Luke 10:3

Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

Luke 10:3 (KJV)

Context

Luke 10:1-24 records the sending out of the seventy disciples by Jesus. He instructs them to go ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was about to go. In verse 2, Jesus tells them that the harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few. He then gives them specific instructions on how to conduct themselves while on their mission.

Meaning

The command “Go your ways” is an imperative, reflecting the urgency and necessity of the mission. The word “behold” draws attention to the solemn nature of what follows. The disciples are not acting on their own initiative; they are sent by Jesus, which highlights the divine authority and purpose behind their mission.

The central metaphor contrasts lambs and wolves. Lambs are harmless, innocent, gentle, vulnerable, and defenceless creatures. The wolves symbolise the opposition, hostility, spite, malice, cunning, and danger the disciples would face. Jesus is not promising safety but is preparing His disciples for the reality of their mission.

By sending them as lambs, Jesus highlights the disciples’ need to rely on God’s provision, guidance, and protection. Lambs are defenceless on their own, requiring the care and protection of their shepherd. The disciples were called to depend on God for their safety and success. This verse emphasises the disciples’ vulnerability and the importance of their trust in God, recognising that their mission would be marked by difficulties and opposition.

Biblical connections

This verse is a direct parallel to Jesus’ earlier instruction to the twelve apostles in Matthew 10:16, where He says, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves.” The connection is explicit and clarifies the consistent nature of Christian mission: followers of Christ are sent into a hostile world, not with worldly power, but with the character of lambs, dependent on their Shepherd.

Application

• Evangelism: This verse reminds us that sharing the message of the Gospel may involve encountering opposition or hostility. As followers of Christ, we are called to proclaim the good news fearlessly, relying on God’s guidance and protection.

• Trust in God: Like lambs, we should acknowledge our dependence on God and trust in His provision and care. We can find comfort in knowing that He is with us in the midst of challenges.

• Humility and Gentleness: We are called to demonstrate the character of Christ, being humble and gentle in our interactions with others. This includes serving others selflessly and showing love, even in difficult circumstances.

In summary, Luke 10:3 serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by disciples in fulfilling their mission. It emphasises the need for dependence on God, humility, courage, and trust. By understanding this metaphor, we can apply these lessons to our own lives as we seek to follow Christ and share His message with others.