Mark Tabata’s Weekday Devotionals
Monday August 31 2026
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Matthew 10:16-Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
When Jesus sent out His disciples on this occasion, it was for the purpose of helping those in need. This was, of course, one of the most important missions of Christ in coming to the world. He came forth to good to all who were in need (Acts 10:38), and in His great mission, He destroyed the works of the devil (1 John 3:8-9). We are sent forth as His followers in the same way, preaching and teaching the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16), edifying the saved (Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 10:24-25), and doing good to those in need (Galatians 6:10).
Yet as we go forth, we realize that there is a very real spiritual enemy at work to stop us and oppose us (Ephesians 6:10-18). Satan is on the prowl, realizing that he has just a short time to cause what harm that he can (Revelation 12:7-12). There are many people who are devoted to him, which is why the admonition of Jesus to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” is so important.
What does this mean?
Osborne captures the meaning well.
Be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves (γίνεσθε οὖν φρόνιμοι ὡς οἱ ὄφεις καὶ ἀκέραιοι ὡς αἱ περιστεραί). With what well may have been a proverbial saying (cf. Rom 16: 19), 8 Jesus calls on his followers to be “shrewd” (φρόνιμοι) like serpents and at the same time “innocent” (ἀκέραιοι) like doves toward unbelievers while on mission as they face the snarling “wolves.” The first is probably an echo of Gen 3: 1, where the serpent was described as “more crafty” (φρονιμώτατος LXX) than the other animals. Here it means a shrewd, carefully calculated awareness of others, calling for a behavior that is circumspect and careful to represent the gospel in such a way as to bring people to God without provoking them. 9 At the same time their “innocence” must be evident to all, with the demeanor of a gentle dove in relationship to others. As Wilkins says, “Without innocence the keenness of the snake is crafty, a devious menace; without keenness the innocence of a dove is naïve, helpless gullibility.” 10 So the Christian is to interact with outsiders with a practical wisdom and a behavioral innocence so the kingdom truths go out with divine power without hindrance. If persecution comes, it must be unearned. Yet come it will, as we will see. (Grant R. Osborne, Matthew (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on The New Testament Book 1), 550 (Kindle Edition): Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan)
As we go forward in sharing the Word with others, we make it out aim to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”
What are some practical ways that we can apply this to our lives, especially as we work with others?
Father, please grant us wisdom coupled with sincere compassion as we work to share Your Word and to help those in need. Amen.