Matthew 10:16-23

Key Verse 16

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

V.16

1. If we are being sent out as sheep ‘in the midst’ of wolves, what should we expect to encounter? What happened to Jesus when he went out into the midst of men?

2. What do the wolves represent?

3. What does it mean to be wise as a serpent? (See Matthew 22:15-22 )

4. What does it mean to be innocent as a dove?

V.17-20

1. Who/what should we beware of? Why?

2. If we are being sent out to share the gospel with men, then why are we also supposed to beware of men? How do we juggle this?

3. For what purpose will we be captured and dragged before governors and kings? (See Acts 26:27-29 )

4. Where will our words, speech, arguments, and responses come from?

V.21-23

1. Read verses 21-22. What effect does the coming of the Kingdom of heaven have on people? What does this mean to us? What should we do?

2. Read verse 23. What are we supposed to do if a town persecutes us? Why? (V14)

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