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Wisdom in Ministry

Text: Matthew 10 : 16 - 31

The disciples of Jesus needed this set of elaborate instruction. Each word given served a definite purpose. Some words strengthened their spirits. Other words brought a great challenge to their hearts. Jesus went on to teach them how they must grow in wisdom in ministry.

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst
of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and
harmless as doves.”
Matthew 10:16

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves…”

On the one hand, Jesus promised His disciples that they would be given tremendous authority as His apostles. They would have power to even raise the dead! They would triumph over demons! On the other hand, He told them that He was sending them out as sheep in the midst of wolves. How do we understand this great contrast?

1. Prevention of abuse of authority

How easy it would be for Satan to tempt the disciples to abuse the authority given to them. Wisdom and prudence dictate that the empowering of the disciples must have its limitations. This way, the disciples could never abuse the authority entrusted to them.

2. The true nature of Disciples

What single word would best describe the disciples of Jesus? Surely the word “sheep” would be most apt. Certainly, they must not be seen as “wolves”. The nature of sheep is gentle compared to that of ravenous wolves. Thus the disciples must always bear in mind who they were as they ministered. At no time must they be tempted to think vain and false thoughts about the authority they were empowered with.

“Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

What a collection of descriptive phrases we have right here. The analogy of sheep would not be sufficient in itself. Sheep are not known to be the most brilliant in the animal kingdom. Thus an additional word had to be given to the disciples.

Jesus chose a very good phrase to emphasise the place of wisdom in the lives and ministry of the disciples. From the most ancient times, the serpent was described as the most cunning of creatures. (The word “cunning” is not used in the pejorative sense here).

Lest there be misunderstanding of what He meant, another phrase was used to balance the first thought. The disciples were to be “harmless as doves”. Doves were considered as gentle creatures.

What a curious collection of phrases we have right here. It might be helpful if we were to highlight a list of things Jesus wanted His disciples to possess.

1. Wisdom

This may be expressed in a number of ways:-

a) Discernment

The disciples were not seasoned campaigners. But right from the start, they must know that they must exercise discernment as they ministered to people, or risk being taken advantaged of.

b) Prudence

There would be situations when the disciples would have to make prudent decisions. They would need wisdom to be able to do that. They must pray for wisdom to be granted to them.

c) Sharpness of the mind

If the disciples were to encounter Pharisees and scribes, they would need all the sharpness of mind they could obtain, or risk being defeated by them! How all of them need to be wise as serpents but harmless as doves.

2. Gentleness

Again this may also be expressed in a number of ways:-

a) Understanding

Jesus anticipated that as the disciples went out to minister, they too would be thronged by multitudes. They must not forget to be gentle and understanding to all who came to them. It would not be easy to always show understanding but they must try.

b) Kindness

When people have suffered much, somewhere along the way, they become embittered. The sick may come to seek healing. However, they would also come with warped personalities. They could be rude and nasty. They could be pushy or whining. The disciples must understand all who come to them, and treat them with appropriate kindness.

c) Tenderness

The disciples must have the best “bedside manners” of a gracious physician. They must take time to speak to each patient gently or tenderly. They must speak gracious words so that they would do more than just heal the body. Their words could bring healing to the soul as well.

A GLORIOUS MINISTRY

Did the disciples know that all these thoughts existed in Jesus’ mind as He ministered? Perhaps not, for He always ministered so naturally. But as they listened to the instructions Jesus gave to them, they realized in a fresh new way, just how organized, how skillful, and how prepared Jesus had been in ministry.

It was now up to them to learn how to serve well. The ministry was not all about power and its application. The ministry included many other facets that could have been easily taken for granted. Jesus’ concept of ministry included finesse and beauty. When combined with authority and power, the ministry has a breath-taking beauty of its own.