Matthew 10:1-16 "The Most Dangerous Job"

Read Matthew 10:1-16.

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” NIV

Jesus is preparing the 12 to go out among the Jews to tell them that the kingdom of heaven is near, to heal, and to drive out demons…. They are to be Christ’s representatives. But, He also warns them that they are going into dangerous work. The opposition will be strong and bitter, so be ready to face it.

We still face that same opposition when we try to share that the kingdom of heaven is near. It can be painful to be cut down when sharing about a passionate part of our life. I have had many hateful words said to me that felt like a knife twisting in my heart. So how do we live “as shrewd as snakes” while remaining “as innocent as doves?”

We face a crafty enemy and must counter with a cunningness that matches. We must not seek danger, but be alert to it. And all the while, we live in a meekness and humility that represent the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. This is a difficult balance to attain which is why we can only walk in victory in this world with the power of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit leading us. We are in a battle we cannot win, but with Christ, we are already victorious.

Do not back away from the wolves, but remain true to the gospel. Know what you believe, establish your position as a servant of The Most High. Remain intimate with Him through prayer so that in those occasions where words fail you, you can stand firm in the power of His presence at work through you. Never, never, never back down. Stand firm.

Further Thoughts:

1. What do we do when people simply will not listen to our message? Read vs. 14 again. Does this mean we give up on them? Support your answer with Scripture.
2. Compare and contrast the acts of being shrewd and being innocent. How does that play out practically in our daily lives today?
3. Research the phrase "the kingdom of heaven." Why does Jesus use that particular phrase in this passage?
4. Vs. 8 says, "Freely you have received, freely give...." What does that mean? What do you need to change in your life to live in conformity with this command?
5. When the Hebrew people were taken to Babylon, they were sheep among the wolves. Read the stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as an example of living shrewdly with innocence.

Matthew 5:5 "Blessed" Part 3

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." NIV

Every New Year's the Lord gives me a new word to work on. Two years ago it was gentleness. Last year it was ......gentleness. Okay, so I'm a slow learner. (This year is humility. I guess He decided to go at it from a different angle.) Gentleness is just one of the attributes that has always been difficult for me. I'm a bottom-line person. I tend to see the overall needs quickly, cut to the heart of the situation, and shoot straight. If you happen to be in the line of fire, you should listen and make adjustments. Well, that's how I was; I believe I've improved over my 2+ year's focus on being gentler, but I'm sure I have a long way to go.

Meekness or gentleness exemplifies so well the character of Jesus Christ. He just never seemed to get rattled by anyone or anything. (Well, except that whole turning over the tables in the temple incident. But that was anger at defiling His Father's house. He was justified.) Even when He rebuked the disciples and used some rather harsh wording, He would guide them into a right way of thinking. When the woman was about to be stoned for adultery, He was gentle with her and with her accusers. He spoke the truth, but in a calm and quiet manner. When he was being abused, verbally and physically, by the authorities, He didn't speak a word. Jesus always looked to others and their needs first. He submitted to God's leading. He lived a gentle existence. (Side note: This, I'm sure, was just blowing the Jews' minds because they were expecting in the Messiah a mighty warrior ready to kick some Roman bootie. Little did they know they got the most powerful warrior possible.)

When I think of a person today as an example of gentleness, I always see an old woman who quietly and reservedly doles out words of wisdom. She lives a humble and quiet existence. She is never harsh or abrasive. Her eyes are filled with compassion and kindness. She looks at others to really see them and accepts them just as they are without reservation. She is never in a hurry, but always slow and deliberate in all she does. Flustered is not in her vocabulary. When faced with temptation -- no compromise. When assaulted by other's sin -- gentle rebuke in love. This is the gentle, kind person I so want to be.

Lord, as I go through my day today, help me to be gentle with all those around me. I want my thoughts to be of others before myself. I want my tone of voice to never be harsh or impatient. Slow down my day and fill me, Holy Spirit, with Your gentleness.

Further Thoughts:

1. There are several examples in the OT of meek spirits -- Joseph, Ruth, Esther, Samuel, Sarah, Moses, Noah, Job. Choose one or two and reread their stories. What can you learn about gentleness from their life?
2. Find some verses to memorize regarding gentle, humble, or contrite. (See Ephesians 4:2, Isaiah 66:2)
3. I believe one of the biggest hindrances to gentleness is a hectic lifestyle. When we get in a hurry, are rushed, and fail to take quiet times of reflection, our gentleness with others and God tends to diminish. What can you do to remove some of the hectic-ness out of your life? Can you incorporate some "reset" times in your day to slow everything down and refocus your purpose and goals?
4. When I am not feeling very gentle, reading Scripture or listening to music calms my spirit. Try it. (My favorites are the Psalms, 1 Corinthians 13, and Andrea Bocelli. But that's me.)