Serpent and Dove

Matthew 10:16

Wise as Serpents

“pertaining to understanding resulting from insight and wisdom” (Louw and Nida).

• It is the same word used in Matthew 7:24 and Luke 16:8.
• The parable of the unjust steward is the closest parallel to what Jesus is talking about in Matthew 10:16.

Harmless as Doves

“Without any mixture of deceit, without any defiling material” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary).

“pertaining to being without a mixture of evil and hence to being pure – pure, untainted” (Louw and Nida).

Romans 16:19; Philippians 2:14-16

Jesus as Serpent and Dove

• When Dishonestly Questioned (Mark 11:27-30).
• When Set Up for a Trap (Mark 12:13-17).
• When Debated Over His Doctrine (Mark 12:18-27).

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Ground Yourself in the Life of Christ

Join Norm’s Notes on Locals for the upcoming book, “Norm’s Notes on the Life of Christ”

• Part 1: Harmony of the Gospels Study Guide
  • 52 Weekly Lessons for a one-year study through the Gospels.
  • Unified Paraphrase of the Gospels.
  • Study Questions for each lesson.
• Part 2: Harmony of the Gospels Teacher’s Guide
  • Exhaustive answers to all the study questions.
  • Suggested questions for class discussion.
  • Study question answers linked to the sermons and articles in part 3.
• Part 3: A Year of Sermons and Articles in the Gospels
  • Each week of my study through the gospels includes a Bible class lesson, a bulletin article, and two sermons.
  • The full lessons and articles, with video, referenced in the study questions from part 2.