In the World/Not of the WorldSample

From the Pack to the Flock

I love that Jesus doesn’t hide anything from us.

In Matthew 10, He prepares the disciples for the ministry He is sending them out to and gives them what they will need to carry it out: Authority. Authority over impure spirits, disease, and sickness.

Now that’s a cool set of ministry tools!

He then continues to give them instructions on what the ministry should look like: Don’t take money along. Stay with good people. Be gracious and peaceful.

Good ways to do ministry! (But I’d struggle with the “no money” part.)

Then He adds one more thing: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves” (Matthew 10:16, NIV).

Wait! What?!

"As sheep among wolves?” Did I hear that right? I’d rather be a wolf among wolves! Wouldn’t you?

But that’s not what Jesus wants. He wants us to be different than everyone else.

Jesus continues: “Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles” (Matthew 10:17-18, NIV).

Wait a minute…is this really the ministry strategy??

The short answer is yes. And that’s how the ministry will bear fruit.

“But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matthew 10:19-20, NIV, emphasis added).

As men, we often define strength in our own terms. But for Jesus, strength has an upside-down definition.

It’s not through aggression that His kingdom is built but through surrender.

It’s not by being part of the pack but by being part of the flock—His flock.

For Jesus, to be in the world but not of it is to be sheep and trust our good Shepherd.

Prayer: Jesus, I confess that too often, I would rather be in the wolf pack than in Your flock. Forgive me, and help me see You as my good Shepherd and trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you are surrounded by the “pack.” What is something you can do to be in the “flock” instead? Tell someone you trust and ask them to hold you accountable in that area.