Luke 10:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.

NIV: Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

NASB: Go; behold, I am sending you out like lambs in the midst of wolves.

CSB: Now go; I’m sending you out like lambs among wolves.

NLT: Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves.

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

NKJV: Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.

Luke built up gently towards this warning. Jesus first cautioned against pride (Luke 9:46–48), elitism (Luke 9:49–50), and distractions (Luke 9:57–62). He also illustrated how to peacefully respond to rejection (Luke 9:51–56). But Luke began that series of warnings right after Jesus said—again—that in Jerusalem the religious leaders will betray and kill Him (Luke 9:44–45).

This is the only place in the New Testament using the Greek root word arēn for "lamb." The term refers to a ceremonially clean male lamb ready for slaughter, but also infers personal weakness.

"Wolves" in Scripture refer to abusive authorities. Ezekiel says the "princes" of Israel during his day—political leaders—tear their prey, shed blood, and destroy lives for dishonest gain (Ezekiel 22:27). Zephaniah compares dishonest, greedy judges to ravenous wolves (Zephaniah 3:3). Jesus says false prophets are wolves in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15). They appear safe to a careless observer but are lethally dangerous. Paul warns the church leaders in Ephesus that wolfish false teachers will come, "speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them" (Acts 20:29–30).

Jesus expects His messengers to be pure, spiritually clean, and ready to sacrifice. This is crucial to distinguish them from lying, selfish civil and religious leaders who abuse people for their own gain.

But the messengers are not alone; God also protects the sheep. Ezekiel 34 is a powerful promise that God will call out His sheep and judge the corrupt leaders. Isaiah writes, "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young" (Isaiah 40:11). Jesus promises to seek out and rescue the lost sheep (Luke 15:1–7). Someday, the wolf and the lamb will graze together in peace (Isaiah 65:25).

Luke 10:1–7 comes after Jesus sent out the Twelve apostles to heal, expel demons, and preach that the kingdom of God is near (Luke 9:1–6). Now, He commissions a larger number of disciples to prepare towns for His arrival. The instructions for the seventy-two are more detailed than for the Twelve (Luke 9:3–5). Jesus follows these instructions with a warning. The disciples will be rejected (Luke 10:10–12), implying judgment on those who do not listen (Luke 10:13–16). The disciples report back (Luke 10:17–20) and receive Jesus' blessing (Luke 10:21–24). Luke is the only Gospel writer who includes this story.

Jesus commissions seventy-two of His followers for a unique mission. They are sent into towns and villages, preparing people for Jesus' ministry. Those who accept the message will be blessed; those who reject it will be left behind. The disciples return celebrating what they have seen and accomplished. Jesus reminds them that salvation is the real victory. The parable of the good Samaritan explains that the obligation to love extends to anyone and everyone. A visit to the home of Martha and Mary offers a contrast between good things and the best things.

Luke 10 provides the bulk of the first section of what some refer to as Jesus' travelogue (Luke 9:51—19:27). In this extended description of travels and events, Jesus draws away from public ministry and theological debates. His focus is preparing His disciples for what will happen in Jerusalem, by teaching them about the kingdom of God. In Luke 9:51—11:13, the disciples gradually learn how to properly follow Jesus. Next, the Pharisees will reject Jesus (Luke 11:14–54) and Jesus will teach more about the kingdom (Luke 12:1—19:27). After the travelogue, Jesus will enter Jerusalem and face crucifixion.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.