Following Jesus
Friday Focus, 10 July 2026 -
Being Wise as Serpents and Harmless as Doves
Matthew 10:16-23
Be Wise as Serpents & Innocent as Doves
In today’s Gospel, Matthew 10. 16-23, Jesus warns his disciples that they will be like “sheep among wolves” and will face hostility, deception, and danger.
In order to persevere under such conditions, disciples require courage and trust in God’s sustaining presence. They must become as “wise as serpents” and as “harmless as doves.”
To be ‘wise’ requires discernment, alertness and strategic thinking. To be ‘harmless’ demands purity, integrity, and peace. In an often-hostile world, both qualities are needed for effective discipleship.
Ultimately, however, disciples must not rely on their own strength but on God’s guidance — even in the midst of persecution — God will provide disciples the words to speak. Indeed, God’s sustaining presence amidst suffering, becomes a platform for witness and opens doors to testify before a wider audience.
Today’s Gospel calls us all to remain faithful even when misunderstood or opposed.
It is a reminder of our need to cultivate discernment and to navigate hostility without compromising the integrity of our faith.
In all circumstances, we are to trust the Holy Spirit to sustain us during difficult times and to provide the wisdom and words needed in such moments. Finally, we are reminded that suffering should not be considered defeat but an opportunity to witness to the power of God in our lives.
With these words, Jesus provides us with a realistic yet hope-filled commissioning for His disciples — then and now.
Norman+
