Sent as Sheep Among Wolves: Preparing for the Adversities of Evangelism
Introduction
In Matthew 10, Jesus commissions His disciples to preach the Kingdom of Heaven. However, He does not send them out with false illusions of ease, popularity, or comfort. On the contrary, He reveals with startling clarity the difficulties they will face, while simultaneously providing the spiritual tools necessary to endure them.
True evangelism always encounters opposition. Where there is light, there will inevitably be resistance from the darkness. Just as the first disciples were prepared by the Master, we too must be equipped to handle the adversities that accompany the Gospel message.
I. Preparation of Character: Wise and Innocent (v. 16)
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Jesus uses four powerful figures to describe the reality of the evangelist:
1. Sheep among Wolves: Sheep represent gentleness, total dependence on the Shepherd, and obedience. The wolves represent a hostile world—full of opposition, violence, and deception (Matthew 7:15). The believer is not the aggressor; he is a faithful witness.
◦ Doctrinal Truth: The Church is humanly vulnerable but divinely protected.
2. Shrewd as Snakes: This "shrewdness" (or prudence) is not cowardice; it is strategic wisdom. It is knowing when to speak and when to keep silent. It is knowing when to advance and even when to flee for safety (Matthew 10:23).
◦ Examples: Paul escaping Damascus in a basket (Acts 9:23–25) and the believers scattering during persecution to spread the Word (Acts 8:1).
◦ Scriptural Basis: "Walk wisely" (Ephesians 5:15–16) and "The prudent see danger and take refuge" (Proverbs 22:3).
3. Innocent as Doves: This implies purity, transparency, and an absence of malice. The evangelist does not respond with manipulation or violence.
◦ Scriptural Basis: Be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil (Romans 16:19).
Doctrinal Principle: Spiritual wisdom avoids unnecessary suffering, and the character of the messenger must always reflect the purity of the message.
II. Mental Preparation: Expecting Persecution (vv. 17–18)
Jesus did not sugarcoat the future. He announced a four-fold opposition: local councils (courts), synagogues (floggings), governors, and kings. All of this would happen "on my account."
The book of Acts confirms this reality:
• Peter and John before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4).
• Paul before Gallio (Acts 18) and eventually before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa (Acts 24–26).
• 2 Timothy 3:12: "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
Doctrinal Principle: Persecution is not a sign of failure; it is evidence of faithfulness.
III. Spiritual Preparation: Depending on the Holy Spirit (vv. 19–20)
“Do not worry about what to say or how to say it... for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Jesus promises supernatural assistance. When the disciples stood before authorities, they did not rely on oratorical training but on the power of God.
• Acts 4:13: Authorities were amazed because they saw "ordinary, unschooled men" who spoke with the power of the Spirit.
• 2 Timothy 1:7: God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Doctrinal Principle: The Holy Spirit provides supernatural capacity to the believer in the midst of opposition. We do not trust in our eloquence, but in His presence.
IV. Emotional Preparation: Enduring Personal Rejection (vv. 21–22)
Jesus warns that the Gospel can divide even the most intimate bond: the family. "Brother will betray brother to death..."
The Gospel confronts sin, and because of this, it can create friction at home.
• John 15:18–19: The world hates you because you are not of the world.
• James 4:4: Friendships with the world’s values is enmity against God.
• 1 John 2:17: The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
Doctrinal Principle: Fidelity to Christ may bring temporary loneliness or familial rejection, but it will never result in divine abandonment.
V. Preparation in Hope: Persevering Until the End (vv. 22–23)
“The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Perseverance is not an optional "extra" for the super-Christian; it is the evidence of genuine salvation.
• Revelation 2:10: "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown."
• Hebrews 10:38–39: We are not of those who shrink back, but of those who have faith and are saved.
• Matthew 10:28: Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
Doctrinal Principle: True salvation produces the fruit of perseverance until the final day.
Practical Application for Today
How do we prepare for the adversities of sharing the Gospel today?
1. Form Christian Character: Balance shrewd wisdom with dove-like purity.
2. Adjust Expectations: Realize that opposition is a normal part of the Christian walk.
3. Surrender Control: Depend totally on the Holy Spirit rather than your own cleverness.
4. Accept the Cost: Be prepared for social or familial rejection.
5. Look to the Prize: Persevere with your eyes fixed on eternity.
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Conclusion
Jesus hid nothing from us. He told us the path would be narrow and the wolves would be many. But He also gave us His Spirit, His wisdom, and His promise: He has already overcome the world.
