Sent as Sheep: Embracing Vulnerability in Mission

Devotional

Day 1: Sent Out as Sheep Among Wolves

Jesus calls His followers to be distinct in a world that can be hostile, sending them out as sheep among wolves—not to be naive or passive, but to recognize the real dangers and challenges that come with living out the kingdom mission. This image is not meant to intimidate, but to remind us that our calling is to be set apart, to live differently from the world’s predatory and self-serving ways, and to trust that God is with us even when the environment feels threatening or uncomfortable. The world may not always welcome the message of Christ, but we are sent nonetheless, not because we are strong in ourselves, but because we are called to reflect the meekness and peace of the kingdom in the midst of adversity. [17:17]

Matthew 10:16 (ESV)
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

Reflection: Where in your daily life do you sense God calling you to step out of comfort and into a place where your faith might be challenged or misunderstood? How can you respond with both courage and humility today?

Day 2: Shrewd as Serpents, Innocent as Doves

Followers of Jesus are called to a unique balance: to be wise and discerning about the world’s realities, yet to maintain a pure and gentle heart. This means not resorting to manipulation, aggression, or worldly tactics to accomplish God’s mission, but instead using the wisdom God gives to navigate challenges while remaining humble and set apart. The mission is not about gaining power or winning arguments, but about representing Christ’s character—wise, but never losing the innocence and compassion that mark His people. [21:11]

Matthew 10:16b (ESV)
“…so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

Reflection: In what situations are you tempted to use worldly tactics or attitudes to achieve your goals? How can you intentionally choose wisdom and innocence in your interactions this week?

Day 3: The Spirit Speaks Through You

When facing opposition, uncertainty, or even hostility for the sake of Christ, believers are not left to their own devices or eloquence. Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will give words and wisdom in the moment of need, reminding us that our mission is not accomplished by our own strength or cleverness, but by God’s presence and power working through us. This assurance frees us from anxiety about having all the answers and invites us to depend on God’s Spirit in every circumstance. [32:22]

Matthew 10:19-20 (ESV)
“When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Reflection: Is there a conversation or situation you are anxious about today? How can you pause and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions, trusting Him to speak through you?

Day 4: Enduring Through Hardship and Division

Jesus does not hide the reality that following Him can bring division, even among families, and may lead to misunderstanding, rejection, or suffering. Yet, He calls His followers to endure, holding fast to faith and trust in Him, knowing that salvation and wholeness come not from avoiding hardship, but from persevering through it with His help. Endurance is not about earning God’s favor, but about remaining faithful and trusting that God’s promises are true, even when the path is difficult. [41:17]

Matthew 10:21-22 (ESV)
“Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Reflection: When have you experienced tension or loss because of your faith? What helps you hold on to Jesus and endure when following Him is costly?

Day 5: Every Disciple Is Sent on Mission

The call to mission is not reserved for a select few, but is given to every follower of Jesus. Each believer is sent to be the hands and feet of Christ, to make disciples, and to share the goodness of God with others—not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done. The question is not whether we are sent, but whether we will step out of comfort, overcome excuses, and allow God to use us to impact others for His kingdom. [50:51]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”

Reflection: Who has God placed in your life that needs to experience His love through you? What is one step you can take today to move beyond comfort and join Jesus in His mission?

Sermon Summary

In Matthew 10, Jesus gives a sobering but vital set of instructions to his disciples as he sends them out into a world that is often hostile to the message of the kingdom. He doesn’t sugarcoat the reality: following him and proclaiming his message will bring trouble, opposition, and even betrayal from those closest to us. The imagery Jesus uses—sheep among wolves, shrewd as serpents, innocent as doves—reminds us that we are called to be both wise and gentle, fully aware of the dangers around us but refusing to adopt the world’s tactics of power, manipulation, or self-preservation.

The world is often a place where people seek to dominate, climb over others, and pursue their own interests. Jesus calls his followers to be different: to enter this world not as predators, but as those who are meek, humble, and set apart. Yet, he also calls us to be wise, not naive—aware of the real dangers and complexities of the mission. This wisdom is not about self-reliance or clever arguments, but about depending on the Spirit, who promises to give us the words we need when we face opposition or persecution.

Jesus warns that the cost of following him can be high—even to the point of family division and hatred. This is not just a theoretical risk; for many around the world, it is a daily reality. Yet, the call to endure is not a call to grit our teeth and push through on our own strength. It is a call to trust in the Spirit’s presence, to remember that we are not alone, and to hold fast to the hope and wholeness that Jesus brings. The mission is not optional; every follower of Jesus is sent out, not just a select few. The question is whether we will allow comfort, fear, or indifference to keep us from joining in the work Jesus has given us.

We are invited to remember those who have poured into our lives, to give thanks for their faithfulness, and to ask God to kindle in us the same passion to invest in others. The mission is hard, but it is worth it. Jesus has gone before us, suffered for us, and now calls us to join him—not just in his work, but even in his suffering, knowing that he is with us every step of the way.

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Key Takeaways

1. Sent as Sheep Among Wolves, Not as Predators Jesus intentionally sends his followers into a world that is often hostile, not as conquerors but as sheep among wolves. This is a call to embrace vulnerability and humility, refusing to adopt the world’s methods of domination or self-promotion. Our distinctiveness is not in our strength, but in our willingness to be set apart, even when it means facing real danger or discomfort. [17:17]
2. Wisdom and Innocence: The Balance of the Kingdom The instruction to be “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” is a call to a rare balance—using discernment and wisdom without losing our integrity or becoming manipulative. We are to be aware of the world’s realities, but never to let that awareness turn us into cynics or predators. Our mission is not to win arguments or gain power, but to represent the kingdom with both clarity and compassion. [21:11]
3. Dependence on the Spirit, Not Our Own Strength When facing opposition, Jesus promises that the Spirit will give us the words we need. This is not an excuse for laziness or lack of preparation, but a reminder that our ultimate reliance is not on our eloquence or intellect. In the moments when we feel most out of our depth, God’s presence is most real, and his Spirit is most active, speaking through us in ways we could never orchestrate on our own. [33:38]
4. Endurance in the Face of Division and Suffering The call to endure is not about earning salvation, but about holding fast to Jesus and his mission through every trial. The reality that even families may be divided over the gospel is a sobering reminder of the cost, but also of the surpassing worth of the kingdom. Endurance is possible not because we are strong, but because Jesus has gone before us, suffered for us, and now walks with us. [41:17]
5. Every Disciple is Sent—Mission is Not Optional The sending is not just for a select few; every follower of Jesus is called to participate in his mission. The greatest danger for many of us is not open hostility, but comfort and indifference that lull us into inaction. We are called to remember those who have invested in us, to give thanks, and to ask God to stir in us a passion to invest in others, refusing to settle for a passive faith. [50:51]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:27] - Technical Difficulties and Introductions
[09:09] - The Challenge of Difficult Instructions
[10:25] - Jesus Prepares His Disciples for Mission
[12:22] - Reading Matthew 10:16-23
[14:49] - Wrestling with a Difficult Passage
[15:26] - Sheep, Wolves, Serpents, and Doves
[17:17] - The World’s Hostility and the Call to Be Different
[19:52] - Shrewd as Serpents, Innocent as Doves
[23:08] - The Context of Persecution
[26:56] - Facing Opposition and Division
[29:59] - Relying on the Spirit in Difficult Moments
[35:34] - Family Division and the Cost of Discipleship
[41:17] - Enduring to the End
[47:46] - “Look, I Am Sending You Out”
[50:51] - Every Disciple’s Mission
[55:19] - Prayers for Faithfulness and Courage
[59:02] - Jesus’ Suffering and Our Hope
[60:58] - Communion and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 10:16-23 — “Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, because they will hand you over to local courts and flog you in their synagogues. You will even be brought before governors and kings because of me, to bear witness to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, don’t worry about how or what you are to speak. For you will be given what to say at that hour, because it isn’t you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. For truly I tell you, you will not have gone through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

Observation Questions

What four animals does Jesus mention in Matthew 10:16, and what do they represent about the way his followers are to live and serve? ([15:26])
According to Jesus, what kinds of opposition or trouble might his followers face as they go out on mission? ([12:59])
What does Jesus say will happen when his followers are brought before authorities because of him? Who will give them the words to say? ([32:22])
What does Jesus say about family relationships and division in this passage? ([35:34])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose the imagery of “sheep among wolves” instead of something stronger or more powerful? What does this say about the way Christians are to approach the world? ([17:17])
Jesus tells his followers to be “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” What does it look like to balance wisdom and innocence in real life, especially when facing hostility or disagreement? ([21:11])
The sermon mentions that relying on the Spirit is not an excuse for laziness or lack of preparation. How can someone prepare for sharing their faith while still depending on the Spirit in the moment? ([33:00])
Jesus warns that following him may lead to division, even within families. How should believers respond when their faith causes tension or rejection from those closest to them? ([36:49])

Application Questions

Jesus says he is sending us out, not just a select few. In your current life, do you see yourself as “sent” by Jesus? Why or why not? What might need to change for you to live with a sense of being sent? ([50:51])
The world often values power, self-promotion, and winning. Are there ways you have been tempted to use “wolf-like” tactics in your relationships, work, or even in sharing your faith? What would it look like to choose humility and vulnerability instead? ([17:17])
Think about a time when you felt out of your depth or faced opposition because of your faith. Did you rely on your own words and strength, or did you sense the Spirit helping you? How can you practice depending on the Spirit more this week? ([33:38])
The sermon challenges us to remember those who have invested in our faith journey. Who are one or two people who have poured into your life spiritually? Have you ever thanked them? How could you express your gratitude this week? ([53:00])
Jesus warns that comfort and indifference can be just as dangerous as open hostility. Are there areas in your life where comfort or fear is keeping you from joining in Jesus’ mission? What is one step you could take to move out of your comfort zone? ([43:52])
The call to endure is not about gritting your teeth, but about holding fast to Jesus and his mission. What helps you endure when following Jesus gets hard? Is there a specific practice, prayer, or truth that helps you keep going? ([41:17])
The sermon ends with a prayer to “kindle a spark” in us to invest in others. Is there someone in your life right now who needs encouragement or spiritual investment? What is one practical thing you could do for them this week? ([55:19])

Sermon Clips

We get plenty of wolves we got timber wolves we got other things as mascots because that seems intimidating and scary but again Matthew has been presenting this gospel this kingdom message where God's people are set apart and different from our expectations and so as Jesus sets in with these words he is warning his people listen I am sending you out as she or sheep mixing words sheep among wolves meaning there are plenty of wolves in this world this world is looking to devour you. [00:17:04]

I am sending you out knowing that you are supposed to be something different amongst this kind of predatory nature of what exists in the world around you not because a sheep is supposed to be some pushover some easy prey but because you are different and recognizing that there is danger around you in the world you are being sent out to as you go out to fulfill this mission of spreading kingdom news the world around you is dangerous not dangerous always in the sense of fear for life but we also have to understand that this passage we are looking at once again was intended very specifically to a specific group of people at a specific time and we are reading the words that were given to them do they hold meaning for us now absolutely but the context in which these disciples are being sent out is very different than the one we live in in many ways very similar in others but the context of the world being full of a mentality that wants to devour and dominate we can appreciate and understand right. [00:17:46]

We don't always show love and kindness and put the well-being of everybody first often times the world is looking for what I can gain what I can hold on to where I can position myself and Jesus says "Listen I know I am sending you out as the meek the peaceful the all these things we've discussed already in the biatitudes and other places i have made this kingdom available to all no matter how society views these things and I am sending those of you back out into a world that's full of danger." [00:19:20]

Be shrewd as serpents now this one's interesting cuz this one feels like we get a little bit of both this mascot represents a little bit of cunningness wisdom kind of that sly nature it's not that Jesus is sending us out to be you know think garden serpent right deceitful manipulative none of those things right the characteristic he chooses to lift up is shrewd wise using your mind not to be just taken advantage of not to think that everything is safe and happy and good out here you are a sheep among wolves be shrewd as serpents wise and cunning and understanding in the sense of how you see and perceive the world yet maintain an innocence of doves. [00:20:04]

This contrast here is I'm sending you i want you to use the mind I gave you the wisdom I've given you this perception of understanding of what you are walking to into and I'm going to help you unpack what you're walking into here in just a minute i need you to be shrewd and understanding and realistic of what this mission looks like but I also need you to maintain your innocence not looking to go out and devour others to gain authority and position and power and dominate others to be humble innocent understanding that you are supposed to be set apart and different not living by the same tactics as the world where we are out trying to pack hunt for our next prey. [00:21:05]

There are so many ugly horror stories throughout church history of how we have tried to go about proclaiming our God as true God everything from wars to horrible manipulation and scare tactics different things that lose sight of how we are supposed to represent the kingdom while also still being wise in the midst of the circumstances we are in and we sometimes resort to the tactics of the world rather than being set apart and different from the world maintaining this understanding that where we are going is maybe hostile territory at times maybe less so for us because let's be honest we live in a modern western world where Christianity for a long time was the dominant position. [00:22:11]

But you got to understand for Jesus and his disciples in the context in which he is sending them out Rome is not real friendly to the idea at the time the Jewish synagogues and the temple leaders the Pharisees have already proven time and time again they're not real keen on this teaching that Jesus has been presenting there's been a lot of push back a lot of questioning already you are going out into hostile territory where your position is not popular and I know we sometimes struggle to deal with that because we think "Oh it's not that unpopular." [00:23:08]

Maybe right now the overall climate of how people view Christianity in our world because of what it has been lumped in with and tied together with is not as positive as it once was maybe there are certain stances and position that conf conflict with the world's perception of what we should just be okay with and not okay with maybe there's a little more push back than there were in years past but the reality is I still think we struggle to understand that our brothers and sisters around the world who are a part of the church in other places in other parts of the world like Christians right now who are living in predominantly Muslim countries where there is a very harsh response to the idea that you would convert and become a Christian or other areas where that's not the popular opinion because everybody else does something different and families are literally disowning family members which we'll get to here in a minute because you don't see things the way we see things. [00:23:58]

We wrestle with this idea that Jesus is sending us out into a mission field where our life may not be literally threatened tomorrow because we are going out and sharing the good news of Jesus and we may not even receive that much resistance in fact I think we are living in a time where there is actually a very unique openness to things spiritual to faith to this understanding of like who is God there's a lot of people who I think are really open right now to this question this idea but the problem is there are so many different ways that people are trying to war over how we share that different tactics and approaches and positions what do you think about scripture that the church is almost as divided amongst itself as other entities in our world in our culture. [00:25:00]

It makes me uncomfortable because we are supposed to be the body of Christ united in him and yet even amongst ourselves we squabble to understand the best way to go forward in this message and this understanding and we're forgetting how Jesus has taught us to be prepared to handle his kingdom sheep among wolves shrewd as serpents but innocent as doves. [00:26:32]

But Jesus says even when you are facing some of these hard accusations you are facing courts and kings and governors and legislation or not legislation but court and judicial kind of situations where your life and your freedom and your safety may be hanging in the balance don't worry about what it is you are going to say what you're going to speak for you will be given what to say in that hour because it isn't you speaking but the spirit of your father is speaking through you. [00:32:11]

But in moments when you don't have the words in moments when you are in a difficult situation that there is no good way out of you are not alone you are going to face you are going to face trials of many kinds you are going to be persecuted you are going to face struggles that are beyond what you want to sign up for but you are not going to be in those moments alone you are going to have the power of the spirit the words and wisdom of the spirit with you and if you are trying to accomplish this mission relying on your own strength that is not the shrewdness of a serpent. [00:33:19]

If you're going out on this mission you remember this mission starts with prayer it's not your harvest you are participating in it's God's harvest that you are a humble worker in the midst of so the spirit that sends you out the spirit that guides and directs you in the midst of everything you are doing is the same spirit you are depending on and relying on for every word you speak because your own understanding will not get you far in these circumstances. [00:34:22]

This tension will be real in fact let me just go ahead and say it you will be hated by everyone because of my name now does that mean literally every person will hate you every time you see somebody y'all hate me i'm sorry all right that would be a ridiculous end to take that to but this idea that family government communities there is no safety in terms of what it is where it is you will be you'll find hate and disagreement and tension and frustration when we are sharing this message. [00:38:27]

Very few of us understand what it means to truly suffer with Christ join with Christ in his suffering very few of us really understand what it means to have to hold on to this next part of this passage but the one who endures to the end will be saved now again there's a lot of baggage with that sword there at the end we hear that word and we immediately think that moment where you weren't going to heaven that you are now going to heaven saved means a whole lot more than that bringing wholeness and healing to our lives both physical spiritual all of those things jesus and scripture talk about salvation in many different words many different ways in many different contexts and um past present and future. [00:41:17]

If we can press through and endure if we can hold on to our trust in his mission his kingdom the spirit that dwells within us that gives us the strength to keep pressing forward the hardships won't overcome us there is healing and wholeness and salvation in pressing through not the kind that gets us to heaven but the kind that brings endurance to the end and something that is better than the hardship we face the goodness of who he is the restoration of what he accomplishes in our life this faithfulness that endures to the end that brings about this final work in our lives and he's saying "Listen those of you who are going out you are going to face struggles that are hard you're going to face difficulties that are beyond what you can handle you're going to need the spirit to help get you through the community the world the things around you may want to consume you and devour you." [00:42:36]

Are we sheep that are sent out among wolves no matter what those wolves are and how they look because we care enough about this kingdom and this message and this savior and believe in his goodness enough to be fearful that our community our family our friends those who might very well hate us are being devoured by wolves not because some individual is that nefarious but because the culture itself devours us like wolves are we content to sit or do we realize that we are the ones being sent out and we can't say "I don't know Jesus that seems inconvenient." [00:49:36]

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