Dear Explorer,
In today's passage, Jesus was talking to His apostles about what they would experience on their mission trip and in the future as they began to share God's plan with others. It very much applies to us today, so let's dig into it and learn what Jesus would tell us about being His follower today.
Read Matthew 10:16-20
What does Jesus mean when He says we will be like sheep among wolves?
Don't forget that Satan's plan is to destroy you. We are in a daily battle of good and evil. Satan is out to destroy you and remember that only Jesus can protect you from him. So, a good sheep always knows where the Shepherd is!
What is Jesus' first instruction to us (Matthew 10:16)?
Does it surprise you?
How do you define shrewd (some translations say “wise”)?
In the dictionary, I found this definition of shrewd.
having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute.
"she was shrewd enough to guess the motive behind his gesture"
Another discussion about the meaning of shrewd says that some people think of it as a negative trait. But that is not its meaning. We might call it having “street smarts”.
Now I don't have enough knowledge about snakes to know what kind of smarts they have – but this I know: They know how to hide, they know how to move quickly – and when to move and when to be still, and they know when to attack and when not to. And you don't see a lot of snakes laying alongside the road as roadkill! I assume that this could have been just a popular saying at the time, but Jesus tells us to be shrewd as snakes.
I believe that Jesus is reminding us to depend on the Holy Spirit to guide us. He will make us wise in our judgments. Why do I think this?
Read 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
Where does the Holy Spirit get His information?
Wow! If we are following what the Holy Spirit is telling us from the inner core of our lives, then we are getting instructions straight from God Himself! Wouldn't you think that would make us pretty shrewd? Yes, we need an education. Yes, it is our job to study Scripture and learn and grow – but it is the Holy Spirit who makes us truly smart. You can have a lot of knowledge and still not be wise in your judgments. Only the Holy Spirit can bring us God's wisdom and show us how to use it.
So now, what do you think Jesus meant when He said to be shrewd as snakes?
What does it mean to be innocent as doves?
Again, I'm not a bird expert. But I know that doves have been used to symbolize peace. They are also used as a symbol for love and marriage (because they mate for life), and they were used as sacrifices for the poor instead of lambs.
What does it mean to be innocent?
It means to be “not guilty”. The only way we can be not guilty is to walk in a clean relationship with Jesus – so that we are totally obedient to what He asks us to do.
So, my conclusion is that Jesus is reminding us that the Holy Spirit inside of us will make us shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves. I believe that as we obey day by day, people will notice that we are different from other people who are relying on their SELF.
Jesus warns us that we will be arrested and punished for following Him. He says that we will be brought before governors and kings. Look very carefully at these verses (Matthew 10:16-20) and tell me, “Why is this God's plan for them (and possibly us)?”
So, we can share our testimony or witness with them! Amazing! How else would we be able to share our testimony with these high ranked (by earthly standards) people?
Listen carefully so you can hear when God is prompting you to share with someone and make sure your Light is not covered up or deliberately hidden!
Be aware that God may be using you in places that you go on a regular basis. Let your light shine – at work, at school, at the library, at the park, etc., and let the Holy Spirit make you shrewd as a snake and innocent as a dove! But also, be aware that God may desire to use you by orchestrating your being in the right place at the right time to share your testimony with someone that is ready to invite Jesus into their life.
In His service, dale
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