Question… In Matthew 10:16 what did Jesus mean by Be Wise As Serpents, But Harmless As Doves?

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Answer: Jesus was sending his disciples out to the world to share the gospel to the lost among the wolves (false teachers).

The Disciples were going to receive severe opposition to the message (Largely from the religious leaders and the Chief Priest) that Jesus was the promised messiah, the prophesied saviour, God in the flesh, and that only through him would anyone see the Kingdom Of God.

John 1:1, 3:5, 14:6, 15:18 – Isaiah 7:14, 9:6

Wise As Serpents… A serpent is a symbol of wisdom, and being grounded. Jesus was instructing his disciples that they were to be KEEN (wise, and grounded in the Word Of God) to the subtle False Teachings and Gospel message ESPECIALLY from the religious leaders and those who have been deceived by them.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Harmless As Doves… I believe carries two aspects

#1 A dove represents Peace, Therefore the disciples WERE NOT to return evil for evil as they were persecuted for Jesus sake and this is true for every believer today.

ROMANS 12:7 recompense to no man evil for evil: procure things honest in the sight of all men.

#2 Our gospel message that we share aut to be one that DOES NOT bring eternal harm to the individual.

Galatians 1:8,9… 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

In Conclusion…

If our Gospel message is not Faith alone in Christ alone, we have doomed that individual to a Christless, eternal doom in hell just like the rich man in Luke 16:19-31.

We are to be GROUNDED and WISE in the scriptures so that we can DEFEND the Word of God and CONFRONT Satan’s lies and false teachings by bearing the FULL ARMOUR OF GOD as we do battle with the forces of evil.

Ephesian 6:11-18 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

The MOST IMPORTANT thing to know IS Jesus Christ as YOUR savior, just simply believe that Jesus Christ went to the cross and DIED and shed his blood, was BURIED and three days later RESURRECTED from the dead to pay for your sins – See 1 Cor. 15:1-4.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved – Acts 16:31

The moment that you do, YOU HAVE (at that second and forever) Everlasting Life which WILL NEVER be taken away no matter what.

John 10:28-29 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (29) My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

-Christ DIED for you – Romans 5:8

-Christ PAID your sins in full – 2 Corinthians 5:21,1 Peter 2:24

– Christ AROSE as proof that God accepted Christ payment for your sins – 1 John 2:2, Matthew 28:6, 1 Peter 3:18

-BELIEVE (Trust In Completely) in Christ ALONE as the complete payment of sin for salvation – John 3:16, Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8,9

“For the wages(payment) of sin is death (eternal torment in hell); but the GIFT(salvation) of God is eternal life THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord”. Romans 6:23

IT IS THAT SIMPLE – THE GOSPEL TRUTH