Matthew 10:16
Context:
The disciples were instructed to search for the lost tribes of Israel, to proclaim the Good News, and to find the lost sheep.
The disciples (or apostles) had received special gifts, such as healing the sick, casting out unclean spirits, raising the dead, and cleansing lepers.
Some denominations today still claim these gifts are active and assert they continue to operate in the same way.
If that is true, why do they only focus on these specific things? The Lord Jesus gave many other clear instructions as well — for example, “Freely you have received, freely give.” But nowadays, nothing is given freely.
Jesus also said, “Do not take any gold, silver, or copper in your belts; no bag for the journey, no extra shirt, no sandals, or a staff.” However, most of the ministers who claim such miraculous gifts today are far from poor or poverty — they possesses immeasurable wealth.
After walking with His disciples for about 3 years (during which they received better training than what today’s colleges offer), Jesus now commands them to go out among wolves (v. 16). He now sends them freely into ministry because He will soon no longer be physically with them.
This command applies to us as well. How long will we keep clinging to our mentors’ laps? Once we are trained and entrusted with responsibilities, we must go out into the crowd of wolves.
But for this task, Jesus urges two key qualities: to be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves.
Like sheep among wolves — Now is not the time for sheep to remain safely in the pen with the shepherd. We believers are always seeking safe spaces — avoiding the world, staying away from non-believers, warning about dangers, and teaching others to do the same.
But here Jesus commands the disciples to go among the wolves.
A time will come when the wolves themselves will enter the flock of sheep (Acts 20:29).
We must go into the darkness as light. We must blend into tasteless lives as salt.
Wise as Serpents – The word “wise” here is translated from the Greek word phronimos, which also means shrewd, thoughtful, practical wisdom, trained, or having sharp insight.
The serpent is first mentioned in Genesis 3:1.
- Eyes of the Serpent – Sharp, alert, and clever. A wise person wears the crown of knowledge. (Proverbs 14:18b)
- Ears of the Serpent – When an enticing or deceiving voice comes, the serpent closes its ears.
- The Serpent protects its head carefully – We too must guard our heads, since the brain controls and directs the whole body. We must protect it from negative influences.
- The Serpent senses countless unseen movements with its invisible feet – It can analyze vibrations from the ground. We too must discern what lies ahead and direct our lives accordingly.
- The Serpent usually hides in bushes rather than roaming in open spaces – It stays concealed.
Innocent as Doves – The word “innocent” here comes from the Greek word akeraios, meaning simple or blameless. See Romans 16:18–19, Philippians 2:15, and 1 Thessalonians 5:22.
When the Holy Spirit descended at Jesus’ baptism, He appeared in the form of a dove (Matthew 3:16).
- Gentleness of the Dove – Doves are considered symbols of gentleness and politeness. In Acts 7:60, Stephen prayed for forgiveness for those stoning him. Gentle people do not harm others but may themselves suffer harm.
- Innocence of the Dove – It does not deceive or trap others and does no harm. (Romans 16:19)
- Purity of the Dove – The dove breathes clean air and eats clean food.
This blend of both qualities — serpent and dove — is necessary for all believers today.
Some live only like doves, while others live only like serpents.
We must adapt our behavior based on the situation and time.
We must be as doves because we should not harm anyone, and we must be as serpents because we should not be harmed by anyone.