Professor Boaz: Running with JesusSample

Running like Serpents and Doves

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)

Why did people run? There is ample evidence in history that running in related to the need for food. 

Jesus says, “You want to a good hunter-gatherer runner, learn from the snake. Also learn from the dove.”

The Greek word used for the snake, is also used in Genesis 3:1, where the snake is described as the most “crafty” of all the animals. However, this same Greek word is used in the rest of the Bible to describe a wise and prudent person, like Joseph in Genesis 41:33, 39. The Book of Proverbs uses this same word to describe a wise and prudent person- a model person (Proverbs 1:4; 8:5;, 12; 12:16, 23; and so on). In the Book of Proverbs itself, this word is used 13 times, as a good and positive role model. 

Jesus uses the same word to describe the wise and prudent person who builds one’s house on a solid foundation, as against the foolish person who builds one’s house on a flimsy foundation. (Matthew 7:24)

The Greek word used of the virtue of the dove is literally purity of thought and purpose. Jesus himself is used as an example of this virtue in Philippians 2:15. In Matthew 16:23 Jesus rebukes Peter because he does not have purity of thought and purpose. 

Human beings have been runners from the beginning of history. They have been like sheep running away from wolves. Good runners must learn the wise and prudent virtue of the snake, and the pure and purposeful virtue of the dove. That is what the Great Marathon Runner Jesus says.

A Prayer

Lord, as a run this marathon called life, help me become wise and prudent; pure and thoughtful.