As Sheep Among Wolves

AS SHEEP AMONG WOLVES.

Matthew 10:9-23.

Jesus was very specific in His first instructions to the twelve Apostles, that they ‘Go not into the way of the Gentiles’, nor enter any city of the Samaritans, but seek out none other than ‘the lost sheep of the house of Israel’ (cf. Matthew 10:5-6). This is book-ended by Matthew 10:23b, “You (all) shall not have gone over the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” Clearly here there is in view not just that first mission of the twelve, however long or short that may have been, but also the continuing mission of the church in Israel, right up until the destruction of Jerusalem in c. 70 A.D.

‘Freely you (all) have received,’ said Jesus. So, He instructed, ‘freely give’ (Matthew 10:8b). This is reflected in the apparent poverty of that first mission (Matthew 10:9), where the Apostles would have ample opportunity to experience His provision of all their necessaries (cf. Luke 22:35).

Codes of dress do have their place in mission work. Cynics could be recognised by their dress: an old cloak and a staff. Essenes were known as ‘Brethren of the White Clothing’. There are no hard and fast rules for Christian workers, but it is probably best to be smart, well presented, but not looking like we belong to some sect (Matthew 10:10)!

It is interesting to observe that pilgrims entering the Temple were not allowed to wear sandals nor carry a staff. Witnessing is an act of worship. Missions to less-friendly climes and times might expect another instruction (cf. Luke 22:36).

It is a matter of courtesy in our own missions to seek out those who might be deemed “worthy” (Matthew 10:11a) in the place to which we are going. If there is already a church in that place, then it would be presumptuous to come in treading on everyone’s toes.

This was, after all, initially, a Home Mission, where the Apostles might expect to receive at least some courteous consideration. They would preach freely (cf. Matthew 10:8b) and accept hospitality (Matthew 10:11b). When we preach, we need nothing more than the gospel itself (cf. Matthew 6:33).

‘Peace be to all in this house,’ says the Christian Visitor upon entering any homestead (Matthew 10:12). If the household fails to receive the blessing, it will not be because it was not offered (Matthew 10:13). We need not trouble ourselves but must “shake off the dust of our feet” with dignity (Matthew 10:14).

It is well that it is God who is the judge in such matters! But what a terrible thing it is to refuse the light of the gospel. Jesus’ solemn word is, “Amen I say unto you: It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city” (Matthew 10:15).

“Behold,” says Jesus, as one showing them something remarkable: “I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10:16). We must never presume to go unless we are sure that He is sending us! The challenges of “sheep” among “wolves” are more than mere man can overcome, so we need to be “wise” in not courting persecution, and “harmless” in our behaviour - even in the face of persecution.

“But beware of men,” says Jesus - because there will be persecution (Matthew 10:17-18). The Book of Acts, and the entire history of the Christian church testifies to this. When they are hauled before the courts, or just put on the spot, the Lord often gives an impromptu word in season from the mouth of His servants (Matthew 10:19-20).

Why do people hate Christians so? Why do they slander their preachers? It is because the natural man cannot bear to be confronted with the truth. So even private individuals do despite to the most natural ties of life, causing their own family members to be put to death out of hatred to Jesus, and to the message of the gospel (Matthew 10:21-22a).

There is a permission given here to flee, if necessary (Matthew 10:23a). It has been on record since ancient times that the Christians in Jerusalem DID flee before the fall of the city in c. 70 A.D. “For Amen I say unto you: You (all) shall not have gone over the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes” (Matthew 10:23b).

Yet the promise remains: “they who endure to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22b; cf. Matthew 24:13).