Encouragement for Your Week: June 22-28
This Week’s Verse
“Listen! I am sending you, and you will be like sheep among wolves. So be smart like snakes. But also be like doves and don’t hurt anyone.”
—Matthew 10:16 (ERV)
Devotion
Up until now, the disciples had mostly stayed close to Jesus. But in Matthew 10:5, we see a shift. Jesus decides they’re ready to go out on their own for a kind of practice run—preparing them for what they’ll be doing after He’s gone. He gives them power to heal the sick and cast out demons (Matthew 10:1), and He sends them out to preach the good news and use these gifts to serve others. The verse above is part of the instructions Jesus gives them before they leave.
First, we see that the disciples didn’t decide to go out on their own. Jesus sent them. That’s important—they weren’t just doing their own thing or chasing attention. They were under Jesus’ authority, doing a job He gave them. That means they weren’t false teachers trying to lead people the wrong way.
Second, Jesus tells them they’ll be like sheep among wolves. That’s a strong image. Jesus is sending them out as peaceful, innocent messengers into a world that could be hostile and dangerous. They’re going to face people who won’t like their message, who may even want to harm them for it. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd, had already overcome the world’s trouble (John 16:33), and that gave them hope and courage.
Third, Jesus says they need to be “wise like snakes.” Snakes are known for being careful and good at staying hidden when they need to. Jesus isn’t telling them to be sneaky in a bad way—but to use common sense and be smart. Don’t pick unnecessary fights or stir up trouble that gets in the way of sharing the gospel. Be alert, be thoughtful, and stay focused on the mission.
Lastly, Jesus tells them to be “harmless like doves.” While they need to be wise, they shouldn’t use that wisdom to trick or harm people. Their smarts aren’t for manipulation—they’re for helping people. They are called to bring healing, not hurt. In a way, they’re using the cleverness of the snake to free people from the grip of the real enemy—Satan.
Jesus’ message to the disciples back then still matters for us today. We shouldn’t take on spiritual missions unless we’ve been called by Him. We should remember that we’re like sheep among wolves—so we need to walk in wisdom. And we should always aim to help, never harm, the people we’re trying to reach.
This Week’s Challenge
This week, be intentional about how you share truth with others—whether it's talking about your faith, offering advice, or standing up for what's right. Speak with both wisdom and gentleness. Whether you're having tough conversations, posting on social media, or just interacting with classmates or coworkers, let your attitude reflect both courage and kindness.