Christ strengthens the Apostles by giving them some knowledge of the future. By telling them in advance of the troubles and trials that would await them, “sheep into the midst of wolves,” Christ is helping them see that the cross and suffering, the sign of weakness, will also be their greatest power. A power and wisdom that the worldly and powerful will not understand, but when they see these things happening, they will understand. Christ’s Church is continually nourished and develops through the blood of the martyrs – witnesses for Christ – we too must be willing, to give our lives at the service of his Word.
Christ is teaching his Apostles a new method of warfare: the Cross. They are not to rely on any human powers or their natural gifts and talents. They are to learn the hidden power and strength of the cross. In the midst of their suffering they are to rely on the Spirit of Christ and place total confidence in his name. They will be able to do this because Christ has given them an example that they too may follow. Come, follow me. “He sends them unprovided, bidding them look to those who should receive them for support; but rests not in that, but shows his power still further, Lo, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Where observe that he does not say merely to wolves but in the midst of wolves, to show his excellent might therein, that the sheep would overcome the wolves though they were in the midst of them; and though they received many bites from them, yet were they not destroyed, but rather convert them. And it is a much greater and a more wonderful power that can change their hearts than that can kill them. Among wolves he teaches them to show the meekness of sheep.” ( St John Chrysostom)
The one who endures to the end will be saved. On the one hand, Christ is referring to the end of one’s life. We are called to persevere until the end, to die with our boots on, to fight until the last breath. The gift of perseverance is a gift that God gives to all who ask for it. How important it is to end each day, at the side of our bed, on our knees, asking God for the gift of final perseverance.
Fr. Maroun El Kazzi