THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Sheep among Wolves: Mt 10,16-23
We noted how the discourse has become much more general as will be evident from verse 17 and 18.
Matthew has used material here from the last discourse of Jesus in chapter 24. That provides a focus towards "the end" (verse 22). Matthew in chapter 24 like Mark in chapter 13 is addressing the Church of the future, following the resurrection. That is also the theme coming up here in chapter 10 as these chapters are anticpated.
In verse 16 Jesus uses the image of sheep among wolves as a reminder of the dangers facing the missionaries. Sirach makes a link between sinners and the devout (Sir 13,17).
In Jesus' own time, the twelve were sent only to Israel (verse 6, see verse 17). Verse 18 though brings in governors and kings as well, with the call to witness to Jesus which came only after the resurrection (28,19).The dangers of the mission are clear, sheep among wolves in verse 16. Wolves have yet to lie with lambs in peace (Is 11,6). Serpents are cunning like the serpent in the garden of Eden (Gen 3,1).
Verses 17 and 18 reflect Jesus' own experience: he will be arrested by the Jewish Sanhedrin and handed over to the Roman Governor.
"Handed over" is a key word here; it was used in 10,4 for Judas who be handing over (betraying) Jesus.
Deuteronomy describes the permitted use of flogging as a punishment while St Paul brings it into the experiences of his own missionary endeavours.
References to the Holy Spirit as in verse 20 are rare in this Gospel. This verse therefore is considering the Church of all times, all the way to the end of verse 22, In 28,20, the Spirit becomes the presence of Jesus with his Church until the end.
Until the Son of Man comes in glory to gather the nations (25,31-32) as the conclusion to this part is thus a reminder that the mission will endure until the end of time.
Now return to continue our reading of the discourse.