WHAT TO EXPECT (MATTHEW 10:11-23)

What to Expect: A Reflection on Matthew 10:11-23

The theme of this reflection is “What to Expect”, based on the instructions Jesus gave to His disciples in Matthew 10:11-23. To “expect” means to look forward to something or to anticipate that a specific event will happen. When we follow Jesus, it is vital to have the right expectations so that we are not caught off guard by the challenges of life. The key lesson in this Scripture is that the Christian journey involves both the joy of sharing God’s peace and the reality of facing opposition.

Before these verses, Jesus had called His twelve disciples and given them authority to heal and preach. In this specific passage, He provides a “mission briefing.” He prepares them for the diverse reactions they will encounter as they travel through towns and villages. He wanted them to know that while some would welcome their message, others would respond with hostility.

Understanding the Mission and the Response

The first thing Jesus tells His followers to expect is a choice of response from the people they meet. In Matthew 10:11, He says, “Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave.” Jesus explains that their presence brings a blessing of peace. However, this peace is not automatic for everyone. He instructs them: “If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.” (Matthew 10:13).

This teaches us that we should expect some people to be open to the Gospel while others will reject it. Practically, this means we should not be discouraged when someone refuses to listen to us talk about our faith. We are called to offer God’s peace, but we cannot force people to receive it. Jesus even says that if a place will not welcome them, they should “shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.” (Matthew 10:14). This is a reminder to move forward and continue God’s work, even in the face of rejection.

Wisdom Amidst Opposition

Jesus does not sugar-coat the reality of the mission. He tells His disciples, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16). To expect the Christian life to be easy is a mistake. Jesus warns that there will be “wolves”—people or systems that may try to harm or silence believers.

To survive and thrive, we must use wisdom. Being “shrewd as snakes” means being sensible, practical, and aware of our surroundings. Being “innocent as doves” means staying pure in our motives and avoiding sin, even when others treat us poorly. For example, if a colleague at work mocks your faith, the “shrewd” response is to choose the right moment to speak, while the “innocent” response is to react with kindness instead of anger. This balance ensures that our character remains like Christ’s, regardless of the pressure we face.

Reliance on the Holy Spirit

Finally, Jesus tells His followers to expect moments where they might feel overwhelmed or speechless. He warns that they will be handed over to local councils and flogged. However, He gives a powerful promise: “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:19-20).

This teaches us that we do not have to rely on our own strength or intelligence. Whether we are facing a difficult conversation with a family member or a formal challenge to our beliefs, the Holy Spirit is our helper. We can expect God to provide the words and the courage we need exactly when we need them. Jesus concludes this section by encouraging endurance, saying, “the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22).

Conclusion

In summary, Matthew 10:11-23 teaches us that we should expect a mixture of acceptance and rejection. We must be prepared for opposition by being both wise and gentle, and we must rely entirely on the Holy Spirit to guide our words.

My call to action for you is this: Do not be afraid of the “wolves” in your life. Whether it is a difficult social situation or a personal trial, remember that you carry the peace of Christ. Stand firm in your faith, keep your heart pure, and trust that God will give you the strength to endure until the end.

Prayer

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the honesty of Your Word. Help me to have the right expectations as I follow Jesus. Grant me the wisdom of a snake and the innocence of a dove in all my relationships. When I face difficult times, remind me that Your Spirit is speaking through me. Give me the grace to stand firm and to share Your peace with everyone I meet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”