It had both immediate and future fulfillment. In other words, this passage pictures not only the short-term mission of the disciples in Galilee, but also their full ministry, including those who would become His disciples long after their deaths even to the future event of the Great Tribulation. This section of Scripture does not make sense apart from this view. From these verses, let's examine an analogy of disciples, the attitude of disciples, the persecution, provision, hatred and response of disciples. Pay close attention to what I am about to say .
Sheep are stupid animals.
Sheep eat any type of vegetation, even poisonous plants so they have to be shepherded. They are vulnerable to extremes in weather and to infections and disease. Flies buzz around their head and irritate them and they sometimes beat their heads against a tree or rock until they die. They will stampede over imagined dangers and run off a cliff and even run until they die from exhaustion. In many ways, we are spiritually stupid.