Luke 10:3 - Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.

Generated Verse: Luke 10:3

What does "Luke 10:3" mean?


This verse, "Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves" (Luke 10:3), is part of Jesus' instructions to the seventy-two disciples he sent out to prepare the way for him. It carries a powerful message about the nature of their mission and the challenges they would face. Let's break down the meaning:

"Go your ways:" This is a direct command. Jesus is commissioning the disciples to leave their familiar surroundings and travel to spread his message.

"Behold, I send you out..." This emphasizes that their mission is not self-initiated. They are being sent by Jesus, giving them authority and purpose.

"...as lambs among wolves." This is the core of the verse and a vivid metaphor:

"Lambs" represent innocence, vulnerability, gentleness, and a lack of power. They are defenseless and dependent. They are not equipped for aggressive confrontation. In a spiritual sense, it suggests they should rely on peacefulness and faith, not force.
"Wolves" represent danger, hostility, aggression, and those who are opposed to the Gospel. They signify the wickedness and opposition the disciples will encounter in the world. The wolves can be interpreted as people hostile to Jesus' message, or even spiritual forces of evil.

Therefore, the verse as a whole means:

Jesus is sending his disciples on a mission that will be inherently dangerous and challenging. They will be facing opposition, hostility, and potential persecution. They are ill-equipped, in worldly terms, to confront these dangers directly. However, their strength will not lie in worldly power or aggression, but in their faith, gentleness, and reliance on God.

Key Implications:

The Mission is Risky: Jesus is not sugarcoating the experience. He is upfront about the potential dangers.
Reliance on God: The disciples cannot rely on their own strength or cleverness. They must depend on God's protection and guidance.
Emphasis on Peace and Love: They are called to respond to hostility not with more hostility, but with love and forgiveness. The way of the lamb is the way of Christ.
Vulnerability and Trust: While lambs are vulnerable, they are also trusting. The disciples are being sent in trust and faith that God will provide.

In essence, this verse highlights the counter-cultural nature of Jesus' message. He is sending his followers into the world, not to conquer through force, but to transform hearts through love and witness, even in the face of opposition. It's a call to courage, faith, and reliance on God in the midst of a hostile world. It serves as a reminder that spreading the message of Christ isn't always easy, but it is always worthwhile.