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Following Jesus · Part Three · Message Thirty-Seven
Sent as Sheep Among Wolves
Moved by compassion for lost sheep, Jesus sends vulnerable disciples with his authority and message, teaching them to depend on God, bear faithful witness, and endure opposition with wisdom and innocence.
Part Three · The Kingdom Revealed
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Lesson overview
Jesus looks upon harassed and helpless crowds with compassion, tells his disciples to pray for workers, and then makes the Twelve part of the answer to that prayer.
He gives them authority, sends them to Israel’s lost sheep, and entrusts them with the same kingdom announcement that has marked his own ministry: the kingdom of heaven has come near. Their proclamation is accompanied by works of restoration freely given in the authority they freely received.
The commission also strips away illusions of control. The Twelve must depend on God through the hospitality of those who receive them, leave those who refuse their message to God’s judgment, and expect resistance rather than universal welcome. Sheep do not overcome wolves by becoming more wolf-like. Jesus calls his messengers to the unusual union of wise discernment and innocent integrity, promising the Father’s help when their witness brings them before hostile authorities.
Moved by compassion for lost sheep, Jesus sends vulnerable disciples with his authority and message, teaching them to depend on God, bear faithful witness, and endure opposition with wisdom and innocence.
The Bible’s story and the life of Jesus
The introduction locates Jesus’ ministry within Scripture’s movement from creation and fall to new creation.
Jesus teaches, proclaims, heals, and sees the crowds’ need with a shepherd’s compassion.
Jesus calls the Twelve, gives them authority, and prepares to send them in pairs.
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.
Matthew 10:16
Proclaim and demonstrate the kingdom
The apostles announce that the kingdom has drawn near and perform signs of its restoring power.
Jesus instructs them to receive support through local hospitality rather than securing the journey through accumulated provisions.
Sheep among wolves
Welcome brings peace; rejection carries responsibility and is answered by a solemn sign of judgment.
Jesus prepares his witnesses for hostility, assures them of the Father’s Spirit, and calls them to enduring faithfulness.
Read, trace, and live the teaching.
This lesson belongs within the whole Gospel story. Read the principal passage slowly, follow the supporting texts in their own contexts, and notice how the words and works of Jesus reveal the kingdom he brings.
Read the passage
Matthew 9:35–10:23
Trace the promise
Isaiah 53:6; Jeremiah 50:6–7
See the Gospel connection
Ezekiel 34:1–16, 23–24; Mark 6:7–13; Luke 9:1–6; Acts 1:8
Follow the truth
1 Corinthians 9:13–14
Scripture guide
Read the whole teaching in context.
These are the principal passages developed in this message and the texts that clarify its place within the mission of Jesus.
The passage in context
Isaiah 53:6; Jeremiah 50:6–7
Promise and preparation
Ezekiel 34:1–16, 23–24; Mark 6:7–13
The Gospel’s witness
Luke 9:1–6; Acts 1:8
Life under the King
1 Corinthians 9:13–14