25 Jul 2016, Mark 5:21-43 马可福音 5:21-43, Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus’ Daughter 耶稣医治女人及睚鲁的女儿

Scripture Reading        : Mark 5:21-43

Theme                            : Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus’ Daughter

 

Jesus was on the way to heal Jairus’ daughter when a woman suffering from chronic internal bleeding, perhaps from a tumor, touched Him and was healed. The woman was trying to avoid detection by mingling with the crowd. But Jesus is God and He knew what happened (v.30). The disciples were puzzled by Jesus’ question on who touched Him because there was a big crowd following with lots of jostling and many people touching Jesus. In the end, the woman had to identify herself to Jesus.

By the time Jesus reached Jairus’ home, his daughter had already died, but Jesus demonstrated that He had power over death by raising her from the dead. To prove that they were not having an illusion, Jesus told them to give the resurrected girl food to eat.

There are three similarities that can be observed about the bleeding woman and Jairus:

 

  1. Faith in Jesus. Both the woman and Jairus had faith in Jesus. Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue, a leader of the Jews. Many Jewish leaders were plotting to kill Jesus (3:6), but Jairus implored Jesus to heal his daughter (v.23). Jesus commended the woman for her faith (v.34).
  1. Fell before Jesus. Jairus “fell at his feet” (v.22) and the woman “fell down before Him” (v.33). Both were acts of humility before God.
  1. When the woman knew that she could no longer hide, she “came in fear and trembling” (v.33). After Jairus heard of his daughter’s death, he too was filled with fear, because Jesus had to comfort him (v.36). In both cases, Jesus alleviated the fear by comforting the afflicted.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Are we ashamed of our faith, or do we dare to declare in public that our faith is in Jesus? May God help us not to be ashamed of our faith.
  1. Are we humble enough to fall at Jesus’ feet? Or do we think of God as our servant, to do our bidding? Pray that God will humble us and make us fall at His feet, because God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
  1. Are we fearful of losing anything in our lives, such as our health, our love ones, or our possession? Pray that we will fear God more than fearing any other thing. When we fear God and have faith in Him, He will give us courage to face difficulties in life.
 
 
 

经文:马可福音5:21-43

主题:耶稣医治女人及睚鲁的女儿

 

途中,当耶稣前往去医治睚鲁的女儿时,一位患有慢性内部出血(或因肿瘤)的女人摸了祂,得医治。那位女人想混入人群,避免被耶稣发现,但耶稣是神,必晓得发生了什么事(30节)。门徒因耶稣问谁摸了祂而觉得困惑;那时跟随他们的人很多,都拥挤并碰耶稣。最后,那位女人必须向耶稣揭示自己。

耶稣到睚鲁家时,睚鲁的女儿已经死了,但耶稣彰显祂胜过死亡的大能,叫她从死里复活。为要证明这一切不是幻觉,耶稣告诉他们给那位复活的女子吃东西。

对于出血女人和睚鲁两者,我们可观察到三个共同点:

  1. 对耶稣的信心。女人和睚鲁都对耶稣有信心。睚鲁是管理会堂的,是犹太人的领袖。许多犹太首领正密谋杀害耶稣(3:6),但睚鲁却求耶稣医治他的女儿(23节)。耶稣也因那位女人的信心给予表扬(34节)。
  1. 在耶稣前俯伏。睚鲁“俯伏在他脚前”(22节),而那位女人“俯伏在耶稣跟前”(33节)。两者都是在神面前谦卑的举动。
  1. 战兢。当女人知道自己无法再躲避,“就恐惧战兢”地来(33节)。睚鲁听到女儿逝世后,也甚感惧怕,因为耶稣必须安慰他(36节)。我们从两者身上看到耶稣安慰受苦的人,从而消散他们的惧怕。

用经文祷告

  1. 我们是否以自己的信心为耻,或勇于向众人宣告我们信靠耶稣呢?愿神助我们不以自己的信心为耻。
  1. 我们是否愿谦卑,俯伏在耶稣的脚前呢?又或者我们认为神是任我们唤使的仆人?求神使我们谦卑,叫我们在祂的脚前俯伏,因为神阻挡骄傲的人,赐恩给谦卑的人(各4:6)。
  1. 我们是否害怕失去生命中所拥有的,如健康、亲人或财物呢?求神让我们敬畏祂,过于害怕其余事物。当我们敬畏神并信靠祂时,祂必给予我们勇气去面对生命中的挑战。


23 Jul 2016, Mark 5:1-20 马可福音 5:1-20, Jesus Casts Out a Legion of Demons 耶稣赶走一群魔鬼

Scripture Reading        : Mark 5:1-20

Theme                             : Jesus Casts Out a Legion of Demons

 

  1. Severe Possession. The man who was possessed by demons was in dire straits, because the demons caused him great physical harm. The reason that Jesus asked the demon for its name is not because He needed to be informed, but it was for the people to see the severity of the possession. This is not a demon-casting formula for us to follow. The Bible does not tell us how the man became possessed by so many demons, and any explanation would just be speculations.
  1. Son’s Permission. The demons recognized that Jesus is “Son of the Most High God” (Mark 5:7). They were powerless before Jesus, and needed His permission to do anything. Without Jesus’ permission, they could neither speak nor act. When the people saw that the man was healed, they did not praise God, but wanted Jesus to depart. It is likely that they focused more on the financial loss suffered by the death of the pigs, than to see their fellow countryman healed.
  1. Salvation and Proclamation. The man who was healed clearly knew that if not for Jesus, he would be doomed. He wanted to follow Jesus, but Jesus had a different plan for him – he was to return home and evangelize to his friends. The man gladly submitted to God’s will and returned home to proclaim Jesus.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Many situations recorded in Scripture are not meant to be experienced by us, but there are still lessons to be learned. Unbelievers who become Christians may not experience such drastic changes as having a legion of demons cast out of them, but there is still much to thank God for saving them from the depths of hell. Let us thank God for saving us from the eternal fire of hell.
  1. The people focused more on their financial loss than the salvation of a man, and they rejected Jesus. In contrast, the angels rejoice over the repentance of one sinner (Luke 15:10). Jesus also taught that if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul, it is the most serious mistake (Mark 8:36-37). Let us pray that we will not love the world and its riches and sacrifice our souls.
  1. The man who was saved submitted to God’s will to proclaim the Gospel to his friends. Sometimes, we think of doing big things for God by preaching great sermons bringing about great revivals, but what God really wants is that we preach the Gospel to people around us. If all Christians will preach the Gospel to their friends, the Gospel will reach the ends of the earth in no time. Let us pray that we are willing to preach the Gospel to our friends and wherever we go.
 
 

经文:马可福音5:1-20

主题:耶稣赶走一群魔鬼

 

  1. 严重的附身。被众魔鬼附身的男子遭遇非常严重,因为魔鬼对他造成的肉身伤害极大。耶稣问魔鬼其名的原因并非想得知祂不已经晓得的信息,而是要让众人知道这附身的严重性。这也不是让我们遵循的赶鬼模式。圣经并没告诉我们男子是如何被群鬼附的,所以任何解释也只属猜测。
  1. 圣子的准许。魔鬼认出耶稣就是“至高神的儿子”(7节)。他们在耶稣面前是无助的,必须经祂同意才能行事。只要耶稣不许,他们是不能说话或做事的。当众人看到男子得医治后,他们并没赞美神,而是要耶稣离开。这很可能是因为他们看重的是猪群之死所带来的财物损失,而不是他们的同乡复原了。
  1. 得救与传道。得医治的男子显然晓得若不是耶稣,他必死无疑。他想跟从耶稣,但耶稣对他的意念有别——他当回家向他的亲友传福音。那人乐意地降服于神的旨意,回家传扬耶稣去了。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 经文记载的众多情况不是我们能经历的,但从中有功课可学。成为基督徒的非信徒或许不用经历一群鬼从他们身上被赶出,但他们仍有许多感恩之处,因为神从地狱的深渊救了他们。让我们感谢神救我们脱离地狱的永火。
  1. 村里的人看重的是他们财务上的损失过于那人得救,而他们拒绝耶稣。相反的,天使为一个罪人的悔改大大欢喜(路15:10)。耶稣也曾教导:人就是赚得全世界,但赔上自己的生命,那是最大的错误(8:36-37)。让我们祷告我们不会爱世界及其富裕,将自己的灵魂牺牲了。
  1. 得救的男子顺服了神的旨意,向亲属传扬福音。有时,我们想为神做大事,要传大道,起大复兴,但神渴望的却是我们向身边的人传福音。若所有信徒会向他们的亲属传福音,福音就会急速地传遍全地。让我们祷告我们会乐意向亲友传福音,并到何处也如此。
 


22 Jul 2016, Mark 4:25-41 马可福音 4:25-41, Jesus Calms a Storm 耶稣平息风浪

Scripture Reading        : Mark 4:25-41

Theme                            : Jesus Calms a Storm

 

  1. Fear of Death. A few of the disciples were fishermen by trade, before they followed Jesus. They would have seen many storms before when they were out fishing at sea. Based on their experience, this storm was so severe that they believed they would not make it back to shore alive. Jesus, in contrast, was able to sleep peacefully in the midst of the storm. Jesus was extremely tired after all the things He had done to serve the people, and Mark noted that He was not even able to eat at times (Mark 3:20). However, to be able to sleep in the midst of a severe and life-threatening storm demands more than physical tiredness, but supreme trust in God the Father. The disciples did not have such faith, and so they feared for their lives.
  1. Faith in Jesus. The Apostles were given authority to cast out demons (Mark 3:15), and they witnessed Jesus healing the sick and performing all the miracles. Yet, when it came to a life-threatening situation, they were still fearful. Jesus rebuked the Apostles for their lack of faith in Him.
  1. Fear of Jesus. Jesus demonstrated that He had authority over the physical realm by healing the sick. He also demonstrated that He had authority over the spiritual realm by casting out demons. Now, He demonstrated that He had authority over the realm of nature by calming the storm. The disciples were thus filled with fear of Jesus.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Do we allow our life experiences to distract us, or do we trust in the Lord? Or maybe we trust in our own experience, that we know better than God? Pray that we will trust in God and not depend on our own wisdom in all circumstances (Proverbs 3:5-8).
  1. We can claim to have faith in Jesus in different circumstances, but the real test of our faith in Jesus comes when our lives are threatened. Let us pray that we will be willing to “take our cross” and to give up our lives to follow Jesus.
  1. The Apostles asked, “Who then is this?” (Mark 4:41) Do we believe that Jesus is the Son of God? After reading the Bible and seeing that Jesus had authority over illnesses, demons and nature, we should believe and not doubt. Pray that we will place our trust in Jesus and not doubt in our hearts.
 
 
 

经文:马可福音4:25-41

主题:耶稣平息风浪

 

  1. 害怕死亡。一些门徒在跟从耶稣以前是渔夫。他们在海上扑鱼时必经过许多风浪。以他们的经验而谈,这暴风是如此猖狂,叫他们相信自己是无法生存的。相反的,耶稣在风暴中竟能安宁沉睡。在事奉的一切后,甚至时而无法吃饭(3:20),祂确实感到非常疲惫。可是,能在猖狂及致命的暴风中沉睡并非只因肉体的疲乏,而是对天父的全然信靠。门徒们并没有这信心,所以他们为自己的性命感到害怕。
  1. 相信耶稣。使徒们已领受赶鬼的权柄(3:15),也见证了耶稣医治及行神迹的能力。然而,遇上致命关头时,他们仍然胆怯。耶稣因使徒们对祂信心的缺乏而斥责他们。
  1. 惧怕耶稣。耶稣藉着医治展现了祂对物质界的权柄。祂藉着赶鬼展现了祂对属灵界的权柄。现在,祂藉着平静风暴展现祂对自然界的权柄。因此,众门徒都对耶稣大大地惧怕。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 我们是否容许自己生命中的经历分散我们的注意力,还是专心信靠主呢?又或者我们相信自己的经验,以为自己比神更明白?祈求我们凡事都会相信神而不是靠自己的智慧行事(箴3:5-8)。
  1. 我们在不同状况中都能宣称自己对耶稣有信心,但真正的考验是当我们碰上致命关头的时候。让我们祷告我们会愿意“背起我们的十字架”,舍命跟从耶稣。
  1. 使徒们问:“这到底是谁?”(41节)我们是否相信耶稣是神的儿子呢?读了圣经后,看到耶稣对疾病、魔鬼和自然界的权柄,我们当相信,不再质疑。祈求我们会信靠耶稣,不在心中质疑了。


21 Jul 2016, Mark 4:26-34 马可福音 4:26-34, Two Parables on Seeds 有关种子的两个比喻

Scripture Reading        : Mark 4:26-34

Theme                            : Two Parables on Seeds

 

  1. Grain Seed. This parable illustrates that spiritual growth in the lives of genuine believers is apart from the sower. The sower is responsible only to sow, but the growth is caused by God. The sower can provide the conditions suitable for growth, but the growth cannot be forced. If the sower tries to speed up the process by pulling the ear and the blade before the grain is ripe, it will certainly damage the grain. In a similar fashion, spiritual growth cannot be prematurely forced.
  1. Mustard Seed. The mustard seed is not the smallest of all known seeds, but the smallest of the different kinds of seeds Jews sowed in their fields. The leaves of the mustard plant were used as a vegetable and its seed as a condiment. When fully grown, the size of the mustard plant was larger than all the other garden plants of similar use. Such growth is out-of-proportion, considering that the seed is the smallest. The kingdom of God is like such a seed, said Jesus, because it had a small and seemingly insignificant beginning, but eventually will grow in such proportions that will affect the entire world.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. We should be diligent as sowers and preach the Gospel and the Word of God, which is our responsibility as Christians. Spiritual growth in the lives of believers is not our responsibility. Paul also wrote that “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” Therefore, we should be faithful in planting and watering (preaching and teaching the Word of God), and leave the growth to Him (1 Cor. 3:6-7). Let us pray that we have patience as we counsel and guide immature believers, and not try to force their spiritual growth by our means.
  1. We should not be discouraged when our ministry started small. As long as we are faithful in doing what is right according to God’s Word, He will grant the growth. When God is blessing the ministry, even a small ministry can grow to become one that does big things for God. Let us pray that we will not be discouraged, but trust in God and be faithful in the ministry He has given to us.
 
 

经文:马可福音4:26-34

主题:有关种子的两个比喻

 

  1. 五谷。这个比喻叙述了真实信徒的属灵成长是在撒种之人以外的。撒种的人只负责播种,但成长是神给的。撒种的人可以提供为种子生长的良好环境,但生长本身是不可勉强的。倘若撒种的试着加快过程而在谷未成熟前先把穗拔起并用刀割下,谷必受损。同样的,属灵成长是不由得在成熟前被迫的。
  1. 芥菜种。芥菜种并不是世上最小的种子,却是犹太人耕种的种子中最小的。芥菜种的叶子可用做菜,其种子可用做调味料。长起来后,它比各样有同用处的菜都大。这种成长是不成比例的,因为它原是最小的。耶稣说,神的国就如这种子,因为它起初似小又微不足道,但最终会倍数成长,影响全世界。

用经文祷告

  1. 我们当殷勤撒种,并传福音及神的道——这就是我们基督徒的责任。信徒的属灵成长则不由我们。保罗也曾写道:“我栽种了,亚波罗浇灌了,唯有神叫他生长。”因此,我们当在撒种和浇灌上要忠心(传扬并教导神的话),并把成长交托于神(林前3:6-7)。让我们祈求我们在辅导与引导不成熟的信徒上有耐心,而不是用自己的手段勉强他们在灵命中成长。
  1. 我们的事工若小,也不当灰心。只要我们按神的话语忠心行事,祂便会给予成长。当神祝福一个事工时,即便小事工也能长成为神做大事的。让我们祷告我们不要灰心,乃信神,在祂所给予我们的事工上忠心。
 

 



20 Jul 2016, Mark 4:1-25 马可福音 4:1-25, Judgment by Parables 藉着比喻的审判

Scripture Reading        : Mark 4:1-25

Theme                            : Judgment by Parables

 

  1. The Purpose of Parables. When the people, especially the religious leaders (the Pharisees), started to show serious antagonism towards Jesus, to the extent that they blaspheme against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:22-30), Jesus began to speak to them in parables. The real purpose of parables is a sign of judgment (Mark 4:11-12), so that those who reject the Word of God will also not be able to understand His Word. And if sinners do not know God’s Word, they will not be saved.
  1. The Meaning of the Parable. The parable of the sower talks about four types of ground – the path, rocky ground, thorns, and good soil. Jesus explained the parable to the disciples: the path represents people who hear the Word of God but immediately rejects it, rocky ground represents people who accepted God’s Word but did not persevere during suffering, the thorns represents people who hear God’s Word but unwilling to give up the pleasures of this world, the good soil represents people who accept the Word of God and persevere, bearing fruit in the end. Only the good soil represents true believers who are genuinely saved.
  1. The Warning after the Parable. The analogy of the lamp that is not placed under a basket is a warning that it is not possible to be a genuine believer but not bear any fruit. This follows the parable of the sower closely as a further illustration of the good soil that will bear fruit.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Much of what God has revealed to us in the Bible is quite easy to understand (e.g. having lustful thoughts equates to committing adultery, homosexuality is sin, etc.). The real problem is that sinners refuse to accept or believe God’s Word. If sinners continue to reject the Word of God, their hearts will become so numbed by sin that they cannot understand even the simplest teaching from the Bible (1 Cor 2:14). When this happens, it is a clear sign of God’s judgment. Let us pray for soft and humble hearts that is ready to accept and believe God’s Word.
  1. The parable of the sower shows that we should not be selective in sharing the Gospel with unbelievers. We are not the ones who can tell who is what type of ground. We simply preach the Gospel to everyone, and the type of ground will reveal itself in time to come. Let us pray that we will be bold in preaching the Gospel and not give excuses.
  1. The passage is very clear that genuine believers will bear fruit. Bearing fruit is not the cause of our salvation, but the effect/result of our salvation (James 2:17-18). If we have been giving excuses for not bearing fruit, let us repent from this sin and pray that God equip us to serve Him and bear fruit.
 
 
 

经文:马可福音4:1-25

主题:藉着比喻的审判

 

  1. 使用比喻的目的。当人,尤其宗教领袖(法利赛人)开始对耶稣展示深厚敌意,甚至亵渎圣灵时(3:22-30),耶稣就用比喻跟他们说话。使用比喻的真正目的是作审判的迹象(11-12节),叫拒绝神话语的人不能明白神的话。而倘若罪人不晓得神的话,他们就不能得救。
  1. 比喻的意思。撒种的比喻叙述四种土地:路旁、石头地、荆棘和好土。耶稣向门徒解释,路旁代表的是听到神话语却立刻拒绝的人;石头地代表接受神话语但无法在患难中忍耐的人;荆棘代表听到神话语但不愿舍弃世上享乐的人;好土代表接受神话语,又能忍耐到底并结果子的人。唯有好土代表真实得救的属实信徒。
  1. 比喻后的警告。不放在斗底下的灯的比喻是一个警告:真实信徒是不可能不结果子的。这比喻紧跟在撒种的比喻后,以延伸好土会结果子之意。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 神在圣经里向我们启示的内容大部分都是较容易理解的(如:动淫念的便是犯奸淫,同性恋是罪,等)。真正的问题是罪人拒绝接受或相信神的话。若罪人继续拒绝神的话,他们的心会对罪如此麻木,叫他们无法明白圣经里最简单的教导(林前2:14)。若这事发生,那就是神审判的明确迹象。让我们祷告我们能有柔软谦卑的心,能随时接受并相信神的话。
  1. 撒种的比喻显示我们不能挑选要向哪个非信徒传福音。我们不能看出谁属哪一种土;我们仅要向众人传福音,而时间会证明谁是哪种土。让我们祷告我们能在传福音上有胆量,而不是找借口不传。
  1. 这段经文很明确:真实信徒会结果子。结果子并不是救恩之源,乃是得救的结果或效果(各2:17-18)。我们若一向都在给予不结果子的借口,我们就要从这罪中悔改,并祈求神能装备我们好服侍祂并结果子。
 


19 Jul 2016, Mark 3:21-35 马可福音 3:21-35, Friend vs. Foe II 友与敌(二)

Scripture Reading        : Mark 3:21-35

Theme                            : Friend vs. Foe II

 

  1. Absolute Sin of the Pharisees. When the Pharisees (and scribes) failed in their bid to discredit Jesus based on their legalistic interpretation of the Law, they resorted to character assassination. So serious is the blasphemy (they charged that Jesus’ authority came from Satan) that Jesus said such a sin is unforgiveable. Mark 3:23 is the beginning that Jesus spoke parables to those whose hearts were hardened, which is a sign of judgment (Mark 4:11-12).
  1. Adoption of the Obedient. Jesus’ mother, Mary, and His brothers (naturally born children after Joseph married Mary) came to look for Jesus. It is very possible that they were trying to stop Jesus from what He was doing (Mark 3:21). To stop Jesus was clearly going against the will of God, and that is why Jesus answered by saying that those who do the will of God are His “brother, sister and mother” (Mark 3:35). Jesus was not advocating that Christians disown their parents, for that would contradict His teaching in Mark 7:9-13. Jesus is emphasizing that obeying God the Father is more important than obeying earthly parents.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Do we believe Jesus and His Word, the Bible? If we reject Jesus and His Word, we are also guilty of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. If we keep hardening our hearts like Pharaoh, God will harden our hearts one day (Exodus 9:34; 10:1). Let us repent from this sin and beg Jesus for forgiveness, while there is still opportunity.
  1. Jesus said, “And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:36-39) Even though we are to honor our parents (Mark 7:9-13), it is more important to obey God. Let us pray that our earthly relationships will not be a hindrance to us as we follow Christ.
 
 

经文:马可福音3:21-35

主题:友与敌(二)

 

  1. 法利赛人确切的罪。当法利赛人(和文士)无法凭他们律法主义的标准污蔑耶稣时,他们便尝试人身攻击。他们亵渎的话如此严重(即告指耶稣的权柄来自撒旦),叫耶稣说这等罪是不得赦免的。马可福音3:23是耶稣向硬心之人说比喻的开端,而这是审判的象征(可4:11-12)。
  1. 领养顺服的人。耶稣的母亲马利亚和祂的弟兄来找耶稣。他们很有可能想阻止耶稣在做的事(21节)。阻止耶稣就是逆着神的旨意行,而那就是为何耶稣回答说凡遵行神旨意的人是祂的“弟兄、姐妹和母亲了”(35节)。耶稣并非在提倡信徒不要认自己的父母,因为那便是与祂在马可福音7:9-13的教导背道而驰。耶稣强调的是遵行天父比听从父母更重要。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 我们是否相信耶稣、祂的话和圣经呢?我们若拒绝耶稣和祂的话,便是亵渎圣灵了。我们若持续硬着心,如法老一样,神总有一日也会使我们的心刚硬(出9:34;10:1)。让我们趁还有机会的时候从这罪中悔改,求耶稣赦免。
  1. 耶稣说:“人的仇敌就是自己家里的人。爱父母过于爱我的,不配做我的门徒;爱儿女过于爱我的,不配做我的门徒;不背着他的十字架跟从我的,也不配做我的门徒。得着生命的,将要失丧生命;为我失丧生命的,将要得着生命”(太10:36-39)。虽然我们当孝敬父母(7:9-13),但遵从神更为重要。让我们祷告我们在地上所拥有的关系不会成为我们跟从基督的阻碍。
 
 


18 Jul 2016, Mark 3:1-20 马可福音 3:1-20, Friend vs. Foe I 友与敌(一)

Scripture Reading        : Mark 3:1-20

Theme                            : Friend vs. Foe I

 

  1. Antagonism of the Pharisees. The Pharisees were looking for opportunity to accuse Jesus. They did not doubt His ability to heal, yet they chose to oppose Jesus instead of marvel at God’s power. Jesus tested the Pharisees by asking them whether it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Legalistic pharisaic tradition allowed for the saving a life on the Sabbath, but if it were not life-threatening, then doing good would be breaking the Law, and ought to be postponed to the next day. Jesus was showing the Pharisees the inconsistency in such legalistic teachings. To demonstrate once more that He is the Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28), Jesus healed the man with a withered hand. Instead of praising God for His mercy and power, the Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus. This was the culmination of the objections they brought against Jesus in Mark 2, and the antagonism grew from this moment.
  1. Appointment of the Apostles. In contrast to the Pharisees, the Apostles (except Judas) were true followers of Jesus. Mark 3:13 clearly shows that it is God’s sovereignty over who He chooses. After appointing the Twelve Apostles, Jesus also gave them authority to cast out demons. To those who are obedient to God, more will be given to them for the purpose of serving Him.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Just as Jesus was angered by the Pharisees’ hardness of heart (Mark 3:5), God is angry with sinners, “who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18). We should not think of ourselves as better than the Pharisees, but learn from their negative example. Are we holding on to any legalistic beliefs? Let us pray that we will submit to Jesus and His teachings, with love and compassion for others, rather than laying a burden on others that we ourselves cannot bear.
  1. God equips those whom He chooses to serve Him. If we obey God and serve Him faithfully, He will give us even more to serve Him more effectively (Matthew 25:29). But this is not a promise of financial gain, a false-teaching made popular by the health-and-wealth-gospel. Let us pray that we are willing to serve God.
 
 
 

经文:马可福音3:1-20

主题:友与敌(一)

 

  1. 法利赛人的敌意。法利赛人正寻找控告耶稣的机会。他们并不怀疑耶稣医治的能力,但选择抵挡耶稣,不为神的大能深感惊异。耶稣问法利赛人是否能在安息日行善,藉此试探他们。法利赛人的律法准则容许在安息日救命,但若不是致命性的,行善也算违法,必须延后一日。耶稣是在向法利赛人显示这等教导的前后矛盾。为要再一次展现祂就是安息日的主(2:28),耶稣医治了一个枯干了手的人。法利赛人不但不赞美神的怜悯和大能,反倒计谋要杀害耶稣。这就是法利赛人在马可福音2章对抗议耶稣的高潮,而敌意从此剧增。
  1. 委任使徒。与法利赛人相反的是,众使徒(除外犹大)是真实跟从耶稣的。13节清楚告诉我们神是凭祂的主权作选择的。委任十二使徒后,耶稣也给予他们赶鬼的权柄。凡遵从神的,神会给予更多,叫人能服侍祂。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 如耶稣因法利赛人的心刚硬而愤怒(5节),神也向罪人发怒,因为他们是“行不义阻挡真理的人”(罗1:18)。我们不能觉得自己比法利赛人好,而是要从他们负面的例子中学习。我们是否持守着律法主义性的意念?让我们祷告我们会降服于耶稣和祂的教导,对人有爱心和怜悯,而不是把自己无法承受的重轭担在别人身上。
  1. 神装备祂拣选去事奉祂的人。我们若遵从神,并忠心服侍祂,祂必加给我们,使我们在事奉上更有效(太25:29)。但这并不是钱财得利的应许——那是致富福音推广的假教导。让我们祷告我们会甘心服侍神。

 



16 Jul 2016, Mark 2:13-28 马可福音 2:13-28, Legalistic Objections to the Servant’s Ministry 对仆人事工的律法主义性抗议

Scripture Reading        : Mark 2:13-28

Theme                            : Legalistic Objections to the Servant’s Ministry

 

This entire passage showed how the Pharisees objected to Jesus’ ministry using their legalistic standards. Jesus used two analogies of new cloth on old garment and new wine in old wineskins, to show the complete incompatibility of the Gospel of repentance with the Pharisaic legalism. The Pharisees focused on ritual, whereas Jesus, the Perfect Servant, focused on man’s true need.

  1. Jesus associated with sinners. The Pharisees used the term “sinners” to describe all who did not respect the Mosaic Law or rabbinic traditions. Such sinners were worthless in their sight and they would not even be found eating together. Their legalism prevented them from showing compassion to sinners. Jesus, on the other hand, had compassion on sinners. The Perfect Servant came precisely for the purpose of saving sinners (Mark 2:17).
  1. Jesus did not fast. It was unlikely that Jesus fasted but not His disciples. Though Mark 2:18 tells us that the charge was against Jesus’ disciples, it is reasonable to deduce that the charge was directed towards Jesus. It was still early in Jesus’ ministry; the antagonism against Him was not full blown yet, so the charge was seemingly brought against the disciples.
  1. Jesus did not obey the Sabbath. To the Pharisees, “plucking heads of grain” was work and amounted to breaking the Sabbath. Jesus used an Old Testament passage to show the Pharisees that God did not create the Sabbath to be a legalistic bondage, but for the purpose of His people’s benefit as they rested. Jesus’ claim that He was greater than the Sabbath means that He was claiming to be God.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Are there any legalistic practices that we still adhere to (e.g. keeping the Sabbath on Sundays), even after repenting and believing in the Gospel? Pray that we will have the wisdom to identify any legalism in our own hearts and put off all self-righteousness.
  1. Are we more concerned over rituals than man’s true needs? One example could be forbidding the use of church premises (or our own homes) so that the cleanliness of the place could be maintained. Pray that we can use the resources that God has given to us to serve people in the church.
  1. Do we find the teachings of the Bible burdensome? Jesus said that “the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27) Let us pray that we will believe that God’s will is best for us (Romans 8:28), so that we will not find it burdensome to obey His will.
 
 
 

经文:马可福音2:13-28

主题:对仆人事工的律法主义性抗议

 

这整段经文显示法利赛人是如何以自己律法主义性的标准抵挡耶稣的事工的。耶稣使用了两个比喻,即缝在旧衣上的新布和装在旧皮袋里的新酒,表明悔改的福音与法利赛人的义是完全不符的。法利赛人注重的是礼仪,但那完美仆人耶稣注重的是人真正的需要。

  1. 耶稣与罪人交往。法利赛人使用“罪人”这标签形容凡不遵从摩西律法和拉比传统的人。这等罪人在他们眼里是无用的,而他们连吃饭也不会在一起。他们的律法主义阻止了他们向罪人展现怜悯。然而,完美仆人到来的目的就是要拯救罪人(17节)。
  1. 耶稣没有禁食。耶稣的门徒不可能不与祂一同禁食。虽然18节说他们控告的是耶稣的门徒,但我们可以合理推断这控告是向着耶稣的。由于这仍是耶稣事工的初期,而敌人与祂的对抗还未完全彰显,所以这项指控似乎是冲着门徒而来的。
  1. 耶稣没有遵守安息日。对法利赛人而言,“掐了麦穗”属于工作,也就是不遵守安息日。耶稣引用了一个旧约经文向法利赛人表示,神造安息日的目的并非要捆绑人,而是叫人休息得益。当耶稣声称祂比安息日更大时,祂实际上在说自己是神。

用经文祷告

  1. 我们固然悔改并相信福音了,但是否仍持守一些律法主义性的做法(如:周日守安息日)?祈求我们有智慧识别心中的律法主义,并脱去自己一切的义。
  1. 我们是否在乎礼仪过于人真正的需要呢?其中一个例子就是禁止教会场所(或自家)的使用,以便保持地方的整洁。祈求我们能使用神所赐予我们的资源服侍教会的弟兄姐妹。
  1. 我们是否觉得圣经的教导很累赘?耶稣说:“安息日是为人设立的,人不是为安息日设立的”(27节)。让我们祷告我们会相信神对我们的旨意是最美好的(罗8:28),叫我们遵从祂的旨意时不会感到累赘。


15 Jul 2016, Mark 2:1-12 马可福音 2:1-12, Jesus’ Power to Forgive Sin 耶稣赦罪的大能

Scripture Reading        : Mark 2:1-12

Theme                            : Jesus’ Power to Forgive Sin          

 

  1. Jesus’ Proclamation. Mark 1:14-15 summarizes the Galilean ministry of Jesus. Wherever He went throughout Galilee, Jesus would preach the same message of repentance and belief in the Gospel as the basis of salvation. Jesus showed that He was not just the messenger of God, but He is God Himself, who has the power to forgive sins (Mark 2:5). Therefore, when a sinner repents and believes in the Gospel, he is to put his faith in Jesus Christ, who is the one who forgives.
  1. Jesus’ Perception. Jesus is God and He is able to perceive the hearts of men. Jesus knew what the Pharisees and scribes were thinking in their hearts.
  1. Jesus’ Proof. The purpose of the miracle was not to produce faith in the hearts of the people there. The paralytic and his friends already had faith in Jesus (Mark 1:5) before the miracle, not after. The miracle, therefore, authenticated Jesus’ proclamation to have the power to forgive sins.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. The original Greek word order of Jesus’ speech in Mark 2:5 is – Forgiven are your sins. The paralytic did not ask Jesus for physical healing, and from Jesus’ proclamation, we can deduce that the paralytic was more concerned for his sin. Jesus, knowing the greatest need for sinners is true forgiveness of sin, did exactly that for the paralytic. Let us pray that we will know our true spiritual need, rather than temporal, physical needs.
  1. Jesus had compassion on the man and wasted no time in assuring him that he is forgiven. Let us pray that we too may have compassion on others when we are counseling or comforting the afflicted.
  1. Having the right theology does not mean that a person is saved. The Pharisees and scribes had the right theology when they said that only God can forgive sins, but they failed to recognize Jesus as God. We must place our faith in the right person, Jesus Christ, and submit to Him as God and Saviour. Let us pray that we will not only have the right theology, but have the right faith as well.
 
 
 

经文:马可福音2:1-12

主题:耶稣赦罪的大能     

 

  1. 耶稣的宣告。马可福音1:14-15总结了耶稣在加利利的事工。每当耶稣到加利利时,祂都会传讲这个信息:人要悔改,相信福音,才能得救。耶稣显示祂不仅是神的使者,更是神,且有赦罪的能力(可2:5)。因此,当罪人悔改相信福音时,他要将信心寄托在能赦罪的耶稣基督里。
  1. 耶稣透彻的能力。耶稣是神,而祂能透彻人心。耶稣晓得法利塞人和文士心里到底在想些什么。
  1. 耶稣的证明。这神迹的目的并不是要让当场看到的人产生信心。瘫痪者与他的朋友已经在耶稣行神迹之前对祂信心了(1:5),而非之后。因此,那神迹实际是要证明耶稣有赦罪的能力。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 耶稣在马可福音2:5原文的希腊文字顺序是:赦了,你的罪。瘫痪者并没有向耶稣求肉体上的医治,而从耶稣的宣言中,我们可以推测他更在乎的是自己的罪。耶稣晓得罪人最大的需要是对罪真正的赦免,所有祂赦免了瘫痪者的罪。让我们祷告我们会晓得自己真实的属灵需要,过于我们短暂、肉体的需要。
  1. 耶稣对那人有怜悯,且不拖延时间保证他的罪已经赦了。让我们祷告在安慰受难者或辅导他人时,我们也能对他们有怜悯之心。
  1. 拥有正确的神学并不表示一人就得救了。当法利赛人与文士说只有神能赦罪时,他们也有正确的神学,只不过他们无法看见耶稣就是神。我们要将信心投在正确的人身上,即耶稣基督,并降服于祂为我们的神与救主。让我们祷告我们不但要有正确的神学观,也要有正确的信心。


14 Jul 2016, Mark 1:35-45 马可福音 1:35-45, The Ministry of the Servant II 仆人的事工(二)

Scripture Reading        : Mark 1:35-45

Theme                            : The Ministry of the Servant II      

 

  1. Jesus Prayed. Jesus found a time and a place where He could pray to God the Father in an undisturbed manner. His act of prayer showed both His intimacy with the Father and His dependency on the Father.
  1. Jesus Preached. Jesus told His disciples that the reason He came out was in order to preach in different places. Certainly, Jesus preached the Gospel of God, calling people to repent and believe in the Gospel (Mark 1:14-15), wherever He went. Wherever Jesus went, He preached the Gospel and authenticated His identity by casting out demons.
  1. Jesus Pitied. Healing diseases and casting out demons did not just authenticate the Lord’s ministry, but He also healed the sick because He pitied them (Mark 1:41). Having compassion on the suffering truly showed the Perfect Servant’s heart – He was here to serve, and not to be served. It is this compassion that moved Him to ultimately offer His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. The Son of God prayed to the Father when He became man. Even now, He continues to pray for His followers at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34). If we truly claim to follow Christ, we too must pray often and also pray for others, rather than pray for ourselves most of the time. Let us pray and ask God to give us strength to persevere in prayer, and wisdom to know how we can pray for others.
  1. Jesus preached the Gospel wherever He went, because it is the message of the Gospel that is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Let us pray that we too may preach the Gospel to the lost whenever we have the opportunity.
  1. Jesus’ ministry was marked by His compassion for the lost. Let us pray that we too may have compassion for those who do not know our Lord, especially for people around us (e.g. our family, friends and colleagues).
 
 
 

经文:马可福音1:35-45

主题:仆人的事工(二)

 

  1. 耶稣祷告。耶稣找到了祂能与天父专心祷告的时间和地点。这样的举动表明祂和天父的关系十分亲密,而且祂也依靠神。
  1. 耶稣传道。耶稣告诉众门徒祂出去的原因是为要在不同地方传道。当然,无论耶稣到哪儿,祂都是传讲神的福音,呼召众人悔改,相信福音的(14-15节)。无论耶稣到哪儿,祂都会传福音,并藉着赶鬼证实自己的身份。
  1. 耶稣怜悯。耶稣进行医治和赶鬼不但是为证实祂的事工,祂也因着对众人有怜悯才如此行(41节)。向受苦的人发怜悯真实体现了一个完美仆人的心——祂来并不是要受人的服侍,乃是要服侍人。正是这份怜悯使主最后舍命做多人的赎价(10:45)。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 圣子降生为人后,祂向天父祷告。即便现在,祂继续为信徒在神的右边替他们祈求(罗8:34)。若我们声称是真实跟随基督的,我们也要常常祷告,并为他人代求,而不是只为自己的事请求。让我们求神在祷告中赐予我们力量坚持,并如何为他人代祷的智慧。
  1. 不论耶稣到哪儿,祂都会传福音,因为福音“本是神的大能,要救一切相信的”(罗1:16)。让我们祷告每当我们有机会的时候,也会向迷失的人传福音。
  1. 耶稣事工的特质是祂对迷失之人的怜悯。让我们祷告我们也会对不信主的人施怜悯,尤其若他们是我们身边的人(例:亲人、朋友、同事)。