Animals

 "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
Matthew 7:6 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.7.6.ESV

Much of what Jesus had to teach was to His followers. To those outside He spoke in parables. This verse hints at why.

Jesus was eventually attacked by the Jewish leaders and Roman powers in jealousy at His spiritual authority. So it's as though He didn't take His own advice. Still, He managed around three years of ministry before they crucified Him on trumped up charges of treason and blasphemy.

Traditionally, devout, zealous Jews might have referred to Gentiles as dogs and pigs. Jesus however created a new dichotomy between those who accepted Him as Messiah and Christ, and those who didn't. We need to accept Him as the only Saviour of mankind, otherwise we're dogs and pigs!

Just as Jesus was persecuted to death, so there's an inevitability about the persecution of Christians. If they hated Him, they'll hate us. Jesus told us we're blessed if we're persecuted because great is our reward in heaven.

'O Lord, please grant us the wisdom of snakes and the innocence of doves in dealing with outsiders to the faith. For the glory of Your name, amen'

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