“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.” (Matt. 10:16)

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.” (Matt. 10:16)

As our Lord readies to send His disciple on their first missionary journey, He knew that they would encounter fierce resistance and ridicule. Thus, Jesus prepared them for opposition, hostility, and persecution beforehand, telling the Twelve to be “sheep amongst wolves.”

To the sheperdic culture of the time, this admonition was well understood. Sheep are meek and gentle, vulnerable and defenseless animals and only by staying near the Shepard would they be safe from harm.

The same is true today with all members of Christ’s flock. If we stay near the Shepherd and do not stray, Jesus is able to lovingly watch over us and protect us.

Fr. John