Matthew 马太福音 26:31-46 — Final Preparation before the Cross II 上十架前的最后预备(二)

In the Upper Room, Jesus gave the first two elements of His own preparation before His death. They now proceed to the Garden of Gethsemane (“olive press”) for the final two.

在大楼里,耶稣透露了祂为死前做预备的其中两项工作。现在,他们为最后两项前往客西马尼园(“橄榄压榨场”)去。

 

  1. Jesus’ warning 耶稣的警告 (26:31-35)

Before reaching the garden, Jesus stopped and warned the disciples of their forthcoming desertion upon His arrest, as was prophesized in Zechariah 13:7. Knowing the weakness, fear and even shame that would follow, He assured them that He would be raised and would then go before them to Galilee to meet them. However, the disciples were ignorant of their own impotence but they were busy thinking about themselves.

到园子前,耶稣暂停脚步,警告门徒他们将在自己被逮捕时离祂而去,正如《撒迦利亚书》13章7节所预言的。耶稣晓得他们之后会有的软弱、害怕,甚至羞愧,所以保证他们说自己会复活,且要在他们以先往加利利去。然而,门徒不晓得自己的胆怯,仍只顾着想自己。

 

  1. Jesus’ prayer 耶稣的祷告 (26:36-46)

At the garden, Jesus told his disciples to sit at the entrance to keep Him from disturbance while He went to pray. He took Peter, James and John with Him. In light of the cross, Jesus was about to experience the supreme human weakness as the mortal Son of Man: death. The agony of finding Himself forsaken ultimately by His own Father as He became the bearer of sin, was crushing. Jesus indeed was confronted with a loneliness that no other man could experience. This is the time when His only help is direct communion with God in prayer.

到了园子,耶稣告诉门徒要坐在入口那儿,以免祂祷告时备受干扰。祂只带了彼得、雅各和约翰同去。十字架逼近;身为凡人的人子即将经受人类最大的软弱:死亡。祂晓得自己在承担罪刑时,会被自己的天父离弃;这使祂极其煎熬。耶稣确实感受到了无人曾经历过的孤独。这时,祂唯一的帮助就是在祷告中与神直接相连。

 

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. The Bible did speak of man’s weakness, yet we are oblivious to the Lord’s words. Instead of acknowledging our frailty, we boast with amazing brashness and pride like Peter. Pray that we humble ourselves and take heed of the Lord’s warning seriously and walk prudently.

圣经的确说到了人的软弱,但我们却轻视主的话。我们不但不承认自己的软弱,还像彼得一样,极其狂妄、自大地夸耀。祈求我们会谦卑自己,慎重听取主的警告,小心行事。

 

  1. Since Jesus was tempted as we are so he is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:15-16).

耶稣既然也曾凡事受过试探,所以并非不能体恤我们的软弱。因此,我们只管坦然无惧地来到施恩的宝座前,为要得怜恤,蒙恩惠,做随时的帮助(来4:15-16)。

 

  1. Jesus’ ministry began and ended with relentless temptation from Satan (cf. 4:1-11). However, He overcame the temptation by the power of Scripture and prayer (Eph. 6:17-18). Are you surprised by temptations? Pray that we will overcome temptation with the power of Scripture and prayer just like Jesus.

耶稣事工的开始与结束都充满了撒旦的攻击(参:4:1-11)。然而,祂以圣经和祷告的大能胜过了试探(弗6:17-18)。我们是否因遇到试探而感到惊讶呢?祈求我们能向耶稣一样,凭着圣经和祷告的大能胜过试探。