GRACE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP | 恩道堂

From the gospel of Mark we learn that the encounter with the fig tree involved two successive days. Jesus cursed the fig tree on Tuesday morning as He entered Jerusalem to cleanse the Temple, and it was on the following day, Wednesday, that the disciples noticed that the tree was “withered from the roots up.” The cleansing of the Temple was a denunciation of Israel’s worship, and the cursing of the fig tree was a denunciation of Israel as a nation.

从《马可福音》的记载中，我们可知这事的前后过程有两天。耶稣是在星期二早上，当祂进耶路撒冷洁净圣殿时诅咒无花果树，而隔天（星期三），门徒发现那棵树“连根都枯干了”（可11:20）。洁净圣殿是对以色列敬拜的谴责，而诅咒无花果树是对以色列国整体的谴责。

1. The Fruitless tree 无果子的树 (21:18-19)

Fig trees are common and much prized in Israel. Its presence was a symbol of blessing and prosperity for the nation, and its absence of judgment and deprivation (cf. Deut. 8:8, Jer. 5:17). Usually, a fig tree produces fruit before it sprouts leaves. As the fig tree was barren when it should have had fruits, Jesus pronounced a curse and the tree would be perpetually unproductive. The fig tree represented Israel spiritually, its leaves were her outward religiousness, and the lack of fruit signaled her spiritual barrenness. Fruit is an evidence of life and salvation – Israel’s barrenness indicated that she was unredeemed and cut off from the life and power of God.

无花果树在以色列是普遍的，并为珍贵。它的存在象征以色列国的福气与昌盛；反则为审判与穷困处境（参：申8:8；耶5:17）。无花果树通常会先结果子才长叶子。由于那颗无花果树应当结果子了，却什么都找不着，所以耶稣降下诅咒，使树永不结果子。无花果树象征了以色列的灵性：叶子是她外表上的敬虔，果子的缺乏则显明她灵性上的荒芜。结的果子是生命及得救的凭据——以色列的荒芜表明她是不得救的，并与神的生命与能力隔绝。

2. The Fruitful prayer 有效的祷告 (21:20-22)

When the disciples passed the cursed fig tree the next morning and saw that it was “withered from the roots up,” they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” A diseased tree might take many weeks or months to die but this fig tree withered overnight – it is a miracle. The Lord took the opportunity to teach them a lesson of faith. The phrase “rooter up of mountains” was a metaphor commonly used in Jewish literature to mean nothing is impossible. The lesson is that nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37).

当门徒隔天早上经过被诅咒的无花果树，看到它“连根都枯干了”，他们便稀奇说：“无花果树怎么立刻枯干了呢？”一棵害病的树可经过数星期或数月才死，但这棵无花果树一夜就枯干了——这是一个神迹。主藉此教导他们有关信心的功课。“挪移大山”的比喻在犹太文学中通指凡事都可能；这里的学习点是：出于神的话，没有一句不带能力的（路1:37）。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Can Jesus find fruits in your tree? Jesus said, “Every tree that does not bear fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matt. 7:19) Please examine yourself and respond to the Lord accordingly.

耶稣是否能在你的树上找到果子？耶稣说：“凡不结好果子的树就砍下来，丢在火里”（7:19）。请审察自己并向神回应。

2. The fruits you bear are good fruits or bad fruits? Jesus said every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit (Matt. 7:17). We will recognize the tree by their fruits (Matt. 7:20).

你所结的果子是好是坏呢？耶稣说，凡好树都结好果子，唯独坏树结坏果子（7:17）。我们能凭他们的果子认出他们来（7:20）。

3. Hebrews 11:6 said, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Do you have faith?

《希伯来书》11章6节说：“人非有信就不能得神的喜悦，因为到神面前来的人必须信有神，且信他赏赐那寻求他的人。”你是否有这般的信心？

1. The Purpose of God’s Temple 神圣殿的目的 (21:13-14)

The temple was a place where Solomon had specifically dedicated as a house of prayer (1 Kings 8:28-30), and where Hannah came to pour her grieves to God (1 Sam 1:9-20). It was to be a place of worship, meditation, praise and devotion, a place where God’s people could draw close to Him in worship, sacrifice and offerings, and could seek His will and blessings.

所罗门具体将圣殿献上作祷告的殿（王上8:28-30），而哈拿也在那里向神倾诉心中冤屈（撒上1:9-20）。这理当是一个敬拜、默想、赞美和祷告之地，是神的子民可藉着敬拜、献祭和献礼亲近神的地方，并能寻求祂的旨意和祝福。

2. The Profane of God’s temple 神圣殿的玷污 (21:12)

However, the temple leaders had no fear of God, turning the holy ground into a den of robbers. The chief priests ruled that animals not bought in one of their franchises would be unacceptable for offering. This led to high levels of extortion. Besides, those who needed to have foreign currencies exchanged for purchase of offerings were charged a ghastly 25% fee. Instead of being a place where the faithful could come worship, it became a robbers’ den.

然而，圣殿领袖并不敬畏神，把圣地变成了贼窝。祭司长规定人必须从他们的特许经营所购买祭物，否则祭物不会被接纳。这造成了极度勒索的现象。更何况，需要兑换货币购买祭物的必需多付惊人的25%费用。这不是一个能让敬畏神的人前来敬拜的地方，倒变成了一个贼窝。

3. The Provoked temple leaders 圣殿领袖被激怒 (21:15-17)

When Jesus entered the temple, He swept the temple clean of its filth, pouring forth streams of mercy to the blind and lame. Praises were flowing again for the Messiah. With their contrasting ungodliness scathed, the chief priests and scribes attempted to weaken the weight of praise that came from the children, only to hear Jesus quote from Ps 8:2, that if even tiny infants and nursing babies would be prepared by God to give praise to Himself, how much more could older children be expected to praise Him? Finally Jesus left because the unbelieving leaders would not come to Him.

当耶稣进入圣殿时，祂洁净了圣殿的污垢，向瞎眼残缺的浇灌怜悯。赞美之声再次为弥赛亚奏起。由于祭司长和文士的不敬虔被揭发了，所以他们试着削弱由小孩而起的赞美。可这时，耶稣引用了《诗篇》8章2节，说，若神已预备婴孩和吃奶的赞美祂，更何况是较大的孩子？最后，耶稣离开了，因为这群不信的领导不愿归向祂。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. The Old Testament saints have to travel a long distance to the temple in Jerusalem in order to pray and worship. However, in the New Testament, we are told that our bodies are the temple of God (1 Cor. 6:19). Do you pray and worship God daily since it is so convenient?

旧约圣徒必须长途跋涉到耶路撒冷的圣殿，才能祷告敬拜神。但在新约里，圣经说我们的身子就是圣灵的殿（林前6:19）。既然如此，我们是否有天天祷告敬拜神呢？

2. The Jews and Chief priests turn the temple into a mean to gain profit. What about us? Do you turn the church fellowship a place to do business or gain customers? Do you come to offer yourselves, your gifts and your lives to God or do you turn the place of God into the robbers’ den?

犹太人和祭司长将圣殿变成赢取利润的途径。我们呢？你是否将教会团契变成你做买卖或取得客户的地方？你是要将自己、你的恩赐和生命献给神，或想把神的殿变成贼窝？

3. We are created to worship God yet the chief priests and the scribes were angry because the children were worshipping God. Do you worship God daily? Do you respect our brothers and sisters’ time and space to worship?

我们被造是为要敬拜神，但祭司长和文士却因小孩子口中的称颂而愤努。你是否天天敬拜神呢？你是否尊重弟兄姐妹们敬拜的时间和空间呢？

This is Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem. As the multitudes followed Him to celebrate the Passover, they didn’t realize that they were accompanying the Passover Lamb Himself.

这是耶稣往耶路撒冷的最后一趟行程。当众人跟随祂庆祝逾越节时，他们却不晓得自己陪同的竟然就是那位羔羊了。

1. The King’s prophesies fulfilled 君王的预言得应验 (21:1-7)

When Jesus came to Bethphage, He gave His disciples precise instructions to get His donkey and it was a fulfillment of Messiah’s prophesy. Once again it illustrated that Jesus is in complete control of all things, even His own coronation. By mounting on a donkey to Jerusalem, He fulfilled what was written in Zech. 9:9, echoing once again His message that He had come not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them (cf. 5:17).

当耶稣到了伯法其，祂给予门徒确切指示取祂的驴；这应验了对弥赛亚的预言，也再一次显明耶稣主宰万事，甚至是自己的加冕。祂骑着驴进耶路撒冷，应验了《撒迦利亚书》9章9节，藉此再度重申祂来不是要废掉律法和先知，乃是要成全（5:17）。

2. The King’s arrival welcomed 君王的驾临受欢迎 (21:8-11)

It was an ancient custom for citizens to throw their garments in the road for their monarch to ride over, as if to say, “We place ourselves at your feet, even to walk over if necessary.” The branches they cut were from palm trees (cf. John 12:13), which is symbolic of salvation and joy. ‘Hosanna’ is a Hebrew exclamatory plea meaning “save me”. No doubt this would have antagonized the Pharisees and scribes.

在古代传统，当民众将衣服铺在路上让君王骑过，这仿佛是说：“我们俯伏在你的脚前，甚至愿你踩过。”他们所砍下的是棕树枝（约12:13），即代表救赎与欢欣。“和散那”是希伯来人的感叹句，意思是“救我”。显然的，这必激怒法利赛人和文士。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Is Jesus your king? How do you welcome your king to your life? Please examine and have a proper welcome for your king.

耶稣是你的王吗？你如何迎接这位君王进入你的生命？请审察自己，并好好迎接你的王。

2. Jesus never missed any appointment in His life and He is in complete control of every detail of this world – can you leave your life in His hands?

耶稣从不错过祂生命中的任何约定，并完全掌管这世上的每一个细节——你是否能将自己的生命交托在祂的手中？

3. Later, we will see that these are the same people who nailed Jesus on the cross when Jesus did not give what they want. What about you? Do you receive Him as king because you have your agenda or do you follow his agenda? If He is truly your king you will submit yourself in full obedience. Examine your heart and pray to Him.

之后，我们将看到当耶稣并没给予这群人他们所要的，他们就把耶稣钉死在十字架上。你呢？你是否因心中有企图才迎接祂作王，还是真心跟从祂的旨意呢？祂若真是你的君王，你会全心顺服祂。请审察你的心并向祂祷告。

Jesus was now on His way to Jerusalem and His arrest, trial and crucifixion were only weeks away. Why, we may wonder, did He stop and take time to minister to two blind beggars? The only reason was because He is compassionate.

此刻，耶稣正往耶路撒冷去，且距离被捕、审讯与十架仅剩几个星期。我们或许会问，祂为什么要停下脚步，花时间帮助那两个瞎子呢？只有一个原因：耶稣是仁慈的。

1. The Plea of the blind 瞎子的请求 (20:29-30)

“Behold” was used to call special attention to something or someone. In this case the two blind men would not be noticed by the noisy the people on the street. After years of blindness, their compelling desire was to see and hence they were desperately crying out to Jesus. The amazing thing about these two men was that although they were physically blind, but spiritually they can see clearly. They “see” Jesus is the messiah because they called Him by His messianic title “Son of David.” Clearly they know Jesus is the Messiah.

在这条吵闹的街上，没有人会留意到那两个瞎子。因失明了多年，他们极大的渴望是要看见，所以迫切地呼喊耶稣。奇妙的是，两人虽然瞎眼，心灵却能看得一清二楚。他们“看到了”耶稣就是弥赛亚，因为他们是以“大卫的子孙”这弥赛亚的荣衔称呼祂的。显然的，他们晓得耶稣就是弥赛亚。

2. The Prevention of the blind 瞎子的阻挠 (20:31)

Resenting the intrusion of the two men, the multitude sternly told them to be quiet. Though everyone in the multitude was doubtlessly able to see yet they are blind spiritually and they cannot see who Jesus is. They not only live in their blindness, they also prevent others from coming to Jesus to receive their spiritual sight.

众人恼恨这两个人的介入，于是严厉警告他们安静。虽然群众明显能看得见，但他们的心灵是瞎的，看不清耶稣是谁。他们不仅活在盲目中，还防止人到耶稣那里领受属灵的看见。

3. The Presentation of sight to the blind 瞎子得以看见 (20:32-34)

Moved with infinite divine compassion, the Son of Man bestowed mercy on the blind men for which they pleaded. This powerful, dramatic demonstration of Jesus’ compassion for men was a clear proof of His Messiahship.

满有无限属天慈悲的人子赐下怜悯，应了瞎子所求的。耶稣对二人有力而戏剧性的慈悲清楚展示了祂就是弥赛亚。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Who do you turn to when you are desperate? Let’s pray that we will “with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).

在深感绝望时，我们向谁求救呢？让我们祷告能“坦然无惧地来到施恩的宝座前，为要得怜恤，蒙恩惠，做随时的帮助”（来4:16）。
 

2. Do you take time to notice the needs of the people around you, or are you so busy that you are blind to them? Let’s pray that God will help us to be compassionate so as to see the needs of people around us and not to close our hearts against them.

你是否留心注意身边人的需要，还是如此匆忙，叫你对他们视而不见呢？求神帮助我们有怜悯，看见身边人的需要，不要向他们塞住怜恤的心。

3. How is your spiritual eyesight? Can you see? Sometime we are so blind that we not only cannot see our own blindness, we also preventing others from coming to Jesus to receive spiritual sight. Pray that we examine and humble ourselves so that we would go to Jesus to receive spiritual sight. Besides that, may we also help others to do likewise.

你属灵的视力如何？你能否看见？我们有时极为盲目，不但不知自己眼瞎，还阻止人到耶稣那里得到属灵的看见。祈求我们能审察、谦卑自己，叫我们会到耶稣那里求属灵的看见。此外，也求我们能助他人这么做。

After Jesus had finished teaching the Twelve about marriage, divorce and singleness, another group of people then came seeking His ministry.

对十二门徒完成有关结婚、离婚和单身的教导后，又有一组人前来寻求祂的教训。

1. Little children came to Jesus 小孩子来见耶稣  (19:13a)

The Greek word used here for children was a term referring to infants through toddler age. According to Jewish tradition, parents were taught to bring their children to respected rabbis for blessings and prayer. Recognizing Jesus as a genuine teacher from God who loved and cared for their precious little ones, many parents then brought their children to Jesus to be blessed while He was ministering in the region.

这里对“小孩子”所使用的希腊文指的是婴儿至幼儿的孩子。根据犹太传统，父母要把孩子带到他们所敬重的拉比前求祝福与祷告。因为意识到耶稣是从神而来的属实教师，是真心爱护他们的小宝贝的，所以正当耶稣在那里教导时，许多父母把他们的孩子带到耶稣前求祝福。

2. Little children denied from Jesus 小孩子被拒绝见耶稣  (19:13b)

But the disciples resented the intrusion into their private time with Jesus. Thus they rebuked the parents – this carries the idea of threatening.

然而，门徒们讨厌别人介入他们与耶稣的私人空间。因此，他们责备那些父母——其含义还包括了威胁。

3. Little children accepted by Jesus 小孩子被耶稣接纳  (19:14-15).

However Jesus did not rebuke the parents or resist blessing their children. Though Jesus knew that children are born with a sinful nature, He still loved them with a special compassion and because of their natural openness and trustfulness; He held them up as examples of the attitude required for kingdom citizenship. Therefore, just as the children’s parents requested, Jesus laid His hands on them and blessed them.

可是，耶稣并没有责备那些家长，或拒绝祝福他们的孩子。虽然耶稣晓得孩子们生来有罪，但因着他们天生的开放与信赖，祂仍以特别的怜悯爱他们，甚至用他们为例子，说明天国子民当具备的态度。由此，正如孩子的父母所求，耶稣给他们按手，赐下祝福。

Praying the Scripture 用圣经祷告

1. Those who share the mind of Christ share His concern and love for children. Ask yourself, what is your view of little children? Are they a burden or a joy to you?

以基督的心为心的，也会像祂一样关注与爱护孩子。试问自己：你对小孩子的看法是什么？他们对你而言是负担还是喜乐呢？

2. “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). If you are a parent, are you training your child to follow the Lord, or are you just concerned about his worldly achievements such as school grades? Repent and ask God for wisdom to train your child to glorify Him.

“教养孩童，使他走当行的道，就是到老他也不偏离”（箴22:6）。你若是一名家长，你是否正教养孩子跟从主，或仅关心他们属世上的成就，如考试成绩呢？请悔改，并祈求神给予智慧，教导你如何教养孩子来荣耀祂。

3. “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Pet. 1:14-15). Throughout the New Testament, believers are repeatedly being addressed as “children” of God. How does viewing yourself as a child of God affect your Christian walk?

“你们既做顺命的儿女，就不要效法从前蒙昧无知的时候那放纵私欲的样子。那召你们的既是圣洁，你们在一切所行的事上也要圣洁”（彼前1:14-15）。在新约中，信徒再三被称是神的“儿女”。视为神的孩子又是如何影响你的行事为人呢？

Matthew 19:16-22 gives insight onto how some people who showed great interest in the Gospel never come to saving faith.

《马太福音》19章16至22节显示，人对福音可有极大的关注，却是不得救的。

1. The rich young ruler came to Jesus 年轻财主来见耶稣  (19:16)

The “one” who came to Jesus was a wealthy young man who was probably also a ruler in the synagogue (Luke 18:18). Despite his high standing in men’s eyes, he knew he did not possess the life of God that satisfies the here and now and gives hope for the life to come, that is, eternal life.

来见耶稣的那一个人是位年轻的财主，亦有可能是会堂的官员（路18:18）。虽然他在人眼里的地位很高，但他晓得自己并没有神的生命，也就是能满足现在，并给予来世盼望的永生。

2. The rich young ruler questioned by Jesus 年轻财主受耶稣质问  (19:17)

In response to the man’s question, Jesus asked him about what is good. The man had indeed come to the right source for the answer, but he did not recognize the source as the Son of God. He also lacked the sense of his own sinfulness and Jesus had to point him to the law. However, like most scribes and Pharisees, the man was convinced that he had kept ALL the law. If he had kept the law of loving his neighbour he would’ve sold his possessions to help them.

在答复那人的问题时，耶稣问他什么是善事。那人确实找到了正确的源头解答问题，但他并不晓得那就是神的儿子。他也缺乏对自己罪性的认识，所以耶稣需要把他指向摩西律法。然而，如多数文士和法利赛人一样，那人深信自己遵守了所有诫命。可是，他若遵从了爱邻舍的诫命，便会变卖自己所有的去帮助邻舍。

3. The rich young ruler rejected Jesus 年轻财主拒绝耶稣  (19:21-22)

In the attempt to make the man face his true spiritual condition, Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor. The ultimate question is: What was most valuable to him – his possessions or eternal life? The rich young ruler went away sorrowful because he valued his money more than eternal life.

耶稣尝试让那人正视自己的真实属灵状况，于是叫他变卖自己所有的，分给穷人。最终的问题是：他更看重什么——是财产还是永生？年轻财主忧忧愁愁地走了，因为他看重钱财胜于永生。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Jesus promised eternal rest to all who come to Him. Are you heavy laden by all your wants and material desires that you forsake eternal life? Pray to God to open your eyes and see your true spiritual condition.

“凡劳苦担重担的人，可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息”（太11:28）。凡到耶稣那里的，祂应许永恒安息。你是否被自己的欲望和物质需求重重缠累，以致弃绝永生呢？祈求神开启你的双眼，看到自己真是的属灵状况。

2. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). No one is justified by observing the law, for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Laws are meant to point us to the cross. Take some time to reflect and confess your sins to God.

“我们若说自己无罪，便是自欺，真理不在我们心里了”（约一1:8）。无人能因着遵守律法称义，因为“世人都犯了罪，亏缺了神的荣耀”（罗3:23）。律法的作用是要把我们指向十字架。请花些时间思想并向神承认你的罪。

3. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). Do you love your worldly possessions more than God? Examine and pray to God.

“不要爱世界和世界上的事。人若爱世界，爱父的心就不在他里面了”（约一2:15）。你是否爱你的属世财产，胜于爱神呢？请审察自己并向神祷告。

In this passage, the Lord elaborates on the spiritual danger of trusting in material riches and the spiritual blessings of forsaking them for His sake.

在这段经文中，主详述了信靠物质钱财的属灵危险，以及为祂的缘故舍弃那一切可享的属灵祝福。

1. The Poverty of Riches 财富的贫境 (19:23-26)

The term “hard” here is equivalent to impossible. Jesus was not singling out the rich because of their wealth, but was pointing out that their riches were a formidable barrier to their salvation. Though the rich young ruler wanted eternal life, he was fooled into thinking that he had the resources to procure it. His problem was not his wealth, but his trust in his wealth and in his own ability to meet God’s standards for acceptance. This teaching was shocking to the Jews, who had long believed that alms-giving was a means of salvation. But if even the rich cannot enter the kingdom by their own efforts and generosity, what could the poor hope for? Although salvation has always been impossible by human effort, all things are possible with God because only God is able to change sinful hearts. Thus, salvation is entirely a gracious and sovereign work of God

“难”这词相等于“不可能”。耶稣并非要谴责富人的钱财，乃是要指出钱财是对他们得救的一个巨大障碍。虽然年轻财主想得永生，但他被欺骗，以为自有的财力能购买它。他的问题不在于钱财，而是他信靠自己的钱财，认为自己有能力达到神的标准，得到神的接纳。这种教导对犹太人来说是惊人的，因为他们长久以来认为施舍是得救的途径。然而，若财主都不能凭自己的力量与施舍进入神的国度，穷人还有得救的盼望吗？虽然得救靠人的力量是不可能的，但在神凡事都能，因为只有神能改变罪恶之心。因此，救恩完全是神的恩慈及主权之功。

2. The Riches of Poverty 穷境的财富 (19:27-29)

To those who have forsaken all to follow Him, Jesus gave a unique and marvelous promise. As the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne at the time of His second coming, the Twelve Apostles shall also sit upon 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. And those who renounce their possessions and become poor for Christ’s sake are going to share with the apostles in His triumph and reign.

凡撇下所有跟从耶稣的人，祂赐予一个美妙、特殊的应许：到复兴的时候，如人子坐在祂荣耀的宝座上，他们也要坐在十二个宝座上，审判以色列十二个支派。凡为基督的名撇下一切财产，以致贫穷的，将与十二门徒一同得享祂的胜利与统治。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17). Are you blinded by your material possessions? If you think you are capable, successful and rich, pray that God will open our eyes to see your true spiritual condition.

“你说‘我是富足，已经发了财，一样都不缺’，却不知道你是那困苦、可怜、贫穷、瞎眼、赤身的”（启3:17）。你是否被物质钱财蒙蔽了双眼？你若认为你有能力，是成功、富裕的，祈求神能开启你的眼睛，看清自己的真实属灵状况。

2. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). What do you treasure most? That is where your heart is. Let’s pray for God to help us examine our hearts honestly to see where they are.

“因为你的财宝在哪里，你的心也在哪里”（太6:21）。你最珍惜的是什么？那就是你心所在。祈求神能帮助我们真诚地审察自己，看心到底在哪里。

3. Jesus promised that all who forsake their earthly possessions and relationships for His sake “shall receive a hundred times as much now in the present age” (Mark 10:30). Let this hope encourage us as we strive to follow Jesus in our earthly life.

Jesus picks up the question from the young ruler in (19:16) – how can a person enter the kingdom of heaven – and illustrates with the parable of the laborers in the vineyard.

继年轻财主的问题（19:16）——人如何得进天国，耶稣采用葡萄园的比喻进一步说明这事。

1. The Participants of the kingdom 天国的参与者 (20:1-10)

The vineyard represents the kingdom and the master of the house is Jesus Christ. The laborers are believers who trusted in Jesus at different moments of their lifetime and the reward (denarius) is eternal life, which all received equally for trusting in Christ.

葡萄园代表了天国，而家主就是耶稣基督。其工人就是在生命的不同阶段投靠耶稣的信徒，而赏赐（一钱银子）就是永生；这是凡信靠基督都能平均领受的。

2. The Protest of the kingdom 天国的抵挡者 (20:11-15)

Those who were hired first thought that they would receive more, but their hope was dashed and they became disgruntled. The problem was not injustice on the part of the master, who was perfectly lawful to do whatever he wants to his assets, but jealousy on the part of the workers reveal their self-centered and selfishness.

那先被雇用的以为自己必要多得，但他们的希望被破碎，因此开始埋怨。然而，问题所在并非家主的不公，因为他完全有自由决定如何使用自己的家产。相反的，工人的妒忌凸显了他们自私自利之心。

3. The Principle of the kingdom 天国的总原则 (20:16)

The subject of the parable is that salvation is based on God’s grace and not on our own merit. God’s grace is for ALL who come to him regardless of where he is in life. It is here that Jesus said the last will be first and first will be last. The wealthy young ruler who seeks primacy in this life will suffer the greatest loss eternally, and those who surrender everything and presumably the last but they came to Jesus, will be first and have the greatest blessing eternally. So the last will be first, and the first last.”

比喻的主题是：救恩全凭神的恩典，不是我们的功德。神的恩典是予凡前来投靠祂的人——无论他处在生命的哪个阶段。耶稣就在这里提到在前的将要在后，在后的将要在前。只求今生居首的年轻财主必在永恒中遭惨重损失，但撇下一切投靠耶稣的，今生看似最后，但在永恒将要在前，得享最大的福分。因此，“那在后的将要在前，在前的将要在后了”。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Everyone who comes to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will receive the same blessing of salvation. Let us take some time to reflect and give thanks to God for His gift of salvation.

“除他以外，别无拯救，因为在天下人间，没有赐下别的名我们可以靠着得救”（使4:12）。凡在主耶稣基督名下得救的人，将领受救恩的同等福分。让我们花些时间思想，并为神赐予我们的救赎感恩。

2. “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints.” (Col. 1:3-4) Are you thankful for the salvation you have seen in fellow believers?

“我们感谢神我们主耶稣基督的父，常常为你们祷告，因听见你们在基督耶稣里的信心并向众圣徒的爱心”（西1:3-4）。你是否为其他信徒的救赎感恩呢？

3. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 1:3) How does knowing your spiritual blessing in Christ affect your Christian walk?

“愿颂赞归于我们主耶稣基督的父神！他在基督里曾赐给我们天上各样属灵的福气”（弗1:3）。我们晓得自己在基督里可享属灵福气——这当如何影响我们的行事为人呢？

The principles of the world are often contradictory to the kingdom God. It is not only contradictory but destructive.

世俗的原则经常与天国的相冲。它不但相冲，还是毁坏性的。

1. The How of greatness 何为大 (20:17-24)

The way to eternal glory is not through worldly success and honor but through suffering. Yet James and John still seek their own selfish interests despite Jesus’ prediction of the persecution and death He would face in Jerusalem. The “cup” that Jesus was about to drink was the cup of suffering and death. One must be willing and be enabled by the Holy Spirit to take up the full measure of His cup in order to be great in the kingdom.

获取永恒荣耀的途径并非靠世俗的成功和荣耀而得，乃藉着受苦。虽然耶稣刚预言自己将在耶路撒冷面对的逼迫与死亡，雅各与约翰仍在寻求自己自私的利益。耶稣将要喝的“杯”就是苦难与死亡之杯。人必须情愿，并靠着圣灵，才能喝下主耶稣的杯，在天国里被尊为大。

2. How not to be great 如何不大 (20:25)

These are the two ways the world seek to be great – through personal power and fame. “To lord it over” is a strong term carrying the idea of ruling down on people while the expression “great men” carries the idea of eminence and nobility of those who have achieved high stature in the eyes of the world.

世界寻求居首的方式有二：藉着个人的名和利。“治理”带强烈的含义，包括压制百姓；“大臣”则指世人眼里德高望重的人。

3. How to be great 如何为大 (20:26-28)

In God’s eyes, the one who is great is the one who is willing to humble himself and serve others. The cost of true greatness is servant-hood, selflessness, sacrificial service. Jesus is the supreme example of humility. Although He was the King of kings and had the right to be served by others, He ministered as a Servant of servants and gave His life to serve others. This is the path to greatness in Heaven.

在神眼里，愿意谦卑、服侍他人的才算为大。真正称大的代价是作仆人，舍己侍奉。耶稣是虚心的最佳例子。虽是万王之王，配得他人服侍，祂却看自己为仆人中最小的，并舍命服侍人。这就是在天国为大的道路。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. How do you perceive greatness in your life? How great are you? Do you measure through career progression, academic achievements or material gains? Are you great in God’s eyes? Please examine yourself and pray.

你对“伟大”的定义是什么？你有多大呢？你是否以事业发展、学业成绩或物质收获做衡量？你在神眼里为大吗？请审察自己并祷告。

2. In today’s churches, there are leaders who seek to control others through their authoritative power or their personal influence through persuasive words. What is your leadership style? Are you displaying greatness through a humble, selfless and sacrificial service?

在今日教会中，有些领导试着以自己的权威，或用个人的影响力，藉着说服性的言语控制人。你的领导风格是什么？你所展现的大是否是虚心、无私和舍己的侍奉？

3. “Whoever says he abides in Him (Jesus) ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.” (1 John 2:6) Jesus gave us the supreme example of a servant leader and called us to follow in His step. Let’s pray that God will help us to be humble, selfless and self-giving just as Jesus came not to be served, but to serve.

“人若说他住在主里面，就该自己照主所行的去行”（约一2:6）。耶稣给予我们何为事奉领导的最佳典范，并召我们跟随祂的脚步行。让我们求神帮助我们做谦卑、无私、舍己的人，正如人子来不是要受人的服侍，乃是要服侍人。

God’s desire for His children on earth is purity of life, hence the church should also be equally concerned about the spiritual well-being of all believers.

神期望祂在地上的孩子过圣洁的生活，所以教会也应当关注众信徒的属灵生命。

1. The Purpose of church discipline 教会纪律的目的 (18:15)

It is the church’s responsibility to keep itself pure. Any believer who continues in unconfessed sin, is to be disciplined by the church. The goal of discipline is not to throw people out of the church. It is to bring the sinning brother back.

教会的责任是保持自己圣洁。若有信徒坚持不认罪悔改，继续犯罪，他就要按教会的纪律受处置。教会纪律的目标并不是要把人们赶出教会，而是将那位犯罪的弟兄挽回。

2. The Process of church discipline 教会纪律的过程 (18:15-17)

The process of discipline occurs sequentially from a private one-to-one confrontation to a public confrontation before the church congregation. The testimony of the two or three witnesses is not only to confirm that sin was committed, but also to confirm that the sinning believer was properly rebuked and that he has or has not repented. If he persistently refuses to repent, the last step is to put him out of the church and treat him as an unbelieving, unrepentant outsider.

其过程是从私下一对一的对峙，延展至在教会会众面前公开的对峙。两三个人的口作见证不仅是为了要证实信徒犯了罪，也为了证明犯罪的信徒得到适当的谴责，并仍不悔改。如果他执意不悔改，最后的步骤就是把他赶出教会，并把他当作既不信也不悔改的外邦人。

3. The Power of church discipline 教会纪律的权力 (18:18-20)

The church has authority to declare that sins are either forgiven (“shall be loosed”) or not forgiven (“shall be bound”) when that declaration is based on the teaching of God’s Word. When the church administers discipline according to the pattern given by Jesus, He Himself acts with them and gives them the authority and power to purify the church.

当教会是凭着神话语中的教导宣告罪得赦免（“也要释放”）与否（“也要捆绑”），她就有权柄如此行。当教会按照耶稣所给的模式实行管教，祂就与他们同在，并给予权柄和权力洁净教会。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. “For the moment, all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11). Have you ever been disciplined by other believers, whether privately or publicly? Read Hebrews 12:5-11 again to see the purpose of discipline.

“凡管教的事，当时不觉得快乐，反觉得愁苦；后来却为那经练过的人结出平安的果子，就是义”（来12:11）。你是否曾被其他信徒私下或公开管教？请再次阅读《希伯来书》12章5至11节了解管教的目的。

2. “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness” (Gal. 6:1a). Have you ever confronted other believers when you see them in sin? Let’s pray that God will give us a spirit of wisdom and gentleness to love other believers when they sin and restore them again.

“弟兄们，若有人偶然被过犯所胜，你们属灵的人就当用温柔的心把他挽回过来”（加6:1）。当你看到其他信徒犯罪时，你是否上前劝告他们呢？让我们祈求主给予我们一颗负有智慧和温柔的心来爱正在罪中的信徒，将他们再次挽回。

3. “For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy” (Lev. 11:44a). Let’s pray for the sanctification and purity of the church, that we may be light and salt of the earth for His glory.

“我是耶和华─你们的神；所以你们要成为圣洁，因为我是圣洁的”（利11:44）。让我们为教会的圣洁祷告，叫我们能为神的荣耀，作世上的光和盐。