Have you ever felt out of place because you’re trying to follow Jesus in a world that doesn’t seem to care about Him? Maybe you’ve felt pressure to go along with choices you know don’t line up with God’s way, or even faced criticism for your beliefs. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Jesus knew His followers would face moments like that. He didn’t soften His words to make discipleship look easier than it is. Instead, He gave us a picture that feels strange at first glance: to be “sheep among wolves.”
Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16 NLT
Jesus Chooses Sheep on Purpose
If you’re honest, being compared to a sheep might not sound flattering. Sheep are vulnerable. They can’t fight wolves, and they need guidance to stay safe. But that seems to be the point.
Jesus doesn’t call us to be wolves who overpower others. He calls us to be sheep who stay close to a Shepherd. Our strength as Christians isn’t in our ability to outmatch the world but in our trust that Jesus is with us and for us.
Wolves Will Be Around Us
Jesus never hid the reality that following Him brings opposition. He said there would be wolves. There will always be people who reject, resist, or attack those who live differently because of their faith.
That can feel incredibly discouraging, but it’s also honest. And Jesus’ honesty helps us prepare for anything that might happen.
Wise and Gentle at the Same Time
Jesus doesn’t stop with the image of sheep. He tells us to live with two qualities that don’t often fit together: wisdom and gentleness. He says, “Be as shrewd as snakes and as harmless as doves.”
That means we don’t ignore the world around us. We pay attention, we use wisdom, and we think carefully. But we don’t let that awareness make us cynical or hard-hearted. Instead, we’re called to live with gentleness that reflects God’s love.
This balance is what makes the way of Jesus so different. He doesn’t ask us to be naive, and He doesn’t ask us to fight cruelty with cruelty. He calls us to reflect His character, even when it costs us our pride, honor, respect, or reputation.
Why This Matters Today
Every day, we see examples of people responding to hate with more hate. Whether it’s in person or on social media, it feels so normal, but Jesus invites us to a better way. When we’re pressured to fight fire with fire, He reminds us that our Shepherd is with us.
Choosing to live like sheep among wolves doesn’t make us weak; it makes us more like Jesus. Our security doesn’t come from winning every argument or protecting ourselves at all costs. It comes from trusting Jesus to guide and guard us.
Pray:
Jesus, thank You for being my Shepherd. Help me stay close to You when I feel surrounded. Teach me to be wise without being harsh and gentle without being weak. I trust You to guide me and protect me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Try This Next Step
Think of one situation in your life where you feel “surrounded by wolves.” Instead of reacting with fear or defensiveness, pause. Pray for Jesus to help you respond with wisdom and gentleness.
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