GRACE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP | 恩道堂

1. Jesus’ Desire of Mercy 耶稣怜恤人的渴望 (12:1-8)

Sabbath was unique to the Old Covenant. Its original purpose of rest was perverted by man-made regulations forbidding Sabbath activities. Whilst the disciples’ actions were permissible in Scriptures (cf. Deut. 23:24-25), the legalists charged it sinful. In response, Jesus instructed them on three specific areas that Sabbath was not designed to do: to restrict deeds of necessity (v.3-4, cf. 1 Sam. 21:4), services to God (v.5, cf. Lev. 24:8-9) and acts of mercy (v.7, cf. Hos. 6:6a). Jesus substantiated in v.6-8 His authority to say these things.

安息日是旧约独有的。它的初衷是要人休息，但人却曲解其意，竟在这日禁止所有活动。虽然门徒的行为不违反圣经条规（参：申23:24-25），但律法主义者却指控他们有罪。因此，耶稣教导他们有关安息日不能限制的三个具体活动：一、必要之举（3-4节，参：撒上21:4）；二、对神的侍奉（5节，参：利24:8-9）；三、怜悯之行（7节，参：何6:6）。 在第6至8节中，耶稣显出了祂说话的权柄。

2. Jesus’ Illustration of Mercy 耶稣怜恤人的实例 (12:9-14)

Without waiting for a response, Jesus entered their synagogue to give an illustration. Jesus not only taught doing good on a Sabbath day, He demonstrated it before their eyes. He said to the man who had a withered hand, “Stretch out your hand!” and it was healed.

耶稣没等众人的回应，就先进了他们的会堂举例说明。耶稣不但教导人要在安息日行善，还亲自在他们面前做示范。耶稣对那有一手枯萎的人说：“伸出你的手！”，手就复了原。

3. Jesus, the Servant of Mercy 耶稣—怜恤人的仆人 (12:15-21)

Jesus withdrew because it was not yet time for Him to die on the cross. However, many may wonder why Jesus was acting like a defeated servant if He is the Messiah. Thus, Matthew quoted from Isaiah 42:1-4, assuring us that Jesus is the Messiah chosen by the Father and sent in the Spirit to proclaim the gospel. He is committed to meekness, comforting the weak, and ultimate victory belongs to Him.

耶稣离开那里，因为被钉十架的时候还未到。然而，很多人或许会问，如果耶稣就是弥赛亚，祂为何看来更像是一个被击败的仆人呢？因此，马太引用了《以赛亚书》42章1至4节向我们保证，耶稣就是天父所拣选要在灵里传扬福音的弥赛亚。祂立志要温柔顺谦和、安慰软弱，而最终的胜利是祂的。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. The Lord said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” What do you “bring” to worship God? Are they mere sacrifices of outward actions? Do they include inward mercy that you show to people around you during the week?

主说：“我喜爱怜恤，不喜爱祭祀。”你“拿”什么来敬拜神呢？那祭物是否只属外在行为呢？它是否包括了这一周里，你发自内心向他人所施展的怜恤呢？

2. Do you obey the law logistically and miss the spirit of the law? Examine yourselves and pray to God.

你是否遵从律法，却不知律法的精意呢？请审查自己并向神祷告。

3. Our Lord is a person of tender compassion, who does not break a bruised reed and does not quench a smoldering wick. What about you as his follower?

我们的主满有怜恤——压伤的芦苇，祂不折断；将残的灯火，祂不吹灭。身为祂的门徒，你是否也如此呢？

The events recorded in Matt 12 mark a major turning point in Jesus’ ministry, focusing on the rejection of the Messiah by His own people. Verses 1–21 depict the mounting unbelief of Israel crystalizing into conscious rejection, and verses 22–50 depict the blasphemy that follows the rejection.

第12章所记载的事件是耶稣的事工上一个重要的转捩点，其焦点是弥赛亚被祂自己的子民拒绝了。第1至21节所描绘的是以色列逐渐增加的不信演变成蓄意的拒绝，而第22至50节描绘的是继拒绝后随之而来的亵渎。

1. The Act of Blasphemy 亵渎的行为 (12:22-24)

Jesus healed a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute in front of a multitude. It was undeniable, and people recognized it as a possible messianic sign. The Pharisees were in forceful stubborn denial, attributing it to the power of Satan.

耶稣在众人面前医治了一个被鬼附着、又瞎又哑的人。这是无可否认的神迹，而众人也认识那是弥赛亚其中的一个标志。法利赛人却坚决否定，并将这一切归于撒旦的能力。

2. The Judgment of Blasphemy 亵渎的审判 (12:25-32)

Jesus counters their arguments with 3 points. First, Satan cannot stand if he fights his own. Secondly, Pharisees cannot claim that this act is ungodly if their disciples had participated in it. Third, if this miracle was of God, He had to be the Messiah or they will be judged for their unbelief. An unbeliever who blasphemes God can be forgiven by turning to Him, but an absolute, permanent rejection of Jesus will not be forgiven, bringing about eternal condemnation.

耶稣以三点反驳了他们。首先，若撒旦自相纷争，牠必站立不住。其次，法利赛人不能说这是一个不敬虔的行为，因为他们的子弟也在赶鬼。最后，如果这确实是个神迹，那祂一定就是弥赛亚，而他们将因不信而受到审判。只要一个亵渎神的非信徒人归向耶稣，他就能得赦免；但若一人执意、断定拒绝耶稣，他的罪不会被赦，且将遭到永恒的谴责。

3. The Heart of Blasphemy 亵渎的心 (12:33-37)

The words reflect one’s heart condition. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Jesus said that on judgment day every word will be accounted for.

一个人的话反映了他心里的属灵状态，因心里所充满的，口里就说出来。耶稣说，在审判日那天，人也要凭所说的话被定罪。

1. Blasphemy is knowingly, intentionally and openly speaking evil against God. It is defiant irreverence. Do you harden your hearts against God? This is a serious sin. Please examine yourselves and pray to God.

亵渎是有意识、刻意并公然地毁谤神。这是大胆不敬的挑衅。你是否向神硬着心呢？这是一个严重的罪。请审查自己并向神祷告。

2. The work of the Holy Spirit is to help us understand God (1 Cor. 2:14). Without the Holy Spirit we might speak against Jesus. Although it is a serious sin it can be forgiven by the gracious God. But if we consistently speak against the Holy Spirit who points us to Christ, we will not be forgiven or saved. Pray that your heart will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit when He points us to Christ. When that happens we must response in accepting and obeying Christ.

圣灵的工作是帮助我们了解神（林前2:14）。如果没有圣灵，我们或许会亵渎耶稣。虽然这是一个严重的罪，但神有恩典，可以宽恕这罪。然而，如果我们坚持抵挡那把我们指向耶稣的圣灵，我们将不会被宽恕或得救。请祷告，每当圣灵将我们指向基督时，我们能敏感觉悟。这时候，我们必须接受并顺服基督。

3. The work of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus (John 16:14). When our hearts are filled with adoration and admiration of Jesus Christ, it must be the Holy Spirit who is at work in our hearts. Let us respond with thanksgiving.

圣灵的工作是要荣耀耶稣（约16:14）。当我们的心充满了对耶稣的崇拜和敬仰时，这必是圣灵在我们的心中动工。让我们为此感恩。

1. Rejection 拒绝 (12:38-42)

The scribes and Pharisees came demanding that Jesus prove himself as the Messiah once again. They asked for a sensational celestial sign (cf. 16:1) for the purpose of exposing Him as a blasphemous false teacher. Jesus said that their very request had already proved their rejection of God and the Scripture; He would not bend Himself to satisfy their whims further. Instead, the only sign to be given will be His resurrection three days after His death on the cross. Jesus ended with statements of judgment – they will be condemned for their unbelief, being worse than Gentiles who repented at His message (cf. Jon. 3:5-6; 1 Kings 10:1-13).

文士和法利赛人再次要求耶稣证明自己是弥赛亚。这次，他们要求耶稣显出一个奇特的神迹（参16:1），目的是要揭发祂为一个亵渎神的假教师。耶稣说，他们的请求已经证明了自己是拒绝神和圣经的；祂不会屈身满足此求。反之，他们将得到的唯一迹象是十架死后三日的复活。耶稣以审判之语作总结——他们将因自己的不信而被定罪，因为他们不如那些听了耶稣的话而悔改的外邦人（参：约3:5-6；王上10:1-13）。

2. Reformation 变革 (12:43-45)

The main character here is an unclean spirit who went out of a person. When it cannot find a suitable place it returns to a clean house which suggests that the person is morally upright now. Jesus made it clear that outward morality itself, without turning to God, is in many ways more dangerous than immorality. The temporal freedom from stark sin may drive the man further away from God because he has lifted himself, and is self-righteousness filled with legalism.

这里的主角是一个离了人身的污鬼。当牠无法找到一个可安歇之处时，牠便回到那干净的屋子——这表示那人现在的道德​​是好的。耶稣明确表示，若不归向神，外在的公义比污秽行为更危险。与显明之罪的短暂脱离将使那人更远离神，因为他会抬高自己，并通过律法思想断定自己是个义人。

3. Relationship 关系 (12:46-50)

Reformation is not salvation; salvation brings man into a new and right relationship with God. The arrival of Jesus’ family gave Him the opportunity to illustrate the need for a personal relationship to Him. His half-brothers did not believe in Him then (John 7:5), and by referring to His disciples as His mother and brothers, He invites all who believes in Him into His intimate and divine family.

变革并不是得救；救恩使人与神有一个新的、正确的关系。耶稣家人的到来，给予耶稣机会说明与祂建立个人关系的必要性。那时，祂的弟兄并不相信祂（约7:5）；耶稣指着祂的门徒为自己的母亲和兄弟，借此邀请所有信祂的人加入祂亲密和神圣的家庭。

1. Notice the change of attitude in the people towards Jesus. In the beginning they were curious. This progressed to unbelief and later blasphemy. Now there is outright rejection which will later escalate to a plot to kill him. Notice the progression of heart attitude. It starts from inconsequential change and ultimately leads to heinous sin. Are you watchful over your heart attitude toward Christ?

请注意人们对耶稣态度的转变。起初，他们很好奇；这进而变成不信，最终更是亵渎。我们现在看到的是人公然拒绝耶稣，稍后这将升级为密谋的杀害。请注意其态度的转变。这一切是从无关紧要的变化开始，而最终酝酿成十恶不赦的罪恶。你是否留意自己对基督的心态呢？

2. When the unclean spirit returned to the house, it was cleansed, swept, and put in order. This suggests a genuine moral reformation had taken place. There are no more obvious sins in his life. However, notice the unclean spirit returned to an “empty” house. The word empty refers to an unoccupied house. There is no Lord or master in the house. Do you have Lord or Master in your house?

当污鬼回到屋里时，房子已被打扫干净，修饰好了。这表示真正的道德变革确实已经发生了。这人的生活并没有明显的罪恶。然而，请注意那污鬼回到的是一间“空”的屋子。空是指一个没人居住的屋子，一个没有主人的屋子。你的屋子里是否有主人呢？

1. The Parable 比喻 (13:1-9)

With chapter 13 we reach a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. From this point onward Jesus started to teach in parables. This is because Israel repeatedly rejects Jesus and even called Him Beelzebul, the prince of demons. This is a judgment to those who reject Jesus. Parables are metaphorical narratives designed to teach truths to those who are open to Jesus but alienate those who reject Him (13:10-11).

第13章是耶稣事工的转捩点。从这里开始，耶稣使用比喻来教导人。这是因为以色列不断地拒绝耶稣，甚至称祂为鬼王别西卜。这是对拒绝耶稣之人的审判。比喻是隐喻性的叙述，专为听从耶稣的人说明真理，却孤立凡拒绝祂的人（13:10-11）。

2. The Purpose 目的 (13:10-13)

Parables are used to better express spiritual truths. To the believer, he is privileged to know and understand more truths, especially of things unknown in the OT, i.e. Christ and His gospel unto salvation. To an unbeliever, however, unexplained parables are meant to conceal God’s truth as they had intentionally chosen to ignore God and His Word. This is a judgment for their unbelief.

比喻是用于更好地传达属灵真理。对信徒而言，他是有福的，能够认识和理解更多真理，特别是旧约中尚未知道的事，即基督和祂拯救的福音。对非信徒而言，未经解释的比喻是用于掩盖神的真理，因为他们刻意选择忽视神和祂的话。这是对他们不信的审判。

3. The Punishment 惩罚 (13:14-17)

Teaching in parables is a form of judgment to the unbelievers. Verses 14-15 are taken from Isaiah 6:9–10 to describe the judgment of unbelieving Jews. The people kept on hearing, but they did not understand; and they kept on seeing, but they did not perceive, because they had intentionally closed their eyes and their ears to God and refused to understand with their hearts and return to Him in order for Him to heal them. Because they chose to ignore God and His word, God judicially locked them up in their unbelief so that they would fear His judgment.

使用比喻的教导是对非信徒的审判。第14至15节描述的是对不信之犹太人的审判；此节出自于《以赛亚书》6章9至10节。他们听是要听见，却不明白；看是要看见，却不晓得，因为他们刻意向神闭眼遮耳，不愿用心明白，不愿归向神，让神医治他们。因为他们选择无视神与祂的话，神就使他们坚决不信，叫他们畏惧祂的审判。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Please list down the reason why Jesus teaches in parable. Please read Matt. 13:10-11.

请列下耶稣使用比喻教导人的原因。请仔细阅读《马太福音》13章10至11节。

2. Who does Jesus want to conceal the truth from (Matt. 13:11-12)? Why?

耶稣想要向谁掩盖真理呢（太13:11-12）？为什么？

3. Why is this a judgment (Matt. 13:14-17)? How can we prevent ourselves from committing the sin that deserve this judgment?

为什么这就是审判（太13:14-17）？我们怎能避免自己犯下同样的罪呢？

Disciple-making is central to the mission of the church: bringing men to a saving knowledge of Christ and helping them grow in Christ-likeness (Eph. 4:12). The call to be like Christ, includes being treated like Christ. To people who are seeking God, Christ-likeness is attractive but it is also repulsive to those who reject God. Therefore criticism, abuse, and danger would become frequent companions of the disciples. Jesus repeatedly exhorted them and gave three reasons for His followers not to be afraid.

门徒训练是教会核心的工作，即把人带到耶稣基督面前得蒙救赎，又助他们成长，更像主（弗4:12）。使人更像基督的呼召，也包括接受与基督同受的待遇。对于真正寻求神的人而言，他们会被这品质吸引，但对于拒绝神的人来说，这绝对是可憎的。因此，批评、虐待和危险是门徒常遇见的事，所以耶稣一再告诫他们，并给予三个理由门徒为何无需感到害怕。

1. Vindication by God 受神维护 (10:26-27)

Believers should never be afraid of the world because they know God will one day vindicate them; All truth and goodness and all falsehood and wickedness will be seen for what they really are on the judgment day.

信徒没有必要害怕世界，因为他们知道神有朝一日会为他们辩解；在审判之日，大家都能看清什么是真理和善良，以及谎言和邪恶。

2. Veneration of God 崇敬真神 (10:28)

The harm they do is only temporary. The faithful disciple values his soul immeasurably more than he values his body, and he gladly sacrifice that which is only physical and corruptible for the sake of that which is spiritual and eternal.

他们所能造成的伤害只不过是暂时性的。忠实的门徒重视并爱惜自己的灵魂过于自己的身体；他乐意为属灵、永恒的事牺牲腐败的肉身。

3. Valuation by God 受神重视 (10:29-31)

Jesus assures the twelve and every person who would ever trust in Him, that they are dear to their heavenly Father. With divine intimacy and intensity the Lord loves and cherishes those who belong to Him, and He will not allow any permanent harm come to them.

耶稣向十二使徒和凡相信祂的门徒保证，他们是受到天父的珍爱的。天父怜爱与珍惜凡属祂的人，而祂不会允许任何永久的伤害临到他们的身上。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Godly Christians will face persecution and yet they are no to be fearful. Why (please read 10:26-27)?

虔诚的基督徒必遭到逼迫，但他们无须畏惧。为什么（请查阅10:26-27）？

2. What is more important to you – your physical body or your eternal soul? How can you tell? Who you fear will reveal what you value most (10:28).

什么对你来说更重要——是肉体或永恒的灵魂？你怎么知道呢？你畏惧的对象即能显示你所看重的东西（10:28）。

3. Do you believe in the sovereignty of God? If you really do, you will not be afraid. Next time when you are fearful check your theology (10:29-30).

你是否相信神的主权呢？你若真信，就不会感到害怕。当你再次感到害怕的时候，你要审查自己的神学（10:29-30）。

Jesus finalizes his Mission Discourse by demanding fearless confession in the midst of conflict. And now He gives us the hallmarks of discipleship.

耶稣总结祂的宣教教导时，命令门徒在冲突中不要畏惧陈明自己是信徒。而现在，祂给予我们作门徒的标志。

1. A Disciple Confesses the Lord 门徒承认主 (10:32-33)

A disciple need not be afraid but bravely confess Christ before the world. Confess means to affirm and agree with Jesus. Disciples are not ashamed of Jesus but confess, agree and affirm his allegiance to Jesus.

一个门徒在世人面前无需害怕，但要勇敢地承认基督。承认的意思是肯定与认同耶稣。门徒不以耶稣为耻，而是要承认、认同并肯定他对耶稣的忠诚。

2. A Disciple Love the Lord more than His Family 门徒爱主过于爱自己的家人 (10:34-37)

The Bible teaches Christian is to love his family with self-sacrificing love. Husbands and wives are to love each other and their children with unreserved devotion. Yet God demands us to love Him more than any other earthly relationships.

圣经教导基督徒要以舍己的爱来爱他的家人。丈夫与妻子之间，父母与孩子都当有毫无保留的爱。然而，神要求我们爱祂过于世间所有的亲情。

3. A Disciple Love the Lord more than His Own Life 门徒爱主过于爱自己的生命 (10:38-11:1)

The Love of one’s own life is often the greatest hindrance to full commitment to Christ. Yet Jesus calls His disciples to total self-denial, including, if necessary, sacrifice to the point of death.

爱惜自己的生命往往是人无法完全委身于基督的最大障碍。然而，耶稣要祂的门徒彻底舍了自己，这也包括在必要时，牺牲自己的生命。

4. A Disciple Receives His Reward 门徒必得他的奖赏 (10:40-42)

The person who receives the Son also receives the Father. There is no such thing as believing in God the Father without believing in God the Son.

凡接待圣子的也接待天父。人不能相信天父，却不相信祂的儿子。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Do your friends and co-workers know you are Christians? Why and why not?

你的朋友和同事是否知道你是基督徒呢？为什么？

2. Jesus said that he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. What is hindering you from following Christ?

耶稣说不背起自己的十字架来跟从祂的，也不配属祂。你眼前有什么事物是阻碍你跟随基督的呢？

3. Jesus said you will find life if we lose it for Christ sake (10:39). Are you giving up your life or sacrificing your life for Him?

耶稣说，为祂的缘故失丧生命的，将要得着生命（10:39）。你是否为基督失去或牺牲生命呢？

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。

1. 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。

2. 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

1. 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？

2. At times of doubts what can you do?

当你有疑惑时，你能怎么做？

3. 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？

1. Outstanding Character 非凡的品性 (11:7-8; cf. 11:2-3)

John the Baptist had a zeal for the truth. Instead of protecting himself by concealing his doubts, he did not play the hypocrite, but went to Jesus with his question. He was strong in conviction, not wavering like a reed when shaken by every wind. He also lived a life of self-denial; his lifestyle was a living, visual protest against self-indulgence and the self-serving (cf. Matt. 3:4).

施洗约翰对真理持有热忱。他并不为了保护自己而伪装，隐瞒自己的疑惑，反倒是直接向耶稣提问。他有坚强的信念，不像芦苇那样随风摇摆不定。他也舍了自己——他的生活方式对一个自我放纵和自私的生命是个实际、鲜明的对比（参：太3:4）。

2. Outstanding Calling 非凡的呼召 (11:9-11)

John was both a prophet and the fulfilment of prophecy. He was the Lord’s messenger, not only to prepare His way (Mal. 3:1), but also the one who was to baptize Him. He was the Messiah’s personal herald. Yet, for all the unique greatness of his role in human history, all believers that come after the cross are greater still, because they participate in the full understanding and experience of something John merely foresaw vaguely —the actual atoning work of Christ.

约翰是先知，亦是预言的应验。他是主的使者，不仅要预备主的道路（玛3:1），也要为主洗礼。他是弥赛亚个人的传令者。然而，虽然他在人类历史上有独特、伟大的作为，但仍不比十架后的信徒，因为这些信徒能够充分了解和经历约翰所只能隐约预见的事——基督的救赎工作。

3. Outstanding Life 非凡的生命 (11:12-15)

Wherever John went, his message evoked strong verbal attacks from unbelieving men, which eventually led to his physical death. Everything from the Old Testament until John the Baptist pointed and moved toward Christ, and through the last words of Malachi, God had said that He would send another prophet much like Elijah into Israel (Mal. 4:5-6; cf. Luke 1:17).

无论到哪儿，约翰的信息总是召来不信徒激烈的口头攻击，这也最终导致了他的死亡。从旧约直到施洗约翰为止，一切都是指着、朝向基督的；神也借着《玛拉基书》的最后话语告诉我们，祂必差遣如以利亚的先知到以色列那里去（玛4:5-6；参：路1:17）。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Greatness, in God’s economy, is vastly different from the world’s measure (e.g. intellectual achievement, wealth, power, etc.). Do we want to be great in the sight of God, or of man?

神对“伟大”的定义，与世人截然有别（如：聪明才智、财富、权力，等）。你想作神眼中的伟人，或是世人的呢？

2. Ultimately, true greatness is not to mimic John the Baptist, but to be like Christ. Let us, then, walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called (Eph. 4:1).

最终，模仿施洗约翰并不能使人伟大，要效法的是基督。让我们行事为人要配得上所蒙的召唤（弗4:1）。

3. God called us to go make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19-20). Let us not shrink back in fear when we have the opportunity to share Christ (Acts 4:19).

神要我们去使万民成为祂的门徒（太28:19-20）。当我们有机会分享基督时，让我们不要因害怕而退缩（徒4:19）。

Although Jesus had already established His messianic credentials beyond doubt, most people still refused to accept Him as the Messiah.
虽然耶稣已确切地显明了自己就是弥赛亚，但仍然有许多人拒绝接受这个事实。

1. Unbelieving Criticism 不信者的批评 (11:16-19)

Jesus drew on the example of children who play-acted weddings (dance) and funerals (mourn), and compared that generation to children who refused to be pleased with one or the other. When John the Baptist came neither eating nor drinking they charged that he had a demon. Conversely, when Jesus came eating and drinking they charged him to be a glutton and drunkard. They were intent on opposing.

耶稣引用了孩子们玩耍，扮演婚礼（舞蹈）和葬礼场面（哀悼）的例子，将那一代的人比喻为怎么都不满足的孩子。当施洗约翰来了，不吃也不喝时，他们就说他是被鬼魔附身的。反之，当耶稣来了，也吃也喝，他们就指控祂为贪食好酒的人。他们始终的心意就是对抗。

2. Unbelieving Indifference 不信者的冷漠 (11:21, 23)

In contrast, those living in the three Galilean cities mentioned simply ignored Jesus, though He had performed more miracles in Galilee than in any other place. Their indifference will be judged and their judgment will be harsher than others. Indifference is a heinous form of unbelief.

相比之下，耶稣虽然在这三个加利利城市显出的神迹比其他地方都多，但这些居民却漠不关心。有朝一日，他们将因着自己的冷漠受审判，且审判会比他人更严厉。冷漠是不信的一个可憎的表现。

3. Unbelieving Condemnation 不信者的判罪 (11:20-24)

Jesus makes it clear that there will be degrees of punishment in hell, and the severest punishment will be reserved for those who have received the divine revelation and been the most religious and outwardly upright yet did not repent inwardly. The people of Capernaum never persecuted or criticized Jesus yet their sin was worse. Theirs was not the sin of violence or immorality but of indifference.

耶稣明确地指出地狱将会有不同程度的刑罚，而将受到最严厉的惩罚之人，莫过于那些已领受神的启示，外在显得非常正直、虔诚，但内心却没有悔改的人。迦百农人虽从未逼迫或批评耶稣，但他们的罪愆更重。他们犯下的不是暴力或不道德的罪行，而是冷漠之罪。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. What is your response to Jesus in the light of His truth? Do you come to Him in repentance, or reject Him either through criticism or indifference?

在真理的光照之下，你对耶稣的回应是什么？你是以悔改之心朝见祂，还是借着批评或冷漠拒绝祂呢？

2. “For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Ps. 51:16-17). Is your repentance an outward act, or an inward cry?

“因为你不喜爱祭物；我就是献上燔祭，你也不喜悦。神所要的祭，就是破碎的灵；神啊！破碎痛悔的心，你必不轻看。”（诗51:16-17）。你的忏悔是否仅是个外在行为，还是内心的哭求呢？

3. “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” (Heb. 2:3). May we examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith, lest we fall into the judgment hand of God.

“如果我们忽略了这么大的救恩，怎么能逃罪呢？”（希2:3）。让我们总要自己省察有信心没有，免得遭到神的审判。

1. Parallel Example (Analogy) 平行的例子（比喻）(10:16)

Jesus sent the apostles into the lost are parallel to sending the sheep into the wolves. Sheep are perhaps the most dependent, helpless of all domesticated animals. And when real danger does come, they have no natural defense. So Jesus instructs them to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. In Egyptian hieroglyphics, as well as in much ancient lore, serpents symbolize wisdom and doves, the most harmless and gentle of birds, represent being pure.

耶稣差遣使徒到迷失之人的群众之中，好比将羊送入狼群一样。绵羊也许是最依赖于他人、最无助的家畜。面临危险时，它们也没有什么自然防卫的方法。所以耶稣教导他们要像蛇那样聪明，像鸽子那样纯洁。在埃及象形文字里，以及许多古老的传说，蛇象征智慧，而鸽子——最无害与温柔的鸟——象征纯净。

2. Persecution 逼迫 (10:17-18)

Jesus proceeds to identify the “wolves” as men who oppose God and His kingdom. Satan will enlist the support of every unbeliever possible in his fight against God. They can be religion, government, family, and society in general. The world system, of which every unbeliever is a part, is diametrically opposed to Christ, His people, and His kingdom. Beware of these opponents, be on guard, be watchful, be perceptive. Jesus’ purpose in this text was to caution the apostles, and all of His people, not to be surprised when they are criticized, ostracized, and even imprisoned and out to death for His sake.

耶稣接着指出，凡抵挡神与祂国度的人就是“狼”。撒旦将号召每一个非信徒的支持协助牠对抗神。他们可以是宗教、政府、家庭和社会大众。每一个非信徒都属撒旦所统治的世界，而他们是与基督、基督之子，以及祂的王度直接作对的。对于这些敌人，我们要当心、时时谨慎、保持警惕、存洞察力。耶稣在这里是要提醒众使徒，以及凡属祂的子民，当他们因耶稣的缘故而遭到批评、排斥、甚至被监禁和处死时，都不应感到惊奇。

3. Promise 应许 (10:19-23)

Those suffering for Christ will be defended by Christ. Furthermore God will give them a special presence of mind and clarity of thought to present a testimony more powerful than they would otherwise have been able to give.

基督将维护凡因祂缘故而受苦的人。再者，神会给予他们一个特殊的思维和清晰的思路，向众人呈现一个比他们自己所能给的还要有力的见证。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. As Jesus sent the twelve to preach the gospel, He described them as sheep in the midst of wolves. Men called by God to preach the gospel are like sheep in the midst of wolves. They are not able to defend themselves, they need God’s protection. Do you pray for your pastors and missionaries?

当耶稣差遣十二个使徒去传福音时，祂形容这如同羊进入狼群一样。凡神所呼召去传福音的人，就如羊进入狼群似的。他们无法保护自己，急需神的看顾。你是否为你的牧师和宣教士祷告呢？

2. Satan is very busy attacking God’s church and God’s people. Are you instruments of Satan or instruments of God? Are you building up the church or tearing down the church?

撒旦极为忙着攻击神的教会和祂的子民。你是否是撒旦的工具，还是神的工具呢？你在造就教会，还是在拆毁教会呢？

3. The Bible says, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2Tim. 3:12). Are you prepared to face persecution?

圣经说：“其实，所有想要在基督耶稣里过敬神生活的，也都会受到逼迫”（提后 3:12）。你是否做好面对逼迫的准备呢？