He’s given us.
Innocent as Doves: Maintaining Purity and Kindness
At the same time, Jesus adds, be “innocent as doves.” Doves are gentle birds, often seen as symbols of peace and purity. Jesus is telling us to keep our hearts clean, to avoid bitterness, hatred, or the desire to get even. We’re not just to avoid hurting others, but to avoid even wishing them harm.
It’s a tough balance: being smart and careful, but also gentle and forgiving. It means we don’t fight fire with fire—we don’t become harsh or cruel, even when others are. Instead, we keep our integrity, our honesty, and our kindness, no matter what.
Preparing for Hardship and Trusting God
Jesus gave this advice because He knew His disciples would face rejection and even persecution as they shared His message. He wanted them to be ready—not surprised by trouble, but strengthened in their faith. He didn’t promise an easy path, but He did promise to be with them. He reminded them that God cares deeply for each of His followers—even knowing the number of hairs on their heads!
The message is, don’t be discouraged when things get hard. Suffering for doing good is not a sign of failure. Instead, it’s a sign that you’re following in Jesus’ footsteps. And God sees it all, values every act of faithfulness, and promises to reward even the smallest kindness.
Living Out the Message Today
So, what does this mean for us today? It means living our lives with courage and humility. We’re called to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular or costly. But we’re also called to do it with wisdom—picking our battles carefully, avoiding unnecessary risks, and not giving in to anger or bitterness.
When the world encourages us to fight back, to win at any cost, or to look out for ourselves first, Jesus calls us to a better way: wise and gentle, shrewd and innocent. It’s not an easy path, but it’s the one that brings real peace and lasting reward. Let’s ask God for help to live as “sheep among wolves,” shining with the wisdom and love that come from Him.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 