Sheep and wolves.
The charge of Christ to his evangelists is here continued. Though addressed in the first instance to the twelve, it is by no means limited to them. We may learn—
I. THAT THE DISPOSITION OF THE WORLDLING TOWARDS THE CHRISTIAN IS WOLFISH.
1. It is a disposition of hostility.
2. Its hostility is nerved by cruelty.
3. The cruelty is aggravated by treachery.
"O shame to men! devil with devil damn'd
Firm concord holds, men only disagree
Of creatures rational; though under hope
Of heavenly grace; and, God proclaiming peace,
Yet live in hatred, enmity, and strife
Among themselves, and levy cruel wars,
Wasting the earth, each other to destroy!"
II. THAT THE DISPOSITION OF THE CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE SHEEP-LIKE, BUT NOT SHEEPISH.
1. The sheep is the Christian's type.
2. To the innocence of the sheep he must add the wisdom of the serpent.
3. To the wisdom of the serpent we must still add the simplicity of the dove.
III. THAT THE SHEEP OF CHRIST ENJOY THEIR SHEPHERD'S PROTECTION.
1. They go forth under his commission.
2. They go forth with his Holy Spirit.
(a) The vain spirit which courts cheap martyrdom is discouraged here. It is prudence and humility to avoid persecution when charity and righteousness oblige not the contrary.
(b) There is no countenance here given to the spirit of the hireling who for love of life or property would abandon the flock of Christ to the wolf. Christ's soldiers may quit their ground, but not their colors.
3. They are encouraged by the promise of reward.