I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Wolves have big teeth and attack in packs. They are muscular and violent. They eat meat. They are cunning and conniving. Wolves produce nothing of value. The only valuable thing they do is thin herds, taking out the diseased animals. High power, low value.

Sheep, on the other hand, are grass grazers with small teeth. They produce wool which helps to keep people warm. They are skittish, dumb, and tend to scare easily, but they are also a somewhat endearing animal. Low power, high value.

When we think about the analogy Jesus is making here, it is a very stark contrast. His disciples might tend to be a little offended, being compared to sheep. I could think of over one hundred animals I would rather be compared to than a sheep.

But this is what Jesus calls them and it is the contrast he makes. He wants to make it very clear that he is sending them out into a battle they have no business winning, on their own. Whatever they think they have personally in fortitude and strength, it is nothing compared to Satan and his army of demons.

However, they have Jesus, God’s Son, and they have his granted authority. If they stay humble and obey him, he will always be victorious!

Do I realize I am a highly-valued skittish and weak sheep in need of a Savior?

Lord, thank you for this wake-up call for people like me who like to control things and think: “I’ve got this!” You designed us to rely on and obey you. I submit to your ways and your plan for my life.