![](/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jw-logo.png"){kind=logo}
Leg 2 Day 40
Balanced And Ready
Jesus Among Us
Scripture:
Matthew 10:16-26
MATTHEW 10:16–26 (NIV)
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.”
Matthew 10:16-26
Life Lessons from Jesus:
Sheep are defenseless animals, and wolves are their most dangerous predator. Through this analogy, Jesus gave His disciples a graphic illustration of the coming rejection and persecution they would face out in the world. Jesus’s words to them here would not be fulfilled until after He ascended into heaven, but He was explaining the future of ministry for His disciples. He wanted to make it clear what the cost can be for true discipleship.
Jesus emphasized how we need to be ready in an appropriate manner. Not prepped to fight all the time but shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves. This isn’t the easiest balance. When things become heated or we’re unwelcome by others, He wants us to be perceptive, prudent, and informed. We’re not to bowl over the people who oppose us. We shouldn’t be screaming or whining at them, nor sinking to any kind of hatred. Instead, we should be an example to them, tell the truth, evaluate our situations with discernment, slip away when we need to, and maintain the soft, compassionate condition of our own hearts.
The WAY:
Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:
In your own words, what do you think it means to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves”?
Have you ever faced rejection or persecution because of your beliefs? What happened?
How can we keep soft, compassionate hearts when we face hatred and rejection?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for Your first disciples, who were willing to count the cost and pay the price to follow You. Because of their dedication, the gospel was proclaimed, and we have Your Word today. Help me to judge all situations with discernment, as You would. Give me wisdom and grace when I speak to others about You. Let my words and manner reflect Yours. In Your name, amen.