Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
In Matthew 10:16, Jesus is instructing his disciples on how to conduct themselves as they go out to share the message of the gospel. In this verse, he uses the analogy of sheep among wolves to emphasize the challenging and potentially dangerous nature of the task at hand.
The first part of the verse, "Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves," acknowledges that the disciples will face opposition and hostility from those who do not accept their message. The image of sheep among wolves also suggests vulnerability and the need for caution.
The second part of the verse, "Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves," provides guidance on how the disciples should conduct themselves in the face of opposition. Jesus advises his disciples to be wise like serpents, which in this context means to be shrewd and cautious, and to think carefully about how they present themselves and their message. At the same time, they should be harmless like doves, which means they should avoid engaging in violence or other aggressive behavior.
Taken together, this verse advises the disciples to be cautious and wise in the face of opposition, while also maintaining their innocence and purity of heart. It is a reminder that even when faced with hostility, we should strive to respond with wisdom and compassion, and to remain true to our Christian beliefs and calling.
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