马太福音

Day 1

第1日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Matthew 9:1–13

As each Gospel writer is inspired to put a slightly different emphasis on certain events, we find that Matthew skips the more graphic details of the opening up of the roof, but focuses on the exchange between Jesus and the scribes in this town of Capernaum. It is now called Jesus’ own town and He has chosen it to be His base of ministry:

1. Why did Jesus tell the paralytic to “take heart”? Why was his heart being weighed down?

2. Why did Jesus charge the scribes as having “evil thoughts”?

3. Compare the two acts – the healing of the paralytic and the forgiveness of his sin:
a. Which is easier to say?

b. Which is easier to actually perform? (Can God forgive just anyone? What is His basis for forgiveness? See 1 Jn. 1:9.)
4. Why could the power to heal prove Jesus’ authority to forgive?

5. What does Matthew aim to tell us about Jesus in this miracle?

6. From this account about Matthew himself, can you describe the kind of life a tax collector might have? Take time to think of someone that you know who might live a life quite similar to that of Matthew. How hard might it be for that person to become a Christian? Why?

7. Why then would he follow Jesus immediately upon being called?

8. What did Matthew do right after he became Jesus’ disciple? Why did he not cut off all ties with friends of his former circle? (Many commentators tell us that the term, sinners, refers to prostitutes).

9. Ask yourself, if you were one of the Pharisees would you feel comfortable about Matthew and his circle of friends and their lifestyle? Would you also wonder why Jesus would willingly be part of such a dinner?

10. As a Christian, what might be the kind of people with whom you will not feel comfortable in associating?

11. Mull over the reply Jesus gave in v. 12-13. How should it affect your attitude toward reaching people who might make Christians uncomfortable?

12. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

經文默想
馬太福音9:1-13

本週我們繼續研讀馬太福音。請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反復思考問題

在聖靈感動之下,每個寫福音書的作者在記述同一事件時,往往有不同的著重點。馬太在此,不記述癱子的朋友如何把他由屋頂縋下,祇放重點在文士們的惡念,並稱迦百農為耶穌的城(祂現以此為基地)

(1) 為何主叫癱子「放心」。他的心放不下的是什麼?

(2) 為何耶穌指文士們心中有「惡念」?

(3) 醫治癱子和赦罪兩樣事情:

a. 那一樣是容易說出來的?

b. 那一樣是實際上較難行出來的?(神是否可隨意赦罪?參約壹1:9)

(4) 為何醫好癱子能證明耶穌有赦罪的權柄?

(5) 馬太藉著記述這神蹟要我們認識什麼?

(6) 馬太現在親述蒙恩的經歷。你對當時作稅吏的人有多少認識?你能聯想到有像稅吏般生活的親友嗎?這親友悔改信主的機會大嗎?為什麼?

(7) 為何馬太會如此就跟隨了耶穌?

(8) 馬太一作了耶穌的門徒,跟著就作了什麼事?為何他不立刻遠離舊日的損友?(解經家告訴我們,「罪人」多指娼妓。)

(9) 如果你是法利賽人,你會與稅吏和娼妓來往飲宴嗎?你會同樣的不大讚同耶穌與他們飲宴嗎?

(10) 作為基督徒,與那一類人飯宴是會叫你感到不太平安的呢?

(11) 細思主耶穌在第12-13節的話;你應怎樣回應?

(12) 今天你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣應用在你的生命中?

Meditative Reflection
Friends of Sinners

It is not uncommon for Christians who wear their faith on their sleeves to come across friends or acquaintances who are of a rather worldly type and who feel uncomfortable in their presence. You might have even heard them say, “I guess I should not swear now that he (or she) is here.” You might take it as a compliment and rightly so, as long as it does not also steer them away from you.

I have an acquaintance who is exactly of this worldly kind — he works in the service industry and is a gambler and a swearer. When he came to know that I was a pastor, he felt somewhat uncomfortable with me. Then because of work, he could not avoid my presence and had to interact with me. Given time, he felt more comfortable with me, and at times, uttered a few words of obscenity which is part of his vocabulary. But one day, he made a comment out of nowhere: “You are really a kind person; you speak to people in such a fatherly gentleness.”

As light and salt for the Lord, our very presence and our life may make others uncomfortable, but I do not believe who we are as Christians will necessarily alienate us from non-Christians. Yes, we do not compromise our integrity and godliness (e.g. I do not gamble with this acquaintance of mine) and this will necessarily create a gap between us. But our gap can be bridged by our love, given time.

This reminds me of a Christian who had a very poor relationship with her mother-in-law. As in most cases, both had contributed to the poor relationship. But this Christian earnestly prayed for a chance to reconcile, and it appeared that whatever she did was not good enough in the eyes of her mother-in-law, until one day, her mother-in-law fell ill with a serious sickness. As she sacrificially cared for her, without a word of complaint over a long period of time, she was so happy to tell me one day that her mother-in-law had reconciled with her. Love does bridge the gap of differences.

靈修默想小篇
罪人的朋友

我們稍為公開的顯示基督徒身份的人,都可能遇到一些較為世俗的朋友,對我們感到不大舒服。他們往往在我們面前會這樣說:「嘩,我要小心,不要說污言穢語了」。這是好的,祇要他們不會因此對我們敬而遠之。

我認識一個人,就是愛說粗言的,也愛賭博和喝酒。他知道我是牧者後,對著我似乎感到有點的不安。但因他是從事服務行業的,不能不接觸我。在接觸較多時,他有時仍禁不住衝口而出一兩句粗言。有一天,不知何故,他對我說:『你真是很慈祥,對人說話像父親那樣溫柔。』

作為光與鹽,我們的生命或許會叫世人感到不安,但我覺得我們不一定要叫世人對我們抗拒祇要他們不會因此對我們敬而遠之。對,我們要持守基督徒的見證(像上述的朋友,他知道我不會與他賭錢或說粗言),這樣當然就叫我們與世人產生一定程度的隔離,但這隔離是可以給「愛」所填補的。

這使我想起一個姊妹給我的分享。有一次,我在講道中就提到這方面,她聽完後就告訴我,原來她與奶奶(即丈夫的母親) 有多年不和的關係。她承認自己也有錯。聖靈感動她要與奶奶修好。誰知不管她如何的努力,仍不能討好奶奶。但神是聽禱告的,就在奶奶一次的重病時,她就悉心的、犧牲的去盡心照顧她。最後,她的奶奶告訴她,她實在知道這媳婦是愛她的。是的,愛是能填補我們與別人的阻隔的。

Day 2

第2日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Matthew 9:14–26

1. In vv. 16-17, read carefully the parable of a new (unshrunk) cloth on old garment, and new wine in an old wine skin. What then does Jesus refer to as an old garment or an old wine skin? What then is the new patch or new wine?

2. Now if Jesus represents the new, in what sense is it (He) new?

3. Now if the Law of Moses is old, then in what sense is the Law old?

4. Refer to vv. 14-15 (on the issue of fasting). Why is fasting in the presence of Jesus like mixing the old with the new?

5. Jesus did leave them for a while, but now the Holy Spirit has come and dwells in each believer. Has fasting then become “new” again, or does it remain (part of the) “old”? What was the purpose of fasting by the disciples of John and the Pharisees that made it “old”?

6. Based on what you have read so far in Matthew, how did the rulers of the synagogue view Jesus? Why then did this ruler choose to fall at Jesus’ feet?

7. Why did Jesus choose to revive the little girl only in the presence of a few disciples and the parents? Why would He exclude the wailing crowd from this?

8. What would be the physical condition of a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years? (See Lev. 15:19-24.)

9. Apart from her health problem, try to describe her other conditions, physical, emotional and spiritual (i.e. attitude toward God).

10. Jesus said the same to the woman, as He did the paralytic, “Take heart”. What was He trying to say to the woman?

11. Is there anything that is weighing you down today? Can you hear Jesus say “take heart” to you today?

12. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

經文默想
馬太福音9:14-26

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反復思考問題

(1) 細思第16-17節有關新舊難合的話。舊衣與舊皮袋是指什麼?新布與新皮袋又是指什麼?

(2) 如果耶穌是代表新的,這「新」是什麼意思?

(3) 如果摩西的律法是代表舊的,這「舊」是什麼意思?

(4) 應用在第14-15節所談的禁食上,為何與主同在而禁食,是如新布補舊衣,或新酒倒在舊皮袋中?

(5) 耶穌確已離世升天,但有聖靈內住在信的人心中;是否禁食也變成新了,還是仍屬舊的呢?約翰的門徒與法利賽人禁食的原因是什麼?

(6) 我們已讀了馬太的記述超過八章,我們知道這些宗教領袖對耶穌抱著什麼態度嗎?既是這樣,這管會堂的為何會向祂跪拜?

(7) 為何主耶穌祇在孩子的父母和數門徒面前救活這女孩?為何祂將其他人攆出去?

(8) 至於那患血漏十二年之久的女人,你可以想像到她身、心、靈(對神的態度)的境況嗎?(可參利15:19-24)

(9) 耶穌在此,同樣的叫這女子「放心」;這是什麼意思?

(10) 今天你可有放不下的東西嗎?你聽到主同樣的告訴你「放心」嗎?

Meditative Reflection
Take Heart

I really find it comforting that in both the healing of the paralytic and the healing of the bleeding woman in Matthew 9, Jesus preceded his healing with the words, “Take heart”.

It is easier to understand what has weighed down the woman who has been bleeding for 12 years — the constant dizziness and weakness, the ceremonial uncleanness — all caused the woman not to have a life at all (not to mention that in Mk. 5, we learn that she has spent all her money on doctors!) She has been weighed down physically, emotionally and spiritually as well (she was considered unclean to men and God).

But we know less about the paralytic, except in Mark 2 where we learn that he had four good friends who helped lower him down from the roof because of the crowd. But in this case, Jesus gave him the reason for him to “take heart”. It was because his “sins are forgiven.”

Indeed, the only thing that should weigh us down is sin. The woman might have her weight of ill health lifted with her healing, but there are plenty of worries in life awaiting her. The same with the paralytic—his weight of not being mobile and permanent dependency on others might be lifted by his healing, but there will be many challenges in life awaiting him as well.

But if our relationship with God is restored, we shall be able to enjoy peace that transcends all understanding. (Phil. 4:7)

靈修默想小篇
放心

在馬太福音第9章中,我特別留意到耶穌兩次在醫治人之前說:「放心」。換句話來說,那二人的心境是沉重的。

患了12年血漏的困境是較為容易領會的。不是嗎?因貧血而引至的頭暈、無力是可以想像得到的;再加上有律法上被視為的不潔,就實際上奪去了她的人生(馬可福音第5章更告訴我們她花盡了所有的,也求醫無效。) 她真是受盡了肉體和心靈的折磨;不曉得她有否對神抱怨呢?

不過,我們對那癱子的認識就較少,除了從馬可福音第二章知道他有幾個好朋把他從屋頂縋下。不過,主耶穌在此清楚的告訴他,能放心的原因是他的罪得赦了 (9:2)

是的,真正叫我們心靈被重壓的是我們的罪。血漏的婦人當然因得醫治而重獲新生,但她仍會面對人生不少的憂慮和重擔。癱子得醫治後固然能行,但人生不少的挑戰在等待他呢!

人的罪得赦,與神和好,卻能叫他在基督耶穌裡,得享受「出人意外的平安」 (4:7)

Day 3

第3日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Matthew 9:27–38

1. Why did Jesus choose to heal the two blind men only when He had gone inside the house? Did it have anything to do with Matthew’s comment in v. 26 and v. 31?

2. What does it say to us about the focus of Jesus?

3. Why did Jesus ask if they believed? And what is meant by, “According to your faith will it be done to you”?

4. Are you exercising faith as you face your challenges in life?

5. Matthew is recounting Jesus’ ministry on earth, and he describes it geographically — “went through all the towns or villages (of Galilee).” What does it mean to you?

6. He also describes it sequentially: teaching, preaching and healing. What kind of a model did Jesus set in terms of evangelism?

7. Behind His activities (or ministries), Matthew describes also His heart:
a. What did Jesus see in these people and what does it mean?

b. What does this say about the people of today?

c. What is the motive behind His ministry?

d. What can we learn, then from Jesus, when it comes to our sharing of the gospel?
8. Has what Jesus said in v. 37 changed much? Does the problem remain the same, or has it worsened? Why?

9. What would you have expected Jesus to say to the disciples given the situation (of shortage of workers)?

10. Why then did He urge the disciples to ask the Lord of Harvest (i.e. pray about the situation) instead?

11. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

經文默想
馬太福音9:27-38

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反復思考問題

(1) 為何主耶穌要進了房子後才醫治這兩個瞎子呢?與馬太在第2631節所言有關嗎?這與主耶穌的優先次序有關嗎?

(2) 主為何先問他們信祂能作這事嗎?「照著你們的信給你們成全」是什麼意思?

(3) 馬太提到主「走遍(加利利的)各城各鄉」有什麼意思?

(4) 馬太在第35節講述耶穌所作的。這樣給予我們什麼榜樣?你以為馬太所列的是有先後、輕重的意味嗎?

(5) 馬太繼而把主耶穌的心境道出:

a. 耶穌所看到的是什麼人群?

b. 為何如羊無牧人會叫他們困苦流離呢?

c. 這形容適用於現今世代的人嗎?

d. 為何以「莊稼」來形容他們?

(6) 耶穌在第37節提出的情況到現今有改變嗎?這情況是否變得更差呢?為什麼?

(7) 在耶穌提出時的情況底下,你以為耶穌會怎樣吩咐門徒?

(8) 為何耶穌卻敦促門徒當祈求莊稼的主打發工人收莊稼呢?

(9) 今天你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣應用在你的生命中?

Meditative Reflection
Short-term Mission

As much as many short-term mission trips have changed their focus these days, short-term missionaries are a mighty army that God has raised in these days to penetrate through many regions not open to conventional missionaries.

When I say that their focus has changed, I am referring to the change from direct sharing of the gospel to merely pre-evangelistic work of cultural exchange, friendship building or service-oriented projects. Some of these changes are justified in that in regions hostile to Christianity, this is not only a prudent way but, in some cases, the only way they could have contact with Christianity.

However, in regions not hostile to the gospel, service-oriented only projects only serve to smooth the egos of believers, making them feel good about themselves. Whether in hostile or non-hostile regions, the eventual goal of any short-term mission should be the saving of souls. As much as pre-evangelistic missions are necessary, if such remain at a purely pre-evangelistic level year after year, a re-thinking or reassessment is in order.

靈修默想小篇
短宣

雖然不少的短期宣教事工已改變了宗旨,卻沒有減低神在過去二十多年重用這些短期的宣教工作,特別在傳統的宣教士不能再進入的地方。

當我說不少的短期宣教事工已改變了宗旨,我是指由直接傳福音的宗旨改變為祇作福音豫工性質的短宣:著重在建立關係,文化或學術的交流,或純粹以服務為主的短宣。在某些敵視基督教的地區,這不但是智慧之舉,更可能是惟一能叫當地人接觸到基督教信仰的方法。

但在一些根本上是可以自由的分享福音的地區,單以服務為主的「短宣」則祇會叫參與者自覺快慰而已。不論是否在對福音有敵視的地區,短宣得稱為宣教事工,一定要以拯救靈魂為最終的目的。雖然福音豫工有其需要,但若果年復年都祇停在豫工之層面,這事工是有檢討的需要的。

Day 4

第4日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Matthew 10:1–20

1. Read this passage carefully. Do you get a sense that this was a message just for their immediate assignment or for the longer term? Why?

2. If you were one of the Twelve, and were given such authority, how would you feel? But with respect to the preaching part, were they “qualified” to preach? How much did they know? Did it really matter?

3. What might be the reasons for reaching the Jews only, and not the Gentiles, not even the Samaritans? Do you think this particular instruction affected how they perceived the Great Commission in the early part of the Book of Acts?

4. Jesus was very specific in His instructions of not taking anything for the journey. Should this principle be applied to us today?

5. What about the instruction to stay in one house (instead of moving around)? What was the purpose of such an instruction?

6. Was the shaking of dust too harsh a treatment against those who rejected them? Why or why not? What was the message here?

7. Did the Twelve include Judas? How then could he also perform miracles?

8. Why would Jesus describe such a mission as one of sending sheep among wolves? What is then the message of being shrewd and yet innocent? What does it mean?

9. What is the context within which the promise of the Spirit speaking through them is given?

10. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

經文默想
馬太福音10:1-20

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反復思考問題

(1) 請細讀這段經文。你以為耶穌是單指這一次的差遣而說這些話嗎?為什麼?

(2) 如果你是門徒之一,目睹耶穌所行的,如今竟然被給予同一權柄,你會有什麼感受?但也要傳道:他們知道的有多少?如何去傳?

(3) 為何主吩咐他們祇到以色列家?你以為這次的吩咐對日後領受大使命時(見徒1:8)有何影響?

(4) 耶穌為何叫他們什麼也不用攜帶?對我們有什麼提醒?

(5) 為何吩咐他們祇住在一家人中,直到離開為止?原因何在?

(6) 把腳上塵土跺下是否太絕?所要表明的是什麼信息?

(7) 十二人中有包括猶大嗎?他也能行神蹟嗎?

(8) 為何耶穌形容他們是如羊進狼群?他們為何要靈巧?在靈巧中,如何又能保持馴良呢?

(9) 「到那時候,必賜……當說的話」,是指那時候?我們是否就不用熟讀、通曉聖經就可以為主作見證?

(10) 今天你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣應用在你的生命中?

Meditative Reflection
A Faith Ministry

Most Christian para-church ministries will describe themselves as ministries of faith, meaning that they believe that their ministries are in response to the calling of God and as such they are committed to depend on God for their financial resources. Such an understanding is absolutely biblical — biblical in terms of both the teachings and examples taught in the Scripture.

But a more detailed look at the teachings and examples from the Scripture in this respect will point us even more directly to the ministers themselves in the first place. Abraham obeyed the call of God to uproot and he embarked on a journey marked by faith (Gen. 12). Elijah obeyed the call of God to flee to Kerith and he lived by faith (1 Ki. 17). And, Jesus called His disciples and they obeyed and lived by faith (Matt. 10).

However, modern-day theology in the West downplays the essence of faith in being a minister of the gospel in the guise of financial prudence. I am not advocating that the church should not look after their pastors responsibly, nor that the pastor can ruthlessly and irresponsibly plunge the church into a financial crisis in the guise of faith. But the fact remains, if a ministry is of God, He will hold Himself responsible, and if a minister is called by God, one of the tests of his or her calling is whether God will provide for their financial needs. God does not change and neither will His Word.

This is why when a student intern who had a clear sense of calling into full-time ministry chose to live on student-loans as he quit his job and entered into seminary, I strongly advised him against it. If God had called him into full-time ministry, He would have provided all that he needed (not all that he wanted though). If he could not trust God to provide for his needs while he was still single, how could he trust God to provide when he has a family? How can he teach the people to trust in God when he pastors a church?

I know that by ourselves we will not have faith — enough to embark on a journey like Abraham or Elijah, but I do trust that if God is the one who calls, He will also grant us faith — enough to finish the mission He entrusts to us.

靈修默想小篇
信心的事奉!

絕大部份的福音機構都自稱為「信心的事工」,意思是指出自己是因回應神的呼召而產生的事工,是以信靠神的供應來事奉的。這個宗旨絕對合乎聖經的教導和榜樣。

不過按聖經的教導和記載,運用「信心」的要求更是指著神的僕人而說的。亞伯拉罕蒙神的呼召,整家的遷移,踏上信心的旅程 (12) 以利亞服從神的吩咐,逃到基立溪旁,靠信心而活 (王上17) 耶穌更清楚的吩咐門徒要過信心的傳道生活 (10)

但今日的神學教導往往以「責任感」為招子,不重視傳道者要過信心的生活。不是說教會要苦待牧者,要他過信心的生活;也不是說牧者可以任意妄為,以信心為藉口,把教會陷於經濟的危機。但若然一個事工是出於神,祂一定會負責任的;一個傳道者的呼召是出於神,祂一定會供應的。神是沒有改變的,祂的話語也是不改變的。

所以,當一個神學生在清楚了神的呼召,放下事業到神學院進修時,卻要申請貸款,我就勸阻他。若他真的蒙神呼召,祂豈不會供應他一切所需嗎?(當然不等如供應他一切所求的!) 若果,一開始就信不過神,他日有家庭的負累時,就更難信靠了;何況,他日作教會的牧者,如何能教導會眾過信心的生活呢?

我自知憑自己是沒有像亞伯拉罕和以利亞般的信心,但那呼召的既然是同一位神,祂會賜我們足夠的信心能走得上這信心的旅程的。

Day 5

第5日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Matthew 10:21–42

In sending the Twelve to preach the good news of the Kingdom, Jesus appears to be giving instructions beyond the immediate tasks and foretells of persecution that will be suffered because of Him. (10:22)

1. Vv. 21-23: The Severity
a. How severe will the persecution be? Can you recall present or recent event(s) in history that echoes its severity?

b. Why would people react so violently to the gospel?

c. While Jesus urges us to stand firm, but He also advises us to flee. Why? Does v. 23 give us a clue?

d. According to R.T. France, “The Son of Man comes” appears to be “an echo of Daniel 7:13 which does not speak of the ‘son of man’ coming to earth, but rather [of His] coming to God to receive authority.” (TNTC, Matthew, 184) What then is the core message of this encouragement?
2. Vv. 24-25: It comes with the territory.
a. Have you ever taken this meaning of following Christ seriously?  Why or why not?
3. Vv. 26-31: “Do not be afraid”—this segment begins and ends with this same encouragement.
a. Reason #1: Nothing will be hidden —The message appears to be that if you do not preach, the message will still be made known.

b. Reason #2: Our soul cannot be killed — Only God can kill both body and soul; our persecutors cannot, Satan included!

c. Reason #3: Even our body is precious to Him — more precious than sparrows.
Which of the above reasons is most helpful so that you will “not be afraid” of persecution?

4. Vv. 32-39: A choice that we must make:
a. Vv. 32-33: to acknowledge Him or not to

b. Vv. 34-38: a sword before peace

c. Vv. 39: which life to choose
For disciples of the first several centuries and for today’s Christians in hostile regions, these tests are real. What then would be the reason that they will acknowledge Christ till the end? For most modern-day Christians, we do not have to face severe persecution, how then can we make known our choice to God and to the world?
5. Vv. 40-42: The reward
a. Why does Jesus call His disciples, “the little ones”?

b. In using a cup of cold water, how does Jesus clarify the meaning of “receive” in this context?
6. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?


經文默想
馬太福音10:21-42

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反復思考問題

耶穌在此所吩咐門徒的顯然是超越目前的「短宣」差遣,而是指門徒繼續因祂的原故要受的逼迫:

(1) 21-23節:逼迫的厲害

a. 耶穌所預言的逼迫有多厲害?在歷史上有那些時刻或地區曾經(或仍) 出現過?

b. 為何人要如此痛恨福音?

c. 為什麼一方面要我們忍耐;另一方面叫我們逃跑?與第23節的末了有關嗎?

d. 按解經家R.T. France說:「人子到」這句話是回應但以理書7:13之人子在神面前得權柄的時刻 (TNTC, Matthew, 184) 。不論所指是那時刻,這句話如何成為我們在逼迫中的鼓勵呢?

(2) 24-25節:跟隨主的必然

你有否認真的思想和接受這段有關跟隨主必然的事實?

(3) 26-31節:「不要() 怕」是這小段重複的要點

a. 原因一:沒有能被掩蓋(禁止)意味著,如果我們不傳,福音總會被傳過

b. 原因二:無人(包括撒但)能滅靈魂,除神以外

c. 原因三:甚至身體也是神所寶貴的,比飛鳥還貴重。

這三個原因的總意是什麼?那一個對你在逼迫中最能給你鼓勵?

(4) 32-39節:必作的選擇

a. 32-33: 認主與否?

b. 34-38: 愛主勝過一切?

c. 39: 那個生命?

從第一世紀至今,在逼迫中的信徒都要作這些選擇。是什麼叫他們認主到底?

至於我們今天大部份不用受太厲害逼迫的信徒,我們可以怎樣表明我們的選擇?

(5) 40-42節:賞賜

a. 為何主耶穌稱門徒為「小子」?

b. 從「一杯涼水」,我們可以明白「接待」是什麼意思嗎?

(6) 今日你得到的主要信息是什麼?

Meditative Reflection
Martyrdom

It is all too easy to consign the age of the martyrs, the church of the martyrs, to the past, to that period of time with its gladiatorial contests and amphitheatre sports, which came to a conclusion around the beginning of the fourth century. The term ‘martyr’ has come to refer to only this period. But as we all must know and recognize, martyrdom did not suddenly cease in the fourth century. In our own times the mention of but two names must serve to remind us that the twentieth century is a century of martyrdom, an age of martyrs just as that past age was. For many Anglicans the vicious death of Archbishop Janani Luwum, during the ghastly period when Amin was president of Uganda, brought home the fact that Christian believing and commitment can still lead to murder and death. Likewise, in Central America, the sudden shooting down of Archbishop Oscar Romero in his own church as he celebrated Eucharist brought shock and sadness to many Roman Catholics and other Christians.

These two deaths focus only on what is presently happening in this century of the church’s existence. It is no more nor less than what happened in the first four centuries or indeed in any age — The fact is, there are many people in our world who have given their lives unto death for the sake of Jesus Christ and his gospel. We live in an age of martyrdom; for those of us who live in areas where our profession of faith is not a direct threat to our lives, we should do well to reflect that within the same family and fellowship — that body of believers throughout the world — there are those who face such a possibility daily.

(Source: David Hope, Friendship with God)

靈修默想小篇
殉道

我們很容易把殉道的時代或殉道的教會限於早期的教會時代,即羅馬鬥獸場的時代,以第四世紀之始為終。我們對殉道的意識就止此而已。但我們需要知道殉道的時代不是到了第四世紀就突然停止了;我祇須提兩個名字,就足夠提醒我們這二十世紀,像以往一樣,仍是殉道的時代。對不少的聖公會的信徒,一提到Janani Luwum主教死在烏干達狂人亞敏手下,他們會明白到信從基督今天仍會帶來被殺與死亡。同樣在中美洲,Oscar Romero主教在教堂中主領聖餐時被開槍殺死,也震撼了整個天主教和其他基督徒。

這二人在這時代的殉道正刻劃了今天世上仍有很多人正為耶穌基督和祂的福音賠上了生命,一如教會在最初四個世紀一樣。我們正活在殉道的時代--我們這些活在不用因信仰被仇視地區的人,要意識到我們與那些活在殉道的陰影下的信徒是同屬於一個家,一個團契的。

(譯自David Hope, Friendship with God)

Day 6

第6日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Matthew 11:1–19

1. John was born for the mission of the one preparing the way of the Messiah (11:10); he witnessed the testimony of the Father and the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ baptism and he publicly declared Him as the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29-34). Why did he doubt that Jesus was the Messiah now? What had changed?

2. Jesus used Isaiah’s prophecy, but not entirely, about Himself (61:1-3; 35:5-6) in His reply to John. What was missing that would be very personal to John’s immediate situation and which might have caused John to “fall away” and doubt?

3. Jesus appears to be using three distinct phases to refer to the advancement of the Kingdom:

(i) the days of the prophets to John,
(ii) from John till now (John’s baptism of repentance) and
(iii) from Jesus onward.
a. What are the roles of the three phases?

b. What role did John the Baptist play that made him the greatest “among those born of women”? In what sense was he the “greatest”?

c. The third phase is distinctly different from the two earlier phases which were in preparation for it. Why is it then that “he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John?” In what sense is that one “greater”?

d. In vv. 7-9, what did Jesus present John as - a gentle or forceful person?

e. How different was Jesus from John? How might this difference have caused John to doubt?
4. Jesus contrasted the wisdom of the generation then with His wisdom and that of John. With these words, did Jesus approve or disapprove of John and his ministry? Why?

5. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

經文默想
馬太福音11:1-19

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反復思考問題

(1) 約翰是為在主前面豫備道路而生的(11:10) 。他親眼目睹聖父與聖靈在耶穌受洗時所作的見證,他更公開為主作見證,稱祂為神的羔羊(1:29-34) 。為何現在竟會對祂產生懷疑?其中起了什麼改變呢?

(2) 耶穌基本上用以賽亞的預言作回答(61:1-3; 35: 5-6) ,但略去一些不提。試看看祂略去什麼是對約翰的處境有關的,以至可能叫他有所懷疑?

(3) 耶穌似乎把天國的拓展分三個時刻:(i) 由先知到約翰,(ii) 由約翰到耶穌,(iii) 由耶穌開始:

a. 這三個時刻或人物的角色有何不同?

b. 約翰扮演什麼角色以使他成為「凡婦人所生的」最大呢?

c. 耶穌在第7-9節怎樣形容約翰:是柔弱或是堅強的人?

d. 耶穌與約翰在形象上有何分別?

e. 耶穌形容約翰為大,是以「凡婦人所生的」而言;屬天國的是要從什麼生的呢?(3:6)

(4) 耶穌慨嘆這世代的不信,針對他們對自己和約翰判斷的錯誤。這番話是否定還是肯定約翰和他的工作呢?

(5) 耶穌為何以智慧作這段的判語?

(6) 今日你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣應用在你的生命中?

Meditative Reflection
Different Roles for the Kingdom of God

In Matthew 11:16-19, Jesus ends His comments about John the Baptist with words of rebuke to the generation then, for they had rejected both the ascetic and forceful ministry of John and the celebrative and gentle ministry of Jesus. In so doing, Jesus is not only chastising the people, but also affirming both John's ministry and His, even though John's ministry differed from His by filling a preparatory role for Jesus.

However, it remains a rather shocking thing that John would doubt that Jesus was the Messiah, at a time like this. His own miraculous birth and commissioning, the testimony of his own mother, Elizabeth, the testimony he himself witnessed of the Father and of the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ baptism, all led him to affirm and publicly declare Jesus as the Lamb of God.

How then would he end up doubting Jesus when he was in prison? Some scholars opine that it was Jesus’ celebratory lifestyle that caused him to doubt. John was too austere a person to comprehend a Messiah who would not fast. In fact, Jesus did fast, but not as frequently as John did, and certainly not as openly as he and his disciples would have liked. Worse yet, Jesus appeared not to impose fasting as a must on His own disciples. This was perhaps too much for John.

Here is a lesson for us today. There is not one set way of spirituality for all God-loving Christians. Throughout the centuries, there are saints who are called to a life of asceticism and contemplation. There are saints who devote themselves to a life of action, reaching the pagans in the most remote regions of the earth. There are saints who devote themselves to changing political and social systems that are evil. There are saints who devote their lives serving the poor. There are saints who give themselves to witness for Christ in their workplace and career. There are saints’, while living an ordinary life in the world, devote their lives in intercession for the Kingdom of God, and in waiting for the Lord’s return. As long as they are true to their calling and the role given to them by God, they should not envy or criticize those who serve a different role in the Kingdom.

靈修默想小篇
位份各有不同

在馬太福音11:16-19有關施洗約翰這一段經文,耶穌以責備那世代為結束,因為他們不但拒絕了約翰刻苦的生活和嚴厲的信息,也不接受主耶穌無拘束的生活和溫柔的事奉。耶穌在此不但責備這些猶太人,同時肯定了約翰和他的工作,雖然約翰與基督的位份和使命絕然不同。

但約翰在此章懷疑主耶穌是誰,始終是叫人驚訝的:他從出生就被神所揀選、差派,他母親給耶穌尚在母腹中的見證,他目睹、耳聞聖父、聖靈在耶穌受洗時所作的見證,加上自己公開稱耶穌為除去世人罪孽的神的羔羊。

為何他會因自己下獄而對耶穌產生疑惑呢?不少解經家認為,這是與耶穌無拘束的生活有關的。約翰實在是一個嚴謹和甚至是拘謹的人,他沒法明白和接受一個不重視禁食的彌賽亞。耶穌當然有禁食(見太4:2) ,不過相信沒有施洗約翰那樣頻密,也沒有那樣公開吧。祂沒有要求門徒禁食,似乎叫約翰和他的門徒接受不了 (9:14)

這正給我們學一個重要的功課。每個基督徒愛主、事主的生活和表達不都一樣。歷代以來,有不少聖徒是過著刻苦、隱者的生活;不少遠渡重洋,辛勤地把福音傳到蠻方;不少走進社會,致力改變敵神的社會和政治的制度;不少甘願與貧者為伍,服事無助的群體;不少就在工作場所積極的見證神;更有不少過著平淡的生活,卻忠心為神的國和神的家禱告,專心候主再來。祇要各人忠於神所給予的位份和呼召,不用眼紅或批評其他與我們位份不同,在事奉和見證生活的表達與我們有異的弟兄姊妹。

Day 7

第7日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Matthew 11:20–30

1. Find Korazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum on a Bible map.

2. What privilege did they have over other regions according to Jesus and according to Isaiah 9:1-2?

3. Why should they have repented? Why did they not?

4. Do you know what Sodom, Tyre and Sidon had in common, geographically (look up your Bible’s map), racially, spiritually and in terms of their fate?

5. Why would Jesus say that they would have responded differently?

6. V. 25 begins with “at the time” and it seems what follows is a result of Jesus’ lament in vv. 20-24:
a. In light of this, what was the problem with the people of these three Galilean cities?

b. Who might be the little children (see 10:42) by contrast?

c. By using the words “hidden” and “reveal”, what is shown as the key of knowing God?
7. In responding to the invitation of Jesus to come to Him, we have to

(i) acknowledge or are aware that we are weary and burdened,
(ii) exchange our yoke and our burden for His, and
(iii) learn from Him:
a. What are the causes of our weariness and burden?

b. Why does resting in Jesus have to involve an exchange of yoke and burden and not simply getting rid of ours?

c. Before we can find rest for our souls, why must we also tie our rest to learning from Jesus who is gentle and humble?
d. What is meant by the rest given by Jesus?
8. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

經文默想
馬太福音11:20-30

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反復思考問題

(1) 請翻開聖經的地圖,看看哥拉汛、伯賽大和迦百農的所在。

(2) 按耶穌及以賽亞書9:1-2所言,這些地區享受了什麼優惠叫他們沒有不悔改的藉口?

(3) 為何他們沒有悔改?

(4) 請翻開聖經的地圖,看看所多瑪、推羅、西頓的所在。它們有什麼共通之處(按種族、宗教和命運而言)

(5) 為何耶穌說它們會有與猶太人不同的反應?

(6) 25-30節:第25節以「那時」為連接詞,是指因對這些不信的猶太人而發的感慨所引至的說話:

a. 這些不悔改的猶太人的問題是出於什麼呢?

b. 相比之下,嬰孩是指什麼人?(10:42)

c. 主耶穌用「藏起來」和「顯出來」是要表明知道(即認識) 神的鑰匙是什麼?

(7) 耶穌在此向我們發出「來」的邀請。這邀請的回應者似乎需要:(i) 承認自己是在勞苦、擔重擔的、(ii) 與主交換軛與擔、和(iii) 學祂的樣式:

a. 我們在擔什麼重擔?勞苦、擔重擔的原因何在?

b. 為何要得安息不是放下擔子與軛,而是與耶穌交換呢?

c. 為何也要學主的樣式才得安息?

d. 在主裡得享安息是什麼意思?

(8) 今日你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣應用在你的生命中?

Meditative Reflection
At Peace with GOD

But what are your delights to be?
And they shall delight in abundance of peace:

Peace, your gold;

Peace, your silver;

Peace, your property;

Peace, your life:

Peace, your God.

Peace will fulfill your every desire. For what is here gold cannot become your silver; what is wine cannot become your bread; your light cannot become your drink also. Your God shall be all to you. He will be your meat that you hunger not; your drink that you do not thirst; your enlightening, that you be not blind; your stay and support, that you do not falter. Himself whole and entire, he will possess you whole and entire. You will not feel cramped for space in possessing him with whom you possess all else besides. You shall have all and he shall have all, because you and he shall be one. This complete whole will be his who possess you.

(St. Augustine, First Discourse on Psalm 36)

靈修默想小篇
安息在神裡面

今日你心所悅的是甚麼呢?「 (謙卑的人必) …… 以豐富的平安為樂。」( 37:11)

· 平安是你的黃金

· 平安是你的銀

· 平安是你的財產

· 平安是你的生命

· 平安是你的神

平安能滿足你一切的想望,因為你的黃金不能變為銀;你的酒不能變成麵包;你的光不能變成水。你的神卻是你的一切。祂是你的食物,使你不再饑餓;是你的水,使你不再饑渴;是你的亮光,使你不至眼瞎;是你的避難所和支持,使你不至跌倒。祂既完全,祂要完全的擁有你。祂雖然擁有萬有,但被祂所擁有的你不會覺得侷促。祂擁有一切,你也擁有一切,因為你與祂合一。這一切都全屬那位擁有你的。

摘譯自聖奧古士丁, First Discourse on Psalm 36