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After Jesus gave the Twelve His third prediction of His death and resurrection (v22-23), He gave Peter a private lesson in the believer’s obligation to human government for after He is gone.

耶稣给予十二门徒有关祂死亡与复活的第三次预言后（22-23节），为了预备他们耶稣离开后的生活，祂私下教导彼得信徒对于国民政府的职责所在。

1. The Citizen’s Excise (Taxes)  国民的缴税 (17:24)

The two-drachma tax was a tax that the Romans allowed the Jewish religious leaders to collect for the operation of the Jerusalem Temple. Because the temple tax was to be paid by the time of Passover, collectors were sent throughout Palestine one month in advance. It was such tax collectors who came to Peter to ask. Peter knew Jesus had always paid taxes. Therefore he simply said yes.

丁税是罗马帝国允许犹太宗教领袖为耶路撒冷圣殿的运作所征收的税额。由于丁税应当在逾越节之前还清，收税人早在一个月前就开始遍布巴勒斯坦工作；他们就是向彼得收税的人。彼得知道耶稣一向来都纳税，因此答应了。

2. The Son’s Exemption 人子的例外 (17:25-26)

In the ancient world, kings accessed taxes to support their families as well as their governments. It would not make sense for a father to collect money from his sons who depended on him. As God is the King of the temple, logically Jesus as His Son and all the believers will be exempted from paying the temple tax.

古时，君王使用税收抚养他们的家庭及支助他们的政府。因此，若要一位父亲向投靠他的儿子收钱，那是不合逻辑的。由于神是圣殿的王，作祂儿子的耶稣和众信徒理当无需缴交丁税。

3. The Lord’s Example 主的例子 (17:27)

As a Son Jesus doesn’t need to pay the temple tax but in order not to offend them, He told Peter to go and take the first fish from the sea and there was the coin for temple tax. The lesson is that Christians should not fight for non-essential issues and create unnecessary stumbling blocks for others.

身为人子，耶稣是无需缴交丁税的；但为避免冒犯他们，耶稣叫彼得往海边把先钓上来的鱼拿起来，就有钱纳税了。这里的学习点是：基督徒不应该为无关紧要的事物争执，给他人制造不必要的绊脚石。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

虽然我们是属天国的子民，我们也晓得神所指定的每一个政府是为保持社会秩序而设的；即便有不义，神的子民也当尊重与服从他们的政府。请再次阅读《彼得后书》2章13至14节，求神帮助我们即使在这败坏的世界中也做顺服的子民。

Even after Jesus had foretold of His suffering and death, the Twelve were still impervious to it and even argued over who was the greatest in the kingdom. This prompted Jesus to give a great discourse on the lesson of humility.

即便耶稣预言祂将受苦、被杀，祂的十二门徒仍然无动于衷，甚至争辩谁在国度里是最大的。这促使耶稣开启对谦卑的大教导。

1. The Humility of a Child  孩子的谦卑之心 (18:1-4)

To teach the disciples, Jesus took a young child in His arms and held him before them. A little child is unpretentious, helpless, dependent, and without ambition for grandeur and greatness. Jesus said whoever humbles himself like the child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. That is the kind of humble submissiveness that results in greatness in God’s eyes.

为要教导众门徒，耶稣叫了一个孩子来，使他站在他们当中。儿童往往是不装腔作势的，无助、需要依靠、朴实无华。耶稣说，凡自己谦卑像这小孩子的，他在天国里就是最大的。在神眼中为大的，便是这般的谦卑顺服之心。

2. The Preciousness of a Child 孩子的珍贵性 (18:5-9)

Christ can never be separated from His people, thus when a person mistreats a Christian, he mistreats Christ. The world’s temptations are unavoidable, but to him who causes a Christian to sin, he is better off dying a terrible death. Hence, a person should use all means, no matter how extreme and painful, to keep himself from sinning so as to prevent causing others to sin.

基督是无法与祂的子民隔绝的，因此若有人伤害基督徒，他便是伤害了基督。世界的试探是无可避免的，但凡使一名基督徒犯罪的，他将大祸临头！由此，无论有多艰难或有多痛苦，人当竭尽所能不要犯罪，避免绊倒他人。

3. The Care of a Child 对孩子的呵护 (18:10-14)

To despise someone is to look down on him. God is so concerned about His beloved children that He has hosts of angels ready to come to their aid at all times. The parable also shows that Christ’s love is personal and individual. To despise any Christian is to despise Christ Himself and God the Father. The Lord seeks the spiritual well-being of all His children, and we had better not do less.

轻看他人之意，便是鄙视他人。神非常在乎祂心爱的儿女，以致预备差派众天使做随时的帮助。这比喻显示了神的爱是向着个人的。若有人鄙视任何基督徒，就是鄙视基督及天父自己。主看中祂所有儿女的属灵健康，所以我们在这方面要努力。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Have you ever compared yourself with other Christians? Why would you do that? “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7). Confess your sins before God and pray that He will teach us to love one another.

你是否曾与其他基督徒作比较？你为什么会这么做？“亲爱的弟兄啊，我们应当彼此相爱，因为爱是从神来的。凡有爱心的，都是由神而生，并且认识神”（约一4:7）。请在神面前承认自己的罪，并祈求祂能教导我们如何彼此相爱。

2. Take a moment to reflect on your life. Are there any hidden sins which you have not turned away from? Resolve to deal with them seriously, if not, they could be stumbling blocks for other believers.

请暂停脚步，思想你的生命。你是否仍有隐藏之罪，是未悔改的呢？请立志要认真面对、处理，以免成为其他信徒的绊脚石。

3. Do you despise other Christians because they are different from you? Know that we are all one in Christ through faith and there is no partiality with God. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ” (Gal. 3:28).

你是否因着其他信徒的不同而轻看他们呢？要知道我们都是藉着信心，在基督里合而为一了，而神是不偏待人的，“并不分犹太人、希腊人，自主的、为奴的，或男或女，因为你们在基督耶稣里都成为一了”（加3:28）。

In closing of the teaching about believers as children, Jesus now focuses on the need for believers to forgive.

在总结信徒要像孩子的教导后，耶稣把焦点转移到信徒须饶恕的必要性。

1. The Extent of Forgiveness 饶恕的限度 (18:21-22)

After Jesus taught about church discipline, Peter wondered how often Christians were obliged to forgive fellow believers who persisted in sin. When Jesus answered “seventy times seven”, he does not mean 490, but that forgiveness was beyond counting.

耶稣教导有关教会的纪律后，彼得想知道基督徒应当在饶恕坚持犯罪的信徒上有何限度。当耶稣回答：“七十个七次”时，祂指的不是490次，而是宽恕是不可计算的。

2. The Example of Forgiveness 饶恕的例子 (18:23-34)

To illustrate the importance of forgiveness, Jesus gave a parable, where the king represents God. The 10,000 talents are used to describe a vast and unpayable debt, just like the debt for sin that every man owes God. Knowing that the first slave could never repay the debt, the king forgave him, just as God graciously forgives all genuinely repentant sinners.

为了说明饶恕的重要性，耶稣给了一个比喻；其中，王代表了神。那一千万银子是用于形容一笔庞大而无可偿还的债务，就如每一个人所欠神的罪债一样。当王知道第一个仆人永远无法偿还债务时，他免了他的债；这犹如神施恩赦免所有真正悔改的罪人一样。

3. The Excommunication of the unforgiving 逐出不肯饶恕他人的 (18:35)

In this parable, Jesus was not teaching that sins against fellow believers are insignificant, or that God only saves those who are forgiving. He was teaching that those who have been forgiven by God are to forgive every offense committed against them by fellow believers, because they themselves have already been forgiven an incalculable debt by God. An unforgiving person proves that he is not a believer and his sins are not forgiven.

在这个比喻中，耶稣并非在教导信徒之间的过犯是微不足道的，又或者神只拯救肯饶恕他人的人。祂教导的是：凡神所饶恕的，也当饶恕其他信徒对他们的过犯，因为他们自己无法偿还的债已被神免去了。一个无法饶恕他人的人证明了自己不是信徒，而他的罪是不得饶恕的。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent’, you must forgive him” (Luke 17:3-4). Let’s pray that God will give us a loving heart to rebuke our brothers when they are in sin and forgive them when they repent.

“若是你的弟兄得罪你，就劝戒他；他若懊悔，就饶恕他。倘若他一天七次得罪你，又七次回转，说：我懊悔了，你总要饶恕他”（路17:3-4）。让我们祈祷神给予我们一颗爱人的心，当弟兄们犯罪时责备他们；当他们懊悔时饶恕他们。

2. Consider the moments where a fellow believer has hurt you or wronged you in one way or another. Have you forgiven him or her or are you still harboring grudges?

请思想某个弟兄或姐妹伤害你或误解你的时候。你是否原谅了他，还是仍心怀芥蒂呢？

3. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32). Let us remember the forgiveness that God so graciously gives to those who turn to Him for mercy and pray that we will also display the same mercy to forgive all who sinned against us, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.

“并要以恩慈相待，存怜悯的心，彼此饶恕，正如神在基督里饶恕了你们一样。”（弗4:32）让我们谨记神施恩赦免所有向祂恳求慈悲的人，并祈祷我们也同样能施恩饶恕向我们犯罪的人，特别是在主里的弟兄姐妹。

During Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, some Pharisees questioned Him on divorce to test and discredit Him again.

耶稣往耶路撒冷的途中，有法利赛人提出有关离婚的问题，为要试探并污蔑祂。

1. God’s Plan for marriage 神对婚姻的计划 (19:1-6)

Jesus used Genesis to explain why divorce was never accepted. In the beginning, God created one male and one female, hence there were no options for multiple spouses. The couple was to “hold fast” together, symbolizing their total commitment to each other becoming indivisible and inseparable, except through death. Since marriage is always the work of God, no man can ever separate what God has joined together.

耶稣引用了《创世纪》解释离婚为何是从不被接受的。起初，神造了一男和一女，所以并无多位配偶这事。夫妇必须“联合”，即完全委身于彼此，成为无可分割的一对，直到死亡。既然婚姻一直都是神的工作，所以神配合的，人不可分开。

2. God’s Permission for divorce 神对离婚的容可 (19:7-9)

To support their liberal divorce customs, the Pharisees quoted from Deuteronomy to pit Jesus against Moses. But this passage did not teach about divorce at all. It was a command regarding remarriage. After clarifying, Jesus affirmed that divorce is only permitted in adultery. Any other reasons for divorce and remarriage will result in adultery.

为了支持自己的自由离婚习俗，法利赛人引用了《申命记》，试着要让耶稣与摩西对立。可是，这段经文所教导的完全与离婚无关。澄清之后，耶稣申明离婚唯有在配偶犯下淫乱才可接受。此外，任何铸成离婚与再婚的理由都是犯奸淫的了。

3. God’s Parameter for Singleness 神对单身的范围 (19:10-12)

As the Twelve had grown up in an easy divorce culture, they concluded that it is better not to marry if adultery is the only justification for divorce. However, not all men can accept this statement, except those in three categories. First are people who were born with congenital deformities that involved undeveloped sexual capacity. Second are castrated men who do not have normal desires for a woman. Third are people who are given the gift of celibacy by God.

由于十二门徒是在一个随意离婚的文化中成长的，所以他们总结说，若淫乱才是能离婚的唯一缘故，人倒不如不结婚。但是，不是所有人都能领受这句话的，除了这三种人：一、生来有生殖器官缺陷的，性功能未发育成熟；二、对女性无正常欲望的阉割男性；三、神赐予单身恩赐的人。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Just like the first century, our society has perpetuated in the culture of rampant divorce. Do you accept God’s plan for marriage as a lifetime commitment, or the society’s culture of easy divorce?

如第一世纪一样，我们的社会也被随性离婚的文化充斥。你是否接受神对婚姻的计划，即一个终生的委身，还是社会随性离婚的文化呢？

2. “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous” (Heb. 13:4). If you are married, are you keeping your marriage pure, or do you lust after other men and women? Pray that God will sanctify you and your spouse, so that your marriage will glorify God.

“婚姻人人都当尊重，床也不可污秽，因为苟合行淫的人，神必要审判”（来13:4）。你若结了婚，你是否在保持婚姻的圣洁，还是对别的男女起淫念呢？祈求神能使你与你的配偶洁净，叫你们的婚姻能荣耀神。

3. “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him” (1 Cor. 7:17). Do you have the gift of singleness? If not, pray that God will provide you a partner and prepare your heart for a lifelong commitment in marriage.

“只要照主所分给各人的和神所召各人的而行”（林前7:17）。你是否有单身的恩赐呢？若无，祈求神会为你供应一个配偶，并为婚姻的终生委身预备自己的心。

This passage represents the climax of Jesus’ teaching ministry, which posed the question that every human being must ask: Who is Jesus Christ?

这段经文是耶稣在教导事工中的高潮；这里所提出的问题是每一个人都必须回答的：谁是耶稣基督？

1. The Ultimate Question 最根本的问题 (16:13-15)

“The Son of Man” was Jesus’ most common designation of the Messiah. In the Gentile territory of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked His disciples the ultimate question, “Who do you say that I am?” It was not that Jesus was unaware of their opinions, but He wanted the Twelve to consider the popular perceptions of their days before answering Him. For the multitude Jesus was anyone but the Messiah.

“人子”是耶稣身为弥赛亚最普遍的名称。在外邦区域该撒利亚腓立比境内，耶稣问众门徒一个最根本的问题：“你们说我是谁？”耶稣并非不晓得他们的立场，但祂要十二使徒事先考虑当代盛行的看法，才回答祂的问题。对于众人而言，耶稣可以是任何人，但就不是弥赛亚。

2. The Ultimate Confession 最根本的告白 (16:16)

On behalf of all the apostles, Peter answer that Jesus is the Christ (Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Messiah). Not only that, Peter also confessed Jesus as the Son of the living God, the Creator of the universe. With this confession, the truth of Jesus’ divinity and Messiahship was now firmly established in their hearts and minds. He is indeed truly God and savior.

彼得代表所有的使徒作答，说耶稣是基督（这相当于希伯来文的弥赛亚）。不仅如此，彼得也承认耶稣是永生神的儿子，是宇宙的创造主。通过这个宣告，耶稣的神性及身为弥赛亚的真理，确切地在使徒们的心里稳固扎根了。耶稣的的确确是神，亦是救主。

3. The Ultimate Source 最根本的源头 (16:17)

But this understanding of Jesus was not brought out by human capabilities but by the Heavenly Father. He Himself must reveal them and bring understanding of His Son to human minds. Only then can they truly confess Jesus as Lord and be divinely blessed.

但是，能对耶稣有这样的认识并非出于人的理解能力，而是天父的启示。天父必须亲自开启人对神之子的理解。唯有如此，他们才能真正承认耶稣是主，并蒙神祝福。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Since Jesus’ day, much of the world has wanted to speak highly of Him without recognizing His deity and lordship. Are you ever taken in by others’ opinion? Take a few moments to consider who He is to you.

自耶稣的时代，世人对祂有很高的评价，只是不承认祂的神性和主权。你的想法是否与他们的一样？请花一点时间来思考：耶稣对你而言是谁？

2. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Rom. 10:9). Have you publicly confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, what is hindering you from your confession of faith?

你若口里认耶稣为主，心里信神叫他从死里复活，就必得救（罗10:9）。你是否曾公开承认耶稣是你的救主？若没有，你心里有什么阻碍呢？

3. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8). Are you thankful that God had saved you? Read Ephesians 2:1-10 again to remember how we used to be and praise God for His gift of salvation.

你们得救是本乎恩，也因着信；这并不是出於自己，乃是神所赐的（弗2:8）。你是否感谢神的救恩呢？请再次阅读《以弗所书》2章1至10节，提醒自己我们曾经是怎样的人，并为神所赐予的救恩赞美祂。

In Matthew 16:18-20, Jesus describes three features of the church that He builds.

在《马太福音》16章18至20节中，耶稣形容了祂所建立的教会的三个标志。

1. The Foundation of the church 教会的根基 (16:18a)

For more than fifteen hundred years, the Roman Catholic Church has maintained that the church was built on the person of Peter, who became the first pope of Rome. However, the foundation of the church is the revelation of God given through His apostles to teach the gospel, not on the apostles themselves. Christ alone is the cornerstone of that foundation, the living Word to whom the written Word bears witness.

罗马天主教会在1500多年以来都坚持教会是建立在彼得这人身上的；彼得就是罗马的首任教皇。然而，教会的根基是坚立在神所给予祂门徒的启示上，为要他们传扬福音，所以根基并非信徒本身。唯独基督是那根基的房角石，是记载话语上所见证的活泼之道。

2. The Power of the church 教会的权能 (16:18b)

Gates are used to protect those behind them, or to keep them from escaping as in a prison, while hades refers to the abode of the dead. When the terms gates and Hades are properly understood, it is clear that Jesus was declaring that death has no power to hold God’s redeemed people captive, whose Lord has conquered sin and death on their behalf.

“门”是用于保护门后的人，或避免囚禁的他逃脱；阴间则指的是死人的居所。我们若正确理解“门”与“阴间”这词，就能明白耶稣宣告的是死亡无能囚禁神所救赎的人，因主已为他战胜罪恶与死亡了。

3. The Authority of the church 教会的权柄 (16:19)

To the Twelve and – by extension – to all believers, the Lord affirms that whatever they bind, that is, forbid, on earth shall be bound in heaven and that whatever they loose, that is, permit, on earth shall be loosed in heaven. By this, the Lord is giving all believers the astounding authority to declare what is divinely forbidden or permitted on earth, because they have the truth of God’s authoritative Word by which to judge.

对十二门徒（以致涉及所有信徒），主申明凡他们在地上所捆绑的，即禁止的，在天上也要捆绑；凡在地上所释放的，即容许的，在天上也要释放。借此，主将震撼性的权柄赐予所有信徒——他们能在地上宣告什么是天上所禁止或容许的，因为他们有神权威性话语的真理做其判断。

1. In his letter to Ephesus, Paul says that God’s household is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone” (Eph. 2:20). Are you relying on the Scripture or the wisdom of man as the foundation of God’s truth?

在保罗写给以弗所的书信中，他说神的家是“建造在使徒和先知的根基上，有基督耶稣自己为房角石”（弗2:20）。你是否依靠圣经，或是人的智慧，作神真理的根基呢？

2. “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Cor. 15:55) Are you afraid of death? Know that death has no mastery over all who belong to Christ, and praise God for His victory over death.

“死被得胜吞灭；死啊，你得胜的权势在哪里？死啊，你的毒钩在哪里？”（林前15:55）你是否害怕死亡呢？要知道，死亡并不能战胜凡属基督的人。我们要因神胜过了死亡而赞美祂。

3. On the basis of God’s own Word, Christians can proclaim what God has already determined to be right or wrong, forgiven or not. Let’s pray that God will continue to give us a Spirit of wisdom to learn His Word that we may be filled with the fullness of God.

基于神自己的话语，基督徒能宣扬神所定为对与错，以及赦免与不被赦免的事。让我们求神能继续给予我们智慧的灵，从神的话语中学习，叫我们被神的一切充满。

1. The Prophecy of Suffering 对受苦的预言 (16:21)

There are four phases of the divine plan which Jesus must fulfill before it is completed: 1) Jesus must go to Jerusalem, the divinely ordained place of sacrifice; 2) Jesus must suffer under the hypocritical religious leaders; 3) Jesus must be killed; and 4) Jesus must be raised up on the third day, which is His victory over those seeming defeats. But because of their great distress at hearing the first three imperatives, it is likely that the disciples failed to hear the last one at all.

耶稣必须执行神的四部计划才能成就救赎：一、耶稣必须到耶路撒冷，即献祭的指定圣所；二、耶稣必须因假冒为善的宗教领袖受苦；三、耶稣必须受死；四、耶稣必须三天后复活，显示祂是最终的得胜者。然而，由于门徒听了前三部后便大感愁苦，所以他们很有可能没把最后一个也听进去。

2. The Protest of Suffering 对受苦的抗议 (16:22-23)

Unable to accept what Jesus had just said, Peter brashly rebuked Him. But before he had a chance to finish, Jesus abruptly cut him off and accused him of speaking for Satan. Jesus knew that Satan had put the rebuke in Peter’s mind and He gave the reason why Peter fell into Satan’s trap: he was not setting his mind on God’s will, but man’s. When he trusted in his own perspective, he could no longer see God’s and unwittingly opposed Him.

由于彼得无法接受耶稣刚说的话，他仓促地斥责了耶稣。可是，耶稣在彼得还没把话说完之前打断他，并指责他为撒旦说话。耶稣晓得撒旦已将那想法置入彼得的心，而祂进一步说明彼得为何会步入撒旦的陷阱：他专注的不是神的旨意，而是人的意思。当他宁可相信自己的看法时，他就无法看到神的道路，便无意间抵挡了神。

3. The Preparation of Suffering 为受苦做预备 (16:24-27)

Suffering is part of the Christian’s life and this involves self-denial, cross-bearing and loyal obedience. To gain every possession possible in this world and be without Christ is to be bankrupt forever. But to abandon everything in this world for the sake of Christ is to have blessing forever. As the Lord promises in His second coming, He will reward those who follow Him with everlasting life and all heavenly blessings forever.

受苦是基督徒生活中的一部分，而这包括要舍己、背起十字架，并忠心顺服。若得到世上的一切却没有基督，便是一无所有；但若为基督的缘故舍弃世上一切，便是永远得福。主应许当祂再来的时候，祂会把永生及所有天上的福分赐予跟随祂的人。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Are you suffering in your Christian walk? Read Hebrews 12:1-2 and pray that God will strengthen our faith as we persevere through sufferings.

你是否在行基督徒的道路中受苦呢？请阅读《希伯来书》12章1至2节，求神能坚固我们的信心，在患难中坚持信念。

2. Contrary to the prosperity gospels that are so popular in contemporary Christianity, a Christian walk is never without sufferings (2 Tim. 3:12). Are you willing to pay any price to follow Jesus? Or are you holding on to the empty promises of the prosperity gospels? Repent if you have not set your mind on God’s interests and pray that God will teach you to submit to His ways.

与现代流行的基督教致富福音有别的是，基督徒的道路是无不受苦的（提后3:12）。你是否愿为跟从耶稣付上任何代价呢？又或者你愿持守于致富福音的虚空应许？若我们的眼目不是定在神的意思上，我们就要悔改，并祈求神会教导我们顺服祂的旨意。

3. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). Let us pray that we hold on to the hope of the heavenly reward which God has promised to all who follow Him faithfully through all sufferings.

“忍受试探的人是有福的！因为他经过试验以后，必得生命的冠冕，这是主应许给那些爱他之人的”（各1:12）。让我们祈求我们能持守这盼望，即凡在苦难中忠心跟从神的人，祂必赐下属天的赏赐。

The transfiguration was shown as a promise that some disciples would experience before they died (Matt. 16:28).

耶稣改变形象这事，是对第16章28节的应验。

1. The Glory of the Second Coming 主再来的荣耀 (17:1-3)

During this brief display of divine glory, Jesus’ face shone like the sun and His garments became as white as light. This is a foretaste of the day in which “the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels” (Matt. 16:27). Moses and Elijah, representing the Old Testament’s law and the prophets, also testified His deity.

在这段属天荣耀的短暂炫示，耶稣的脸面明亮如日头，衣裳洁白如光。这就是对于“人子要在他父的荣耀里同着众使者降临”（太16:27）那日的预示。摩西和以利亚分别代表了旧约的律法与先知；他们见证耶稣就是神。

2. The Ignorance of the Second Coming 对主再来的无知 (17:4-8)

However, Peter completely failed to comprehend the significance of the transfiguration. In bewilderment and fear, Peter thought of making three tabernacles for them. But God the Father overshadowed them and spoke from the cloud. As the disciples fell down in fear and saw Jesus alone after the transfiguration, they realized they had witnessed a preview of the Lord’s glory in His second coming.

然而，彼得完全抓不住主变象的意义。拘于彷徨和害怕之中，彼得原想为他们搭三座棚，但天父遮盖了他们，从云彩里向他们说话。当众门徒因害怕俯伏在地，并在变象后看到耶稣独自一人时，他们才发觉自己见证了主再来之时将有的荣耀。

3. The Antecedence of the Second Coming 主再来之前 (17:9-13)

However, the disciples were told to tell no one of Jesus’ manifestation of glory until He had risen from the dead. Just as the forerunner of the Messiah, John the Baptist, was killed in the hands of evil men, the Messiah Himself will also suffer at their hands. All these must take place before the Lord appears again in His full divine majesty and glory to establish His kingdom on earth.

可是，门徒被令不能将耶稣所彰显的荣耀告诉任何人，直到祂从死里复活为止。如同弥赛亚的先锋施洗约翰落入恶人手中被杀，弥赛亚自己也将落入他们之手受苦。这一切必须在主再来之前应验，主才能在地上以全然属天的尊荣与荣耀建立祂的国度。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. In the book of Revelation, John saw the Lord Jesus Christ again in His full glory and majesty (Rev. 1:13-16). Do you believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will be coming again to judge the world? If so, how should you live your life at this moment?

在《启示录》中，使徒约翰看到主耶稣基督以全然的荣耀和光辉再度显现（启1:13-16）。你是否相信主耶稣基督会再来，并审判世界呢？若是，你当如何生活？

2. In the light of the Lord’s glory, do you listen to His commands or continue to walk in ignorance? Confess your sins before God and trust in His faithfulness to forgive.

看到了主的荣耀后，你是否要听从祂的命令，或继续行在无知之中呢？请在神面前承认自己的罪，并相信神是信实的，必饶恕你。

3. “Be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord” (James 5:7a). While our flesh is still in this world, we will share in the suffering of Christ. Pray that God will give us patience and perseverance as we endure through all trials until the Lord returns.

“弟兄们哪，你们要忍耐，直到主来”（各5:7）。当我们还在世上的时候，我们必要多受基督的苦楚。祈求神会给予我们忍耐和坚持承受所有试炼，直到主再来。

From here on, Jesus now gives His disciples the principles for living in the kingdom. Of first priority is faith.

从这儿起，耶稣给予门徒活在国度的原则。首要的就是信心。

1. The Lack of Faith 信心之缺 (17:14-17)

As Jesus came down from the mountain, a man came up to Him and fell on his knees. In deep anguish, the father pleaded with Jesus to have compassion and heal his son. This boy was very ill and his condition was unusually serious, for he was demon-possessed. Though the man had brought his son to Jesus’ disciples for healing, they could not cure him.

当耶稣从山上下来后，一个人来到耶稣脚前，跪下。这位深受煎熬的父亲求耶稣有怜悯，医治他的儿子；他的病情极其严重，因为是被鬼附身的。虽然这人已将他的儿子带到耶稣的门徒前寻求医治，但他们医治不得。

2. The Example of Faith 信心之例 (17:17-18)

The disciples’ faithless impotence grieved Jesus deeply, for He had personally chosen, taught and endowed them with unique power and authority. But Jesus would not give in to despair. With His divine authority, He rebuked the demon who had no choice but to come out of the boy.  

门徒无能的小信令耶稣深感悲伤，因为他们都是耶稣亲自拣选、教导，并赐予独特能力和权柄的对象。然而，耶稣不肯就此沮丧。借着祂的神圣权柄，祂斥责了那鬼，使鬼不得不从孩子身上出来。

3. The Power of faith 信心之能 (17:19-20)

The disciples were embarrassed and perplexed with their own failure. As Jesus explained, it was due to their littleness of faith which failed to employ the power available to them. Little faith believes in God when things are going well but withers when circumstances are uncertain or threatening. The mustard seed does not represent littleness of faith, but of persistent faith. Only when small faith grows into great faith can it move mountain-sized difficulties and accomplish great things, therefore nothing shall be impossible, when it is prayed within God’s will.

门徒对于他们的失败感到羞愧与困惑。耶稣解释道，那是因着他们的小信，使之无法施展供予他们的能力。小信之意，就是当一切顺遂时相信神，但若遇到不确定或威胁性的境况，信心就枯萎了。芥菜种代表的不是小信，乃是坚持不懈的信心。唯有当小信长成大信时，它才能排山倒海，铸成大事。因此，当我们按神的旨意祷告时，我们没有一件不能做的事了。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Have you ever come across a situation that makes you so utterly burdened beyond your strength that you despaired of life (2 Cor. 1:8)? Who do you turn to during this moment?

你是否曾遇到令你被压太重，力不能胜，甚至连活命的指望都绝了的时候（林后1:8）？在那时刻，你转向谁呢？

2. Every trial in our life helps us to recognize our weakness and should drive us to God. Pray that we will learn not to rely on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead (2 Cor. 1:9b).

生命中的每一个试炼有助于让我们知道自己的软弱，驱使我们归向神。祈求我们能学习不依靠自己，只靠叫死人复活的神（林后1:9）。

3. Do you trust God in all circumstances, whether blissful or dire? Read Proverbs 3:5-6 again and pray that He will strengthen your faith to trust in His mighty power which can overcome all difficulties.

无论处境是福是祸，你是否都依靠神呢？请再次阅读《箴言》3章5至6节，求神坚固你的信心，叫你相信祂能克服万有的威武权势。

1. The Cause for Faith 信心的需要 (v.22-24)

To prevent people from taking Him by force to be king, Jesus dismissed the crowd, got His disciples into a boat, while He went to the mountain by Himself to pray. While praying, His disciples were rowing “painfully” (cf. Mark 6:48) towards Capernaum in high winds and tossing waves in the Sea of Galilee.

为了避免人强行立祂做王，耶稣解散了人群并让门徒上船，自己就到山上去祷告。在祷告的当儿，祂的门徒正在加利利海中，因风不顺被浪摇撼，“辛苦”地向迦百农划去（参：可6:48）。

2. The Subject of Faith 信心的考验 (v.25-27)

It was only after battling the windstorm all night long (probably nine hours from 6pm to 3am) when Jesus came to His disciples who were fishermen themselves. The darkness without and the fatigue within had prevented them from recognizing Jesus when He appeared. Although Jesus was testing their faith, He understood their frailty. He calmed their fear by simply saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

众门徒原本就是渔夫；而耶稣是在他们历经整夜的风暴后（从下午6时至凌晨3时，约9个小时）才到他们那里。因着四周的黑暗和自身的疲惫，门徒并没有在耶稣出现的时候认出祂。虽然耶稣正在试验他们的信心，但祂也明白门徒的软弱。耶稣仅用了一句话平息他们心中的恐惧：“你们放心！是我，不要怕！”

3. The Object of Faith 信心的对象 (v.28-36)

Peter’s joy was obvious – he wanted to get to His Lord immediately, prompting him to ask Jesus if he could come on water. However, while Peter’s faith was focusing on Jesus he walked on water and when he looked at the environment around him he started to sink. Nonetheless, Jesus held him before he sunk. And just as instantaneously as He got into the boat with Peter, the wind ceased, and they reached where they were going (cf. John 6:21). Knowing who they are faced with, the disciples worshipped Jesus.

彼得的喜悦是毋庸置疑的——他想立即到主那里去，所以问了耶稣他是否能到水面上。当彼得的信心专注在耶稣身上时，他确实能在水面上行走；但当他看着周围的环境时，彼得便开始往下沉。尽管如此，耶稣仍在彼得沉没之前伸手将他拉住。在耶稣与彼得上船的同一刹那，风就平息，船也到达目的地（参：约6:21）。门徒们赫然觉悟耶稣是谁，便俯伏敬拜祂。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Jesus waited for a long time before going to His disciples, just as He waited until Lazarus had been dead for several days before going to Bethany. He sometimes allows people to reach the extremity of need before He intervened, for their good and to the glory of God. Do you complaint when the help is not apparent? Pray that you fully trust in Him and His timing.

耶稣等了一段时间才到门徒那里去，就如祂等拉撒路死了好几天后，才到伯大尼去。为了人的益处和神的荣耀，耶稣有时会等人达到他的极限时才介入。当你看不到帮助时，你是否就开始抱怨了？请祷告你能完全信靠神和祂的时间。

2. When Peter focus on Jesus, he faith is strong. However, when he starts to look around, his faith suffers. Do you have strong faith? Why and why not?

当彼得专注于耶稣时，他的信心是强大的。然而，当他开始环顾四周时，他的信心便受到了影响。你有坚固的信心吗？为什么？

3. The climax of the story is not the stilling of the storm but the worship of the Son of God by the disciples. There is a great contrast between the crowd and the disciples. The crowd rejects him while the disciples worship Him. What about you?

这个故事的高潮并不是风浪的止息，而是门徒对神之子的敬拜。群众和门徒之间有一个巨大的反差——群众拒绝耶稣，门徒却敬拜祂。你呢？