“During the festival seasons the population of the city swelled from ca. 50,000 to 250,000 persons” (NICOTNT, Mark, 490)
(1) Why did so many Jews come to Jerusalem at this time?
(2) Why was the festival so important to them?
(3) What should be the focus of the chief priests and the teachers of law at the festival? What was their focus now and why?
(4) By putting Mark 14:1-10 and John 12:1-8 together with this passage, we understand that it was Mary of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus who anointed Jesus at probably his last feast in Bethany. From the incident of the death and resurrection of her brother in John 11, how would you describe Mary’s knowledge and understanding of Jesus?
(5) What might be the motive(s) of Mary in anointing Jesus with such an expensive jar of perfume (which cost about one year’s wages and would dissipate into thin air in seconds)?
- expressed her belief in His words while no one else did, and
- anointed Him in advance
d. All of the above?
(6) Since it would only be two more days before Jesus was arrested, did the disciples take Jesus’ words of His death seriously? If they did, would they chastise Mary for her action? Why or why not?
(7) Jesus rebuked the disciples, contrasting Himself with the poor. Did He not contradict what He taught not long ago in 25:31-46? Did Jesus not care about the poor? Why was He so delighted with Mary’s action, even over the poor whom He certainly cared about? What is the lesson here?
(8) Jesus says, “wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world (which is what He anticipated in advance) what she has done will also be told in memory of her”. What is the core content of the gospel? (Look up Jn. 3:16.) How is Mary’s action connected to the content of the gospel to the point that it needs to be mentioned wherever the gospel is preached?
(9) What is the main message to you today and how can you apply it to your life?
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。
“耶路撒冷在節期時,人數通常由五萬人激增至二十五萬人。” (參NICOTNT, Mark, 490)
(1) 為什麼在這個時候有這麼多的猶太人湧進耶路撒冷?
(2) 這節期對他們有什麼重要性?
(3) 祭司長和文士在這節期中有什麼重要事務?但現在他們的心思意念全放在什麼事上?
(4) 從馬可福音14:1-10 和約翰福音12:1-8 的記載,我們曉得膏耶穌的是伯大尼的馬利亞,就是耶穌叫他從死裡復活的拉撒路的姐姐。因著目睹主如何救活弟弟,你可以想像馬利亞對主的認識和與主的關係嗎?
(5) 你認為馬利亞用極貴的香膏(價值是通常人的一年工資,且一倒出即迅速因揮發而消失) 來膏耶穌的主因是什麼?是出於感恩?是出於愛?是出於要主知道她的愛?還是出於相信主所言,祂快要在宗教領袖們手下遭害,而趁機先為主的安葬而作?
(6) 其實當時離主受難祇有三天,門徒為何不像馬利亞那樣領會及相信主受難之預言呢?如果他們能領會和相信,你以為他們會如此責備馬利亞嗎?
(7) 耶穌叫門徒不要為難馬利亞,並把自己與窮人作對比。耶穌是否認為窮人不重要?這豈不是與上一章末的教訓相違嗎?為何他如此喜悅馬利亞的所為,過於窮人的需要呢?我們可以就此學個什麼功課?
(8) 耶穌要我們:「普天之下,無論在甚麼地方傳這福音,也要述說這女人所行的,作個記念。」為什麼呢?她所作的與「福音」有何干?
(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?
Of all the characters in the gospel, none more than Mary of Bethany is mentioned by Jesus with such honor, in that “wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Matt. 26:13)
First, I am encouraged by the fact that Jesus clearly foretold that His gospel would be preached throughout the world. His death was no accident, but the plan of God, and it would not be in vain. This gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ would have worldwide impact and reach. It has become a reality right before our eyes. This is a mark of true religion.
But should the action of Mary also be mentioned in the same breath as the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ? This is unthinkable!
I think Mary’s unusual action of pouring the alabaster jar of very expensive perfume on the head of Jesus was an act of faith, of love and of sacrifice. Her action certainly touched the core of the heart of our Lord.
In the final hours of Jesus’ earthly journey, as much as He had repeatedly told His closest disciples of His death, He could only sense competition, fear and confusion from them. In other words, their concern was for themselves. No one appeared to care or understand the burden of His soul which would soon be “over whelmed with sorrow to the point of death”. (Matt. 26:38) The only one who did and showed that she understood and cared was Mary. This is why Jesus said that her action was “to prepare me for burial”. As the lyrics of one hymn puts it so beautifully, “Even now, the Lord seeks those who would understand His feeling.”
Mary’s action was also timely too. While Nicodemus and others loved Jesus enough to take the risk to obtain the body and anoint Him with ointment, their action and their ointment were far less precious and timely than that of Mary. I still remember the letter from a supporter of CCM who wrote to me saying that at her advanced age, she’d rather send her enclosed offering while she was living, than leave it to CCM in her estate. I often wonder whether her action was influenced by Mary’s example.
在聖經眾多的人物中,得到主耶穌最厲害的讚賞的,莫過於伯大尼的馬利亞了。主說:「普天之下,無論在甚麼地方傳這福音,也要述說這女人所行的,作個記念。」(太26:13)
這句話先吸引我注意的是主耶穌早已預言祂的福音要被廣傳。祂深知自己的死亡絕不會是枉然的。祂的福音一定帶來普世性的影響和果效。這預言當然已在我們眼前成為事實了。這是我們所傳的福音的可信性的明證。
但馬利亞所作的竟能與主的死而復活的福音相提並論,就真是不可思議了。
相信我們都會同意馬利亞打破玉瓶,以香膏(香水) 膏耶穌的頭,是出於信心、愛心和體貼主的心的。無怪她所作的叫主大受感動。
不是嗎?在步向耶路撒冷這最後的旅程中,主多次的告訴門徒有關祂的受苦和死亡,換來的只是門徒的爭競、恐懼和疑惑。他們所關心的,竟然是自己。沒有一個門徒關心到主的心情,和祂「憂傷,幾乎要死」的心靈重壓。(太26:38) 惟一表明她是領會的,最關心祂的就是馬利亞。因此主說:她所作的「是為我安葬作的。」就如一首上一代的詩歌所言:直到如今,主仍在尋找像馬利亞一樣「體貼主心的人」。
馬利亞所作的更是及時的。尼哥底母等人愛主到一個地步,能冒險去求取主的屍體來膏抹,是一件很美的事。但與馬利亞的膏抹就差得遠了。一個是在主生時作的;一個是在主死後作的。這使我想起在中國信徒佈道會事奉時,收到一封信。信內附上一筆不太少的奉獻。來信者是一年老的姊妹。她說,她情願在生前把這筆早已為「中信」預備的奉獻,比把這筆金錢列作遺囑的一部份更佳。我相信她是在倣效馬利亞吧。
(1) The need for an insider is obvious as they tried to arrest Jesus in secret, avoiding a public riot as explained in v. 5. Imagine yourself being Judas:
(2) Jesus arranged to eat His last Passover feast in a place unknown even to the disciples. Judas would only find out the place later and would have to sneak out during dinner to inform the chief priests. Since this was the last Passover meal that Jesus would eat on earth, can you imagine how Jesus felt as He presided over the meal the full meaning of which He was going to fulfill almost immediately?
(3) Jesus pointed out that the one who would betray Him would be one of the Twelve and that he “has dipped his hand into the bowl with me.” The gravity of it caused Him to say, “It would be better for him if he had not been born.” While this was Jesus’ comment on the life of Judas, what might His comment be on yours?
(4) Jesus’ announcement of the betrayal by one of them caused them to grieve and presumably, all twelve asked one by one, “Surely not I?”. Why did the eleven respond by asking Jesus this question? Didn’t they know they were not the one?
(5) And when Judas asked the same, what was he thinking?
(6) Why do you think Jesus felt necessary to announce the betrayal at this point of time?
(7) What is the main message to you today and how can you apply it to your life?
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。
為要避免出亂子,捉拿耶穌需要「內鬼」是可以理解的。
(1) 請試想像你是猶大:
a. 你以為他在大概三年前是因什麼理由跟從主的呢?
b. 在這三年中,他目睹、耳聞的包括了什麼?
c. 既然三年與主一起生活,他一定看到耶穌完全無罪的生命。你以為他認為耶穌是誰呢?
d. 既是貪財,又常偷取使徒團隊的金錢(約12:6),現在知道這些有權有勢的領袖欲殺耶穌。他雖有機可乘,但在作這賣主決定時,他衡量的利與害可包括什麼?為何他要選這下策?
(2) 耶穌安排在一處連門徒也不熟悉、也不知曉的地方來守逾越節,用意是明顯的。這是叫猶大不能預早通知祭司長,讓祂能安然地與門徒吃祂在地上最後的逾越節晚餐。試想像耶穌吃這逾越節晚餐時的心情。
(3) 耶穌明說:「你們中間有一個人要賣我了!」,亦示意那人是「同我蘸手在盤子裡的」。祂更加一句說:「但賣人子的人有禍了!那人不生在世上倒好」。這是祂對猶大生命的評語。你以為主今日對你的評語會是什麼?
(4) 主的話叫門徒憂愁起來,一個一個的問祂說:「是我麼?」。為什麼他們要這樣問?難道是不自知嗎?
(5) 最後,連猶大也問同樣的話(見26:25) 。你以為他是怎樣看主這一番話呢?
(6) 其實,耶穌為何要告訴他們有人要出賣祂呢?是為門徒們的緣故?還是為猶大?
(7) 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?
As a new believer, I often wondered why Judas was not saved, since he showed his remorse to the point of suicide. But as I grew in the Lord, I have come to understand that remorse is not exactly repentance.
In fact, Jesus offered him many chances of not committing this horrible sin or of repenting from it.
Even at the Last Supper, Jesus purposely made known to him that He knew what he was about to do. “Yes, it is you” should be enough to shock him out of his sin. He should know that Jesus knows everything. But he did not stop in his tracks.
Then, after Jesus was wrongly condemned by the Sanhedrin, he was so seized with remorse that he went to return the money to the chief priests. But this was only remorse, and not repentance. He could have come before Jesus and confessed his sin and asked for forgiveness.
Since, he had the “courage” to take his own life, he could have suffered with Jesus and come to His defense.
In my Christian life, I have had the privilege of walking alongside some serious backsliders, who had committed or were about to commit sins of presumably irrecoverable consequences. They all showed deep remorse, but just the same, most were bent on sinning as if they had no choice. It is reassuring to know that Jesus even gave Judas a way out, he just did not take it.
初信時,讀到猶大的自盡,覺得有點可惜,也不明白他為何要自尋滅亡。他不是滿有悔意嗎?當我在神的話語中漸長時,就明白到悔意和真正的悔改是兩回事。
其實,主耶穌一直給他機會回頭的。
就是在最後的晚餐時,主耶穌刻意的讓猶大知道祂是曉得他要作的事的。主耶穌回答他:「你說的是」,這句話足以喚醒猶大,但他卻不曾臨崖勒馬。
就是在耶穌被公會定罪之後,猶大良心發現,要把錢歸還祭司長。這仍只屬悔意,不是悔改,因為他是有機會到耶穌面前認罪求赦的。
他有「勇氣」自盡,卻沒有勇氣挺身為主辯護,與主一同受苦。
我人生中有好幾次與犯了大罪或將要走「不歸路」的信徒同行。他們共同之處是心中有極重、極難受的自責。可惜,都刻意繼續的走那「死路」,好像是沒有選擇的餘地。其實是有的。連猶大主耶穌都多次給予出路,是他自己選擇去拒絕的。
(1) As Jesus declares that our worship and relationship with God is one of “spirit and truth” (Jn. 4:23), place, building and rituals are really not as important. Why then would He institute the Lord’s Supper?
(2) As He looked at the bread and said “this is my body”, and took the cup saying, “this is my blood”, both times He gave thanks first. In what sense did He give thanks?
(3) As we now eat of the bread and drink of the cup during our Holy Communion, how can we imitate Jesus in giving thanks?
(4) Just a thought: Would it not be more appropriate for Jesus to pick up a piece of the lamb and said, “It is my body”? After all He is the Passover Lamb! Why did He choose bread as the symbol?
(5) We believe that the Lord’s Supper is meant for “remembrance” and not a re-enactment of the actual event. However, each time as we eat and drink, internalizing the elements, how may it help you to “remember”? Remember what?
(6) Jesus also points us to the day when He would drink it anew in the kingdom of God. How different would that heavenly feast be from this last one He drank on earth?
(7) The New Testament church has continued to “remember” the Lord’s Supper as part of the communal meal, and not as an individual meal. What is its significance?
(8) I think the disciples by now had a growing sense of the reality of Jesus’ suffering and death. Would you have reacted to Jesus’ warning that “you will all fall away” as Peter and the disciples did? Why or why not?
(9) What is the main message to you today and how can you apply it to your life?
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) 耶穌既說:「神是個靈,所以拜祂的,必須用心靈和誠實拜祂。」(約4:23),敬拜神不在乎那一處,也不在乎遵守什麼禮儀。為何祂卻設立聖餐呢?
(2) 飲杯、吃餅、是逾越節晚餐的程序。這一次耶穌突然拿起餅來,說:「這是我的身體」;又拿起杯來,說:「這是我立約的血」;兩次祂都先祝謝。祂這次的祝謝有什麼特別的意義?是為什麼獻上而感謝呢?
(3) 今日在守聖餐吃那餅、喝那杯時,我可怎樣學效主獻上感謝呢?
(4) 你有否想過,為何主不拿起羊肉來,說:「這是我的身體」呢?這不是更貼切嗎?
(5) 聖餐是在乎記念主(參閱林前11:24-25),並非「重演」主釘十架。每次讓餅和葡萄汁進到我們身體內,這對「記念」有何更深的意義?
(6) 耶穌說:「我不再喝這葡萄汁,直到我在我父的國裡,同你們喝新的那日子。」這「新的」是什麼意思?與「舊的或現在的」有何不同?
(7) 新約教會服從主的吩咐,在「愛筵」中,而非個人獨自的「記念」主。其要義何在?
(8) 相信到此,門徒沒法不接受主將受難的現實。你會否像彼得與眾門徒一樣的回應說:「我就是必須和你同死,也總不能不認你」?為什麼?
(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?
As we reflect on the Lord’s Supper today, I invite you to reflect on one of the most helpful hymns in this respect.
“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” was written by Miss Clephane in 1868, one year before her early death at the age of thirty-nine. She wrote eight hymns, all published posthumously. Besides this hymn, only one other has endured — “The Ninety and Nine.”
1
Beneath the cross of JesusI fain would take my stand
The shadow of a mighty Rock
Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness,
A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
And the burden of the day.
2
Upon that cross of JesusMine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One
Who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart with tears
Two wonders I confess
The wonders of redeeming love
And my unworthiness.
3
I take, O cross, thy shadowFor my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by,
To know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame,
My glory all the cross.
By Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1830–1869
今天早上的經文引導我們思想主所設立的聖餐。讓我們藉這首詩歌,繼續默想主的愛。
1. 在主寶架清影中,歡然立定腳跟, 好像盛暑遠行辛苦,來進磐石之蔭, 好似曠野欣逢居處,長途喜見涼亭, 到此得釋肩頭重擔,養力奔赴前程。
2. 神聖莊嚴之十架,我常抬頭瞻仰, 雙眼如見寶血傾流,為我捨身之像, 熱淚滿眶,寸心如裂,兩事仔細思量, 思量我身不配受恩,思量主愛非常。
3. 願在寶架清影中,事主,愛人,行道; 我不尋求旭日光華,因有慈光普照: 世界榮華,不足貪圖,得失無關重要, 但將罪惡看為羞恥,寶架看為榮耀。
Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1830-1869
(1) What was the purpose of Jesus’ praying before His arrest?
(2) Why did He choose to bring Peter, James and John along and share those words in v. 38 privately with them? What was He hoping for or expecting of the three?
(3) Was His desire met?
(4) Consider these words of Jesus: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Italics mine) Did you ever experience anything close to this? What was the reason for His condition?
(5) Consider the prayers of Jesus carefully and the fact that He prayed the same prayer three times. What can you learn about the following?
(6) Read Hebrews 5:7-10. How has it helped you to gain a better understanding of Jesus’ prayers in the garden?
(7) As Jesus said, “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak,” He was not only referring to the disciples, but probably Himself as well. How did He demonstrate the power of prayer in meeting trials like His?
(8) What if the disciples did “watch and pray” with Him, what might the difference be?
(9) What then is the essential message of today and how may you apply it in your life?
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) 耶穌為何要在面對被捉拿時,先去禱告?
(2) 為何單單帶著彼得、雅各、約翰,離開其他門徒才去禱告?祂對這三人有什麼期望?
(3) 祂的期望達到嗎?
(4) 耶穌說:「我心裡甚是憂傷,幾乎要死。」你有否類似的經歷?你為何會如此?為何耶穌會如此?
(5) 耶穌禱告了三次,內容都是一樣。請仔細思量祂禱告的內容,從中你可以認識到什麼?
a. 耶穌與父神的關係?
b. 「道成肉身」的真義?
c. 禱告是什麼?
d. 我們可怎樣學效主禱告?
(6) 請翻閱希伯來書5:7-10,看看它怎樣加深你對主在客西馬尼園禱告的了解。
(7) 主說:「你們心靈固然願意,肉體卻軟弱了。」原文是用單數,沒有「你們」二字,意即這句話不單是指向門徒,也包括了主自己。主耶穌在此給我們看見禱告(特別在面對極厲害的試煉時) 的重要性何在?
(8) 如果門徒沒有睡著,也加入禱告,後果會怎樣?
(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?
One of the most powerful sermons I have heard on prayer was by someone who shared one of the last stories of Henry Nouwen. We were told that before he passed way in 1996, he was traveling with a circus. He greatly admired the two brothers who were doing some amazing swinging trapeze performance. So, to one of the brothers, he expressed great admiration of his performance. To this, the brother replied that as much as he received a lot of applause by swinging from one side to another and that he looked like the hero, the true hero was in fact his brother. All he did was to swing and then stretched out his hands and let his brother grab a hold of them. That’s all he needed to do — stretching out his hands and trusting his brother to grab a hold of him. And if he tried to do more, like trying to grab his brother’s hands instead, he would be in trouble! Nouwen saw this as the perfect picture of prayer.
Through prayers, we are actually letting go of all things, one by one, that our hands try to grab a hold of: our worries, our agenda, what we think needs to happen, and even the timing that we think things ought to happen. And as we are able, through prayers, to let go of all things that we hold dear, then all we need to do, is to stretch out our empty hands and let God grab a hold of us!
While the two trapeze brothers would have definitely made mistakes in their performance, our God will never!
我聽到有關禱告最受感動的講道莫過於那引用盧宏臨終前不太久時分享他領會有關禱告的那一篇信息。
盧宏有機會與一個馬戲班一起巡遊。他特別欣賞馬戲班中兩位身為兄弟的空中飛人的表演。當他與兄弟其一交談時,那人告訴他,不要以為他在空中飛來飛去是最有本領的;最重要的是他完全信賴他的兄弟能抓著他的雙手。他自己的責任是空著雙手讓對方抓著。如果他信不過對方,試圖伸手用力去抓,反會誤事。盧宏一聽,覺得那是比喻禱告最好的中心教導。
藉著禱告我們要把原本死抓著的東西,一件、一件的放下。這可能包括我們的憂慮、計劃、方向和我們認為事情當如何和在何時進展。當我們藉著禱告逐一把這些都放下了,向神伸出剩下空空的兩手,讓祂來緊握著。
人或會出錯,但神是從來不會出錯,不會誤事的。
(2) How might Hebrews 2:17 help us understand why Jesus had to be betrayed with a kiss?
(3) We understand from John 18:10 that the one who drew the sword was Peter. Why was he carrying a sword? What did he expect Jesus to do while he defended him? Did Jesus take the opportunity to flee? Why not? (See His last words in v. 56.)
(4) Why did Jesus choose to say at this time, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword”? Many use this as grounds for pacifism. Do you agree? Why or why not?
(5) Jesus asked, “Am I leading a rebellion…” What does this say about the way and mission of Jesus? How may we imitate Him?
(6) “Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.” How could Peter, John and James and the other disciples leave Jesus? Did they not pledge to stick with Him only hours ago (v. 35)?
(7) Again, what if they had joined Jesus in praying in the garden, would the outcome be different?
(8) Why didn’t they?
(9) How important is it to watch and pray, especially in preparation of facing a crisis?
(10) What then is the essential message of today and how may you apply it in your life?
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) 在眾多出賣別人的事件中,你以為那一種最卑劣、最傷人心的呢?
(2) 希伯來書2:17 怎樣幫助我們明白為何主耶穌要如此被親祂嘴的人所賣?
(3) 約翰告訴我們,拿刀的是彼得(約18:10)。為何他要拿刀?當他拔刀護主時,他以為主會怎樣做?耶穌卻怎樣做?(參閱第56 節)
(4) 主耶穌說:「凡動刀的,必死在刀下。」這句話成了信徒主張不用軍力的根據。你同意這主張嗎?為什麼?
(5) 為何主說:「你想我不能求我父,現在為我差遣十二營多天使來麼?」(26:53);祂曾對彼拉多說:「我的國不屬這世界。我的國若屬這世界,我的臣僕必要爭戰」(約18:36)。從主在此的所言所行,你對祂的使命(mission)和方法(way)有何領會?
(6) 「門徒都離開祂逃走了。」在數小時前他們不是發誓願意與祂同死嗎?為何卻會如此?
(7) 若然他們與主一同儆醒禱告,現在或會怎樣?
(8) 他們有否與主同儆醒呢?為什麼?
(9) 這裡對我們的提醒是什麼?
(10) 今天你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣用在你的生命中?
True, hindsight is always 20/20. But I cannot help but think what if the disciples were able to stay awake, pray and watch with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
The reason why Jesus could stay awake to watch and pray, while the disciples could not, has nothing to do with fatigue. In fact, Jesus had to be even more tired than they were, exhausted to the point of death. The difference did not have anything to do with His divinity either. The difference lies in the fact that Jesus knew and sensed the gravity of the hour, and that the salvation of the entire humankind hung in the balance and depended on whether He would go through with offering Himself in utter obedience to the Father. Had the disciples not only believed in the words of their Master, but also shared His feeling, they would have watched and prayed with Him.
And if they had, Jesus would still have to experience His torture, mockery and eventual death on the cross, meaning the work of salvation would still be accomplished. The difference would be that the disciples would not have fled and disappeared, but would have followed Jesus all the way to the cross. Of course, in God’s omniscience, they were spared so that they could be the witnesses of His death and resurrection. They, all eleven of them, eventually faced their own death, and some through the cross.
Like the disciples, no one knows what tomorrow may bring, but if we are able to watch and pray often, we will not be panicking in the face of crisis or test, like the disciples.
我們通常是在事情過後,才能對實情有較正確的判斷。美國有諺語稱這樣的判斷為「星期一的四份一衛/ Monday Quarterback」。中文我們常以「馬後炮」稱這類的判斷。縱使是「馬後炮」,我實在禁不住在猜想:如果門徒真的在客西馬尼園能與主一同儆醒禱告,後果會是怎樣的呢?
我相信門徒當晚與主的分別不在乎疲倦,因為耶穌比他們更疲乏;分別也不在乎祂是神的兒子。分別在乎耶穌了解當時祂所要面對的,是人類救恩歷史的嚴峻時刻。人類的永生、永死終局乃繫於祂是否至終能完全順服父神的旨意!如果門徒真的相信主所說的話,體貼祂的心情,他們豈會不與祂一同儆醒禱告呢!
對,假若他們真的與主一同儆醒禱告,主亦一定會按神的旨意為我們上十字架,完成救贖的大計。門徒也不至四散奔逃,甚至立時與主同受苦難。當然,按著神的全知,他們的苦難有待主復活後,他們起來為主作見證作開始的。至終,十一位使徒全部都為主殉道,更有是被釘十架而死的。
像這些門徒一樣,我們都不知明天會如何。但我們若學習儆醒禱告,就不致在突然臨到的試煉中,像他們一樣,四散奔逃。
(1) As you read this segment of the scripture, what words can you use to describe the atmosphere?
(2) What words can you use to describe these religious leaders?
(3) These leaders, who were determined to kill Jesus, were trying to legitimize their crime by conducting a trial that involved two or three witnesses as prescribed by the Law of Moses. What kind of false testimonies did they seek that could put Jesus to death?
(4) Why did Jesus remain silent before these false testimonies which he could certainly disprove, and yet, when asked about who He is, He answered right away in no uncertain terms, and more?
(5) Why did the High Priest charge Jesus with blasphemy? How could he have responded differently?
(6) What sins had these religious leaders committed?
(7) What sins had the rest of the crowd who abused Jesus physically committed?
(8) Why didn’t Peter flee and hide, but instead chose to sit down “with the guards”? What does this tell you about Peter?
(9) Peter was sitting and watching the entire event. How would he feel? What was going through his mind?
(10) Of all the above human characters, with whom do you identify most?
(11) What is the main message to you today and how can you apply it to your life?
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) 請細讀這一段可悲的歷史:被造物欺凌創造主。你會怎樣形容當時的氣氛?
(2) 你會怎樣形容這群宗教領袖?
(3) 這群偽善無恥的人竟還希望按照律法程序,提供至少二、三個證人來定主的罪。他們想找的是那方面的(假)罪證?
(4) 為何耶穌一直不回答?為何問及祂是誰時,卻立即清楚回答?
(5) 為何大祭司說祂僭妄?大祭司和這群眾最終的錯誤是什麼?
(6) 耶穌不但承認自己是誰,更加上別的話(26:64),用意何在?
(7) 彼得為何不一走了之,竟選擇與差役同坐?你同情他還是可憐他呢?為什麼?
(8) 他是遠遠的觀看著這一切發生在主身上的事的。你以為他有什麼感受?
(9) 在這整段的記載中,你最能認同的人物是誰?
(10) 今天你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣用在你的生命中?
This is an email I received this week from a friend of mine, a retired pastor, David Miller, that I would like to share with you.
This prayer chain is calling ALL Christians into action NOW on behalf of this Iranian pastor, who faces execution!
Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani never practiced the Muslim faith and converted to Christianity at age 19, becoming a pastor later. But the courts say that since his mother and father were practicing Muslims, he must recant his Christian faith or die. So far, in three court appearances, he has refused to do so - RISKING EXECUTION AT ANY MOMENT. The Iranian Supreme Court often acts quickly in administering the death penalty.
According to a report, when asked by judges to “repent,” Youcef replied: “Repent, What should I return to? To the blasphemy that I had before my faith in Christ?”
The judges replied: “To the religion of your ancestors - Islam.” To which Yousef replied: “I cannot.”
It’s time for the body of Christ to act, to pray, to plead for the life of our brother before Christ so that His servant may be spared.
This is what you are asked/called to do. As soon as you receive this email, PRAY IMMEDIATELY. Forward to your church so that its members may all pray too. Then forward this PRAYER REQUEST to every CHRISTIAN you know so that they may pray also. The Bible states, “If God is with us, who can stand against us?”.
March 17, 2012
這星期我收到另一牧者 Rev. David Miller發來的電郵,邀請我們為一伊朗牧師禱告。內容如下:
「這禱告網是請求所有基督徒現在為面臨被處決的伊朗牧者代禱。
Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani從未作過回教徒,他在十九歲時信基督教,及後成為牧師。伊朗法庭堅持要他放棄信仰,因為他的父母親曾是回教徒。在三次的審訊中,他都拒絕放棄信仰,現在正面臨隨時受處死。伊朗最高法院通常是迅速執行死刑的。
按一報導,當法官要求他悔改時,他回答說:改什麼呢?是要我回到我先前未信基督的褻瀆嗎?法官回答說:要回到你先祖的宗教,就是回教。Yousef回答說:我不能夠。
這是基督的身體採取行動的時候了:快去禱告,在基督前為我們弟兄的性命代求,叫祂的僕人得保存。
這是我們對你的呼喚,一收到電郵,請立刻禱告。請轉知你們的教會,叫大家一同一起禱告。亦請轉電郵給每一個你認識的基督徒,叫他們也代求。
聖經說:神若幫助我們,誰能敵擋我們呢!」
二零壹二年三月十七日
(1) Can you choose one word to describe the atmosphere of the night?
(2) What was Peter’s intention for being there, taking enormous risks?
(3) Was he aware that people might recognize him? Was he prepared for such a confrontation?
(4) Whether he was prepared or not, he was recognized and confronted. What might be the significance of
(5) Why did Jesus forewarn Peter of his denial?
(6) What impact might this denial have on Peter, both on a short term and also on a long-term basis?
(7) Did you have any similar experience as that of Peter?
(8) What is the main message to you today and how can you apply it to your life?
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) 你可以怎樣形容當晚大祭司院中的氣氛呢?
(2) 彼得冒這麼大的險也要親自目睹耶穌的審訊,目的何在?
(3) 他有否想到會被認出來?有否想到該怎樣回應?
(4) 這事件似乎刻畫著幾方面「漸進」或加劇的情景。你以為所刻畫的是什麼呢?
a. 他三次被認出:那使女的不罷休,和旁人的加入
b. 彼得三次加劇的否認
(5) 耶穌為何預早警告彼得?
(6) 這次的失敗對彼得有何短期和長期的影響?
(7) 你曾有類似彼得的經歷嗎?
(8) 今天你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣用在你的生命中?
Wang Ming Dao was one of the most influential Christian leaders in the short history of the Chinese Church. His firm adherence to the teachings of the Bible had earned him attacks and sufferings throughout his ministry, whether during the Japanese occupation, or subsequent years in China.
At the peak of his suffering, he did sign a confession renouncing his faith, perhaps for the sake of rescuing his wife who was very ill in prison, or perhaps, as another source alleges, because of fear for his own execution in 1956.
But subsequent to his release he was almost in a complete breakdown, comparing himself to Peter, who had denied his Lord, and to Judas, who had betrayed his Master. It was during this time of desperation that he recalled a passage from Micah 7:7-9 which had helped him in his younger years:
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me.
Do not gloat over me, my enemy!
Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness,
the LORD will be my light.
Because I have sinned against him,
I will bear the LORD’s wrath,
until he pleads my case
and upholds my cause.
He will bring me out into the light;
I will see his righteousness.”
Indeed, like Peter, when he “turned back,” he had been able to strengthen his brothers, (Lk. 22:32) and had become a great encouragement beyond the suffering church in China.
When visited by Billy Graham in 1988, Dao encouraged him with the words of Revelation 2:10, “Be faithful, even to the point of death.”
王明道先生在中國短短的教會歷史中是個重要人物。他所忠於聖經的真理,為他帶來了苦難的一生。
在受苦的頂點時期,他曾寫悔過書。有說是因他懼怕被鎗決,也有相信他是要營救在獄中病重的妻子之故。
獲釋後的王明道精神幾乎崩潰。他描述自己是彼得,曾多次否認主的名;又言自己是猶大,曾出賣主。
就在這期間,一段年幼時念下的經文卻成為他的鼓勵:
「至於我,我要仰望耶和華,要等候那救我的 神;我的 神必應允我。我的仇敵啊,不要向我誇耀。我雖跌倒,卻要起來;我雖坐在黑暗裏,耶和華卻作我的光。我要忍受耶和華的惱怒;因我得罪了他,直等他為我辨屈,為我伸冤。他必領我到光明中;我必得見他的公義。」(彌7:7-9)
他也就像彼得一樣,在「回頭以後」(路22:32),堅固了何止國內的弟兄呢! 1998年葛培理到中國探望他時,王明道先生就用啟示錄2:10來勉勵他:「你務要至死忠心。」