Sheep Among Wolves

C. H. Spurgeon

Matthew 10:16

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the middle of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

I. THEIR PROMINENT VOCATION — "Behold, I send you forth."

1. These disciples had been with Him, and had been taught by Him, that they might teach in His name. The mode of operation in the kingdom of God is, first make disciples, teach them, and then let them go forth and do the same with others. When one light is kindled other candles are lit therefrom. Drops of heavenly water are flashed aloft and scattered all around like dew upon the face of the earth, and behold each one begetteth a fountain where it fails, and thus the desert is made to rejoice and blossom.

2. To go after the lost sheep.

3. He sent them forth to work miracles. We have not this power; it is more to God's glory that the world should be conquered by the force of truth than by the blaze of miracles.

II. THEIR IMMINENT PERIL — "As sheep in the midst of wolves."

1. Amongst those who will not in any way sympathize with your efforts. The bleating sheep finds no harmony in the howl of the wolf.

2. Amongst those who would rend them.

3. Amongst those who would hinder their endeavours.

4. We are powerless against them. What can a sheep do if a wolf sets upon it?

5. It is trying "work for the sheep.

6. It is testing work.

7. It is teaching work.

III. THEIR EMINENT AUTHORITY — "I send you forth."

1. The Lord of the harvest.

2. "I," who prize you.

3. "I," who have gone on the same errand Myself.

4. "I," who overcame in the very character in which I send you." "The Lamb shall overcome them."

IV. THEIR PERMANENT INSTRUCTIONS.

1. Be prudent and wise as a serpent.

(1)  It gets out of the way of man as much as it can.

(2)  It glides along very quietly.

(3)  Famous for finding his way where no other creature could enter.

2. The innocence of the dove.

(C. H. Spurgeon)