Nobody denies that Jesus gives His followers the clear command to go into the world and share the Good News of salvation. That He sends us out is clear in Scripture. What we often miss or fail to properly understand are the terms under which He sends us.
Matthew 10:16 says, “I am sending you out as sheep among wolves.” Hold on. “As sheep?” Sheep are sort of dumb, aren’t they? Sheep are easily frightened, aren’t they? Sheep are very needy, aren’t they? Yes, yes, and yes! All those things are true. It would seem for the Lord to send us out “as sheep” would be bad enough or risky enough, then He has to go and add the second part, “among wolves.” If you and I take that at face value, our facial expressions would likely resemble a deer in headlights.
Wait….just wait! Lord, do you know what wolves do to sheep? They eat them alive, literally! Seriously?
He understands. Better than you can imagine. Remember Who it is that is sending you. He is, after all, the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. He spent His public ministry among wolves.
He knows where He is sending you. Dangerous territory. He knows who’s waiting for you there. Dangerous people. But He also knows Who He is sending with you. The Holy Spirit. The last phase of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 says, “…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.”
So, Jesus Who is both Lamb and Shepherd, says, “I’m sending you as sheep among wolves…and going with you.”
Well…in that case, let’s go!