Matthew not only showed us Jesus’s authoritative words and works (5-9). He also showed us His disciples’ authoritative words and works (10:1–42). In the following chapters 11–12 Matthew focuses on various responses Jesus received from His audience. Here Matthew starts with the doubt of John the Baptist.
马太不仅向我们展示了耶稣有权柄的教导和事工（5-9），还向我们显示了祂门徒那有权柄的教导和事工（10:1-42）。在接下来的篇章中（第11-12章），马太将焦点放在听众对耶稣的不同反应。这里，马太从施洗约翰的疑惑开始。
- John Doubts Jesus 约翰质疑耶稣 (11:2-3)
Humanly speaking the career of John the Baptist had ended in disaster. When a believer has faithfully and sacrificially served the Lord for many years and then experiences tragedy, perhaps even a series of tragedies, it is difficult not to wonder about God’s love and justice. John knew exactly where to go to find the answers to his questions: Jesus.
从人的角度来说，施洗约翰事工的结局是不好的。当一个信徒忠实、舍己地事奉多年，最后却遇到悲剧，或甚至是一连串的悲剧时，难免便会对神的爱与公义产生质疑。约翰却清楚知道哪里可以寻找答案：耶稣。
- Jesus Reassures John 耶稣安抚约翰 (11:4-6)
Jesus did not offer a simple yes or no answer; rather, He told John’s disciples to present their teacher the evidence displayed right before their eyes (cf. Luke 7:21). Verse 5 is a fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophesy (Isa. 35:5; 61:1). Jesus closed with a tender rebuke not to doubt, if he wants His blessings upon him. John’s circumstances did not improve; in fact, he was soon beheaded at the cruel request of Herodias. But it is safe to assume that Jesus’ response was more than enough to encourage John and renew his faith and confidence.
耶稣并没有给予一个简单的是与否的答案；相反的，祂告诉约翰的门徒要向他们的师傅展示眼前确凿的证据（参：路21章）。第5节是对以赛亚之预言的应验（赛35:5；61:1）。耶稣温柔地斥责约翰：如果他想得到基督的祝福，就不要怀疑了。约翰的处境并没有改善。事实上，他很快就在希罗底残酷的要求下被斩杀。但我们可以肯定，耶稣的回应足以鼓励约翰，并更新他的信心。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- At times, even a man of John’s spiritual stature and gifts was subject to doubt. Who do you turn to during these times?
有时，就连约翰这属灵并有恩赐的人也会有疑惑。当你有疑惑时，你会寻找谁呢？
- At times of doubts what can you do?
当你有疑惑时，你能怎么做？
- We thank God that even when we doubt Him, He is faithful to us (2 Tim. 2:13). While the Lord understands the doubts of His children, He is never pleased with them because it reflects against Him (8:26; 14:31; Luke 12:28). What can we do to equip ourselves so that we are not tossed and turned by every wind and wave?
我们感谢神，即使我们对祂存质疑，祂仍然是信实的（参：提前2:13）。主虽能理解，但祂从不喜悦祂儿女对祂产生疑惑，因为这反映了孩子与祂是对立的（参考：太8:26；14:31；路12:28）。我们要如何装备自己，以不至于被各种风浪摇动，飘来飘去呢？
