Matthew 马太福音 28:16-20 — The Great Commission of the King 君王的大使命

It was a week of confusion for the disciples. It began with Jesus’ prediction that Judas will betray him and followed by Jesus’ arrest, Peter’s three times denial, and Jesus’ crucifixion. They were in a maze. Although Jesus was finally resurrected and appealed to them, they were still in shock. So Jesus assured them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Mat 28:18) Jesus has finally emerged as a victor not a victim. He has overcome death. He is now the King of kings and Lord of lords. As they gather in Galilee Jesus gave them their mission: to make disciples. This is the main verb of the sentence. This command is followed by three participles which tell us how they are to fulfill the command: Go, baptize and teach others all that Jesus has taught them.

这是一个令门徒混乱的一周。首先,耶稣预言犹大会背叛祂,接着耶稣被捕、彼得三次不认主,耶稣又在十架上被钉死。他们仿佛身在迷宫里。耶稣虽然最终复活并显现在他们面前,他们仍回不了神。因此,耶稣向他们保证:“天上地下所有的权柄都赐给我了”(18节)。耶稣最后是以得胜者的身份显现;祂并不是受害者。祂已胜过了死亡,如今是万王之王,万主之主了。当门徒在加利利聚集时,耶稣给予他们这个使命:要使万民做祂的门徒;这是句中的主要动词。之后,句中的三个分词解释了他们当如何遵行这使命:去、施洗,并教训他人遵守凡耶稣所吩咐他们的。

 

  1. Going 去  (28:19a)

It is interesting that so many of us sitting in the church and asking people to come instead of us going out to share the gospel. It is not wrong to invite people to the church but we must bring the gospel to our family, relatives and friends.

有趣的是,教会有很多人邀请人来到我们当中,却不出去向他们传福音。邀请人来教会并没错,但我们必须将福音带到我们的家人、亲戚和朋友那里。

 

  1. Baptizing 施洗  (28:19b)

Baptism is not just a ritual but a testimony and proclamation that we have died with Christ and raised with Him. It means a changed life. We no longer live in sin but holiness.

施洗并不仅是个礼仪,也是一个见证,宣告我们已经与基督同死,且与祂同活了。这表示信徒有一个全新的生命。我们不活在罪里了,而是活在圣洁中。

 

  1. Teaching 教训  (28:20)

Teaching the Bible is part of the great commission. If you evangelized and baptized without teaching ALL Jesus has taught, you have not fulfilled the great commission.

教导圣经是大使命的其中一部分。你若去传福音,并为人施洗,却不教导他们耶稣所吩咐的一切,你也还未完成大使命。

 
 
 
 
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
 
  1. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. So go make disciples of all nations.” We go with the authority of King of kings and Lord of lords. So like Paul, we should not be ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16). Let’s pray that we go with confidence to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

耶稣说:“天上地下所有的权柄都赐给我了,所以你们要去,使万民做我的门徒。”我们是以万王之王,万主之主的权柄去的。因此我们要像保罗一样,不以福音为耻;这福音本是神的大能,要救一切相信的(罗1:16)。让我们祷告我们去传耶稣基督的福音时,能充满信心。

 

  1. We must not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God for salvation. It is the power to change lives. Jesus commands us to go and baptizing all who believe in Him. Baptism is a testimony of changed life. Pray that we not only baptize others but also testify daily to the changing power of the gospel in our own life.

我们不当以福音为耻,因福音本是神的大能,要救一切相信的。它有能力改变生命。耶稣命令我们要去,为凡所相信祂的人施洗。施洗是对一个更新生命的见证。祈求我们不但要为人施洗,也要日日在我们的生命中见证福音改变生命的大能。

 

  1. Teaching is essential part of the great commission. So many said they only want to evangelize and do not want to get into theological debates. That in itself is a theological position. The great commission includes going, baptizing and teaching ALL he had taught us. Are we doing that? Pray that we faithfully teach the whole counsel of God to them.

教导是大使命中必不可少的一部分。有多少人说过他们只想传福音,不想起神学辩论——这本身就是一个神学立场。大使命包括要去、施洗,并教导凡耶稣所吩咐的。我们是否那么做?祈求我们能忠心向信徒教导神的一切话。

 



Matthew 马太福音 28:1-15 — The Resurrection of the King 君王的复活

Chapter 28 is not simply a record of closing anecdotes about the life of Christ but is the powerful climax of the gospel of Matthew. The resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, and everything that we are and have and hope to be is predicated on its reality. There would be no Christianity if there were no resurrection.

第28章并不只是对基督生命终结的记载;它乃是《马太福音》的高潮。复活之事是基督徒信仰的房角石,而我们的身份及一切盼望都在于此事。若无复活,基督教就不成立。

 

  1. The Fact of Jesus’  Resurrection 耶稣复活的事实  (28:1-10)

After Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Joseph went to see the tomb. However, they were greeted by an angel who moved away the stone so that the ladies can enter the tomb to see for themselves that Jesus has indeed resurrected. The angel also told them to go and tell Jesus’ disciples that He has risen. On the way back they were greeted by the risen Lord Himself! Matthew’s brief glimpse of the resurrection is artless, unadorned and completely lacking pretense or exaggeration. He does not argue or beg the issues but simply places the truths before the readers so they can decide for themselves the truth.

安息日之后,抹大拉的玛利亚与雅各和约西的母亲玛利亚去看坟墓。可是,他们看到的是一位天使——他把石头滚开,以便两位妇女走进去,亲眼看见耶稣确实复活了。天使也叫他们去告诉耶稣的门徒说祂已经复活了。在妇女们回返的途中,复活的主还亲自向她们问安!马太对复活之事的简述是朴实的,毫无装饰,完全不虚伪或夸张。他并不争辩或求人细查这事,仅仅把事实摆在读者的眼前,叫他们为自己分辨事实。

 

  1. The Lie of Jesus’  Resurrection 耶稣复活的谎言  (28:11-15)

While they were on their way, the guard went and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. But despite their first-hand, unprejudiced testimony the chief priests shut their eyes to the very fact. After taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’”

妇女去的时候,看守的兵进城将所有的事都报给祭司长。然而,尽管祭司长得到的是第一手、无成见的见证,他们仍选择蒙蔽双眼。商议后,他们拿许多钱给兵丁,说:“你们要这样说:‘夜间我们睡觉的时候,他的门徒来把他偷去了。’”

 
 

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. Is Jesus’ resurrection important? Yes, for Paul said, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. (1 Cor. 15:14) If Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile and we are still in our sins. (1 Cor. 15:17) Let’s hold on to the truth of Jesus resurrection seriously and dearly.

耶稣的复活是否重要?当然是,因为保罗说:“若基督没有复活,我们所传的便是枉然,你们所信的也是枉然”(林前15:14)。基督若没复活,我们的信心是枉然的,且我们仍在罪中(林前15:17)。我们要认真、深切地持守耶稣复活的真理。

 

  1. This is our hope in Jesus’ resurrection. If Christ has been raised from the dead, we too will be raised when Jesus comes again. For Christ is the first fruit, then at his second coming those who belong to Christ will be raised with Him. (1 Cor. 15:20-23) Let’s fix our hope on Him.

这是我们在耶稣复活里的指望:倘若基督已经从死里复活了,当祂再来的时候,我们也会复活。因为初熟的果子是基督,以后在祂来的时候,那些属基督的也都要复活(林前15:20-23)。让我们将盼望定在基督里。

 

  1. Paul encourages us, “Therefore, my brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58)

保罗鼓励我们:“所以,我亲爱的弟兄们,你们务要坚固,不可摇动,常常竭力多做主工,因为知道,你们的劳苦在主里面不是徒然的”(林前15:58)。

 

 



Matthew 马太福音 27:57-66 — The Burial of the King 君王的埋葬

Although the burial of Jesus seems ordinary compared to His death and resurrection, yet the providence of God controlled every detail, including the scheming of His enemies, which testified to Jesus’ Sonship, Messiahship and Kingship.

比起耶稣的死与复活,祂的埋葬看似平凡。尽管如此,神仍掌管每一个细节,包括祂敌人耍的诡计。这一切见证了耶稣是圣子,是弥赛亚与君王。

 

  1. The Prophecy of the Burial Fulfilled 应验埋葬的预言 (27:57-61)

The first focal point in Matthew’s account relates to the fulfilment of the key prophecy in Isaiah 53:9, which predicted that the Messiah’s “grave was assigned with wicked men, yet He was with a rich man in His death”. Although Christ’s enemies had intended to bury Him with common criminals, God moved the heart of a rich and godly man, Joseph of Arimathea, to bury Jesus in his own new tomb. This prophecy would be deemed as impossible to fulfil but the Lord sovereignly orchestrated the events that no one will have an excuse to refute the Bible.

在记录中,马太的首个要点是《以赛亚书》53章9节的预言应验了,即“人还使他与恶人同埋,谁知死的时候与财主同葬”。虽然基督的敌人有意将祂与一般罪犯埋葬,但神感动了一个名叫约瑟的财主,使他将耶稣的身体安放在自己的新坟墓里。这预言似乎是不可能应验的,但主亲手协调了整件事,叫无人能反驳圣经。

 

  1. The Security of the Burial Secured 坟墓的保安妥当 (27:62-66)

Although Jesus was now dead, the chief priests and the Pharisees were still concerned about His continuing influence. After the crucifixion, the Pharisees remembered that Jesus telling them that He will arise after three days (Mt. 12:40), hence they requested Pilate to seal the tomb. The purpose of the Jewish leaders was to prevent a hoax. But the Lord’s purpose was to take their unbelieving antagonism and use it to prove the reality of Christ’s resurrection and deity. Despite their later efforts to spread the rumour that the disciples stole Jesus’ body, anyone who knew the professionalism of the Roman soldiers knew it is impossible to do that.

虽然耶稣已死,但祭司长与法利赛人仍关注祂持续的影响力。耶稣被钉死后,法利赛人想起祂曾说过自己三日后要复活(太12:40),因此要求比拉多封坟墓。犹太领袖原是要避免骗局发生,但主使用了他们的不信之举,证明了基督的复活与神性。尽管他们日后试着传门徒偷尸的谣言,凡晓得罗马兵丁的专业性都知道那是不可能的事。

 
 
 
 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. According to the Jewish traditions, the crucified persons must be buried with other criminals and it has no precedence that a crucified criminal was buried in a rich man’s tomb. The prophecy is totally impossible to fulfill unless God intervened. Here again, Matthew proved beyond doubt that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Let’s bow and worship Him.

根据犹太传统,钉死的罪犯必须同其他犯人埋葬——埋在财主坟墓这事是前所未有的。除非神介入,这预言是不可能应验的。这里,马太再次充分地证明了耶稣就是那位应许的弥赛亚。让我们屈膝敬拜祂。

 

  1. Yes, only God is wise. God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise (1 Cor. 1:27). Satan’s aim is to crucify Jesus yet it is precisely on the cross he was defeated. In the same way, the chief priests and the Pharisees thought putting the Roman guards will silent the disciples yet it is the present of the Roman guards proved the resurrection of Jesus since it is impossible for the disciples to steal the body of Jesus from them. Let’s praise God for His wisdom.

是的,唯有神有智慧——神拣选了世上愚拙的,叫有智慧的羞愧(林前1:27)。撒旦的目的是要钉死耶稣,但十字架竟然是撒旦被打败的方式。同样的,祭司长和法利赛人以为派罗马兵丁守墓会阻止众门徒耍把戏,可他们的存在却证明耶稣确实复活了,因为门徒是不可能从他们手中抢走耶稣的身体。让我们为着神的智慧赞美祂。

 

  1. How many times we thought we know better and we prefer our way rather than God’s way. Yet we are proven wrong again and again. God is not only wise but He loves us so much that He causes all things to work together for good to those who love God. (Rom. 8:28) Let’s trust Him completely.

我们有多少次认为自己比较清楚,宁愿照自己的方式行事,但事实一而再,再而三地证明我们错了。神不但是唯有智慧的,也非常爱我们,叫万事互相效力,使爱神的人得益处(罗8:28)。让我们完全信靠祂。

 



Matthew 马太福音 27:45-56 — The Death of the King 君王的死

In this passage, Matthew recorded the miracles that surrounded the death of Jesus and the reactions of the people to His death.

在这段经文中,马太记录了围绕耶稣之死的神迹及众人的各种反应。

 

  1. The Miracles on the Cross 十字架上的奇迹 (27:45-50)

The cross was a place of immense divine judgment, expressed in the supernatural darkness at the death of Jesus. As the furious wrath of the Father was poured out on the Son, Jesus was separated from the intimacy of fellowship with Him for the first and only time in all of eternity.

从耶稣身亡时所出现的超自然黑暗可以看出十字架是个极大的属天审判之地。当天父的愤怒在圣子身上倾倒时,这是圣子首次与父从亲密的团契中隔绝,亦是永恒里唯一的一次。

 

  1. The Miracles on the Death of Jesus 耶稣死时的奇迹 (27:51-53)

When Christ gave up His Spirit, that once-for-all sacrifice was completed. The veil in the temple was no longer needed because the barrier of sin was forever removed for those who put their trust in the Son. As a foretaste to the judgment at the end times, God shook the earth at the death of His Son. At the same time, the saints were resurrected by the power of God. It is a foretaste of what is to come at the second coming of Christ.

当基督将自己的灵献上时,那一次的献祭就成了。殿里不再需要幔子,因为凡信靠耶稣基督的,罪的屏障已永远除去。圣子死时,神将天地震动,让人尝到末日审判的滋味。同时,圣徒也藉着神的力量复活——这就是基督再来时将发生的事。

 

  1. The Responses to the Miracles 对奇迹的反应 (27:54-56)

As the centurion and the soldiers saw the miracles that took place, they were filled with fear and confessed that Jesus is the Son of God. Many women who were there, although  their grief was deep and their hopes seemed shattered, they continued to show sympathetic loyalty even in Jesus’ death, which was one of the most beautiful characteristics of godly women.

当百夫长和兵丁见证所发生的奇迹时,他们充满惧怕,承认耶稣是神的儿子。在场也有许多妇女;虽然哀痛深切,盼望似破碎,她们仍在耶稣死后一同展现忠心。这就是敬虔妇女其中一个最美丽的特质。

 
 

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. When Jesus came into the world he said that He is the light of the world (John 8:12). However when He was crucified, why was darkness cover the world? Darkness in the OT signifies God’s wrath (Joel 2:1-2). God’s wrath is on Jesus Christ because the Bible said that Jesus bore our sin on the cross as our substitute (1 Pet. 2:24). Jesus Himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. Jesus paid a heavy price for us so that we can live in righteousness. Are we living in righteousness now? Let us respond to Him in prayer.

当耶稣来到世上的时候,祂说自己是世界的光(约8:12)。可是,当祂被钉死时,为什么世界是充满黑暗的呢?黑暗在旧约代表了神的愤怒(珥2:1-2)。原来神的愤怒降临在耶稣基督身上,因为圣经说,耶稣在十字架上担当我们的罪(彼前2:24)。祂被挂在木头上,亲身担当了我们的罪,使我们既然在罪上死,就得以在义上活。我们是否正在义上活呢?让我们在祷告中作出回应。

 

  1. We understand from theology that the Son is always in perfect communion with God the Father uninterruptedly and unendingly from eternity to eternity. It is only here that Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt. 27:46). Can you imagine the tearing pain Jesus was going through in his heart at the cross? Please respond in prayer.

我们从神学中明白,圣子一直都与父有完美的联合,无休止、无止尽,从永远到永远。唯有这一刻,耶稣喊道:“我的神!我的神!为什么离弃我?”(太27:46)你能否想象耶稣在十架时,心中所承受的撕裂般疼痛?让我们在祷告中回应神。

 

  1. The centurion saw what happened and concluded, “Truly this was the Son of God!” What then is your conclusion?

百夫长见到所发生的一切后,总结说:“这真是神的儿子了!”你的结论又是什么?

 



Matthew 马太福音 27:27-44 — The Wickedness of the Crucifixion 十架之恶

Matthew focuses on Jesus’ crucifixion primarily from the perspective of man’s wickedness, which is portrayed in the four groups of evil people.

在耶稣被钉之事中,马太主要把焦点放在人的邪恶上,且以四组邪恶之人显明这点。

 

  1. The Mockery of the Ignorant Wicked 无知恶人的戏弄 (27:27-37)

The ignorant wicked were the Roman soldiers who were under orders to scourge and crucify Jesus, yet they far exceeded what their basic duty required. Their torment of Jesus was wicked and inexcusable, but it was done out of spiritual ignorance.

罗马兵丁就属这组人——他们被命要鞭打及钉耶稣,但所做的却超越了他们的本分。他们对耶稣的折磨是恶劣、无可原谅的,却是出于灵性上的无知。

 

  1. The Mockery of the Knowing Wicked 知情恶人的戏弄 (27:38, 44)

The knowing wicked was one of the robbers (the other one repented) who were rightly crucified for their sins. The wickedness of his heart was manifested in his continued mocking of Jesus even in his last breath.

耶稣十字架左右的其中一个强盗(另一个已悔改了)就属这组;两个强盗是因自己的罪被钉的。直到生命的最后一个气息,他仍在戏弄耶稣,显明了他心中的邪恶。

 

  1. The Mockery of the Fickle Wicked 善变恶人的戏弄 (27:39-40)

The fickle wicked composed of pilgrims who had come to celebrate the Passover. It included the inhabitants of Judea and Galilee who had previously admired Christ when their needs were satisfied. When they found out Jesus was not what they expected, they turned from admiration to mockery.

前来耶路撒冷庆祝逾越节的朝圣者属这组人,包括居住在犹太及加利利,曾因自己的需要被满足而钦佩基督的人。当他们发觉基督并非自己所期待的那一位,他们的钦佩便成了嘲讽。

 

  1. The Mockery of the religious wicked 宗教恶人的戏弄 (27:41-43)

By far, the most wicked of these were the religious leaders. Though they professed to have great knowledge of God and presumed to be pleasing to Him, yet they not only opposed and condemned Jesus, but enticed other people to support them in their wicked rejection of Him.

至今,最恶劣的人就是这些宗教领袖了。他们虽然宣称自己对神很有认识,声称神也取悦于他们,可他们不但抵抗并谴责耶稣,还怂恿人加入拒绝耶稣的阵营。

 

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. Can you appreciate what Jesus was going through on the cross? This is the all-powerful God who created the whole universe merely by His words. Yet He has to endure the insult and mockery of these naïve, wicked and sinful people. This is the great example of meekness (Mt.5:5). Have you been slandered, mistreated and abused? If so you know what Jesus was going through. Pray that you will follow Jesus’ footstep.

你是否能理解耶稣在十字架上的感受?这位是仅用话语就造宇宙万物的全能神。可是,祂却要承受这些无知、罪恶之人的戏弄。这就是温柔的最好例子(5:5)。你是否曾被污蔑或虐待?若是,你能了解耶稣所经历的。祈求你会跟从耶稣的脚踪行。

 

  1. Jesus committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return. Why did Jesus endure these insult and mockery? It’s for you and me. Let us respond in prayer.

耶稣并没有犯罪,口里也没有诡诈;祂被骂不还口。为什么耶稣要承受这些耻辱和嘲讽呢?这是为了你和我。让我们在祷告中回应神。

 

  1. How was Jesus able to withstand these tortures and slandering without fighting back? The Bible says it is because he entrusted himself to God who judges justly. (1Pet. 2:22-23) Pray that we will do the same for him.

耶稣如何能承受这些折磨与诽谤,却不还手呢?圣经说这是因为祂将自己交托那按公义审判人的主(彼前2:22-23)。祈求我们也会为祂这么做。

 



Matthew 马太福音 27:11-26 — The Trial of the King 君王的审讯

After reporting Judas’ suicide, Matthew resumes the account of Jesus’ trial.

记载了犹大自杀事件后,马太继续复述耶稣的审讯过程。

 

  1. The King’s Silence 君王的沉默 (27:11-14)

The Sanhedrin’s purpose of delivering Jesus to Pilate was not only to put Him to death, but to avoid their responsibility. Despite their false charges, Jesus gave no response. A person who said nothing in his own defense was unheard of in Israel and it was astounding to Pilate. But Jesus’ innocence was so obvious that it demanded no defense on His part.

公会将耶稣送到比拉多的用意不仅是要将祂判死罪,也要逃避责任。虽受诬告,耶稣却不回答。在以色列,无人是不会为自己辩护的,所以比拉多甚觉稀奇。然而,耶稣的清白很明显,叫祂根本无需为自己辩护。

 

  1. The Crowd’s Demand 群众的要求 (27:15-23)

Though Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent, but out of his fear of the crowd, he could not release Jesus. In order to avoid executing Jesus, Pilate used the custom of releasing a prisoner during the Passover to set Him free. But under the incitement from the chief priests and elders, the crowd chose to release Barabbas and demanded for Jesus’ crucifixion. The multitude clearly wanted blood, not justice.

虽然比拉多晓得耶稣是无罪的,但因害怕群众,他不敢释放耶稣。为要避免致死耶稣,比拉多尝试利用一个习俗,即在逾越节释放一个罪犯。可是,在祭司长与长老们的挑唆下,众人选择释放巴拉巴,要求耶稣钉十字架。众人要的显然是血,不是义。
 
 
  1. The Governor’s Acquiescence 巡抚的默许 (27:24-26)

Finally realizing that no amount of reasoning or evidence would prevail with the obsessed mob, the governor made public testimony that although he did not concur with their decision, he released Barabbas according to the wishes of the crowd and had Jesus delivered to be crucified.

巡抚最后意识到:任何道理或证据都不能使众人改变心意。因此,他公开宣示虽然自己不赞同他们的决定,却会依他们的要求释放巴拉巴,并将耶稣交给人钉十字架。

 

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. When Jesus was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. (Mt. 27:12) On the other hand, what could he say? “No, I have no sin?” If so, he cannot take away our sin. If he says, “Yes I sinned,” then he lied. So He did not open his mouth just as what Isaiah prophesied in Isaiah 53:7. What a difficult moment we have put Jesus in. Please respond in prayer.

当耶稣被祭司长与长老控告的时候,祂什么都不回答(27:12)。另一方面,祂又能说什么?祂若说:“不,我没有罪”,就无法担当我们的罪;若说:“有,我有罪”,便是说谎。因此,祂不开口,就如《以赛亚书》53章7节所预言的。我们将耶稣处在一个如此两难的局面啊!请在祷告中回应。

 

  1. The crowd was shouting without thinking, “We want Barabbas, and crucify Jesus. (Mt. 27:20). It was the peer pressure that drove their decision. What about us? Are we following the crowd or do we think carefully what we are doing? Pray that we are not driven by peer pressure but the Word of God.

众人因遭到同侪压力,便不经大脑大喊:“我们要巴拉巴,把耶稣钉十字架!”(27:20)我们呢?我们是否随波逐流,还是先仔细细想我们所做的事呢?祈求催逼我们的是神的话,而不是周围人的压力。

 

  1. Because of his political career, Pilate did not stand for the justice. Are we not the same? How many times because of career we sacrifice Jesus or Sunday service? Pray that we will be willing to stand for Jesus, His truth and His kingdom.

比拉多为了自己的政治事业,放弃公义。我们是否亦然?我们有多少次为了事业而牺牲耶稣,或者周日敬拜呢?祈求我们愿为耶稣、真理及祂的国站起来。

 



Matthew 马太福音 27:1-10 — The Traitor’s Suicide 叛徒自杀

Although Peter denied Christ but he turned to God in repentance. In contrast, Judas remained in his sin, and guilt drove him to eternal death.

虽然彼得不认基督,但他转向神悔改了。相反的,犹大仍处在他的罪中,而愧疚催逼他投向永恒之死。

 

  1. Jesus’ sentence 耶稣的判决 (27:1-2)

The Sanhedrin finally found an excuse to convict Jesus (26:63-66) but was not allowed to administer death penalty themselves. So they brought Jesus to the governor, Pilate, to have him executed.

公会终于找到了给耶稣定罪的借口(26:63-66),但无法亲自下判死刑。因此,他们将耶稣带到巡抚比拉多面前,为的就是要将祂处死。

 

  1. Judas’ guilt 犹大的愧疚 (27:3-5)

Jesus’ end was obvious to all, including Judas, and the full enormity of his treachery finally dawned on him. Judas’ conscience was seared. However, he was only emotionally remorseful (Gk. metamelomai). To salve his conscience, he attempted to return the bribe but was rejected. In utter desperation and frustration, he flung the money and hanged himself. Although he did not repent (Gk. metanoeō), the reality of his guilt was more than he could bear.  

众人,包括犹大,都晓得耶稣的结局,而他终于领悟了自己的背叛所带来的甚重后果。犹大的良心如同被热铁烙惯了一般,所以他的后悔也只是情感上的(希腊文:metamelomai)。为了让自己好受点,他尝试将贿赂还回,但遭拒绝。因感到彻底无奈和沮丧,犹大就把那银钱丢在殿里,出去吊死了。虽然他并没悔改(希腊文:metanoeō),但他却无法承受心里的愧疚。

 

  1. The Chief Priests’ Hypocrisy 祭司长的虚伪 (27:6-10)

The Jewish leaders knew that the thirty pieces of silver was “blood money” (v.6) and had to devise a way to dispose it. In perhaps a disguise of a good will gesture to the public, they decided to buy a useless field to bury strangers. This was in fulfillment of the prophetic saying found in Zechariah 11:13. As Jeremiah was always listed first in the rabbinical order, the entire prophetic category was also at times referred to as such.

犹太领袖晓得那三十块钱是“血钱”(6节),所以必须想办法处理。他们决定用钱买一块无用的田地埋葬陌生人;这或许是要以善意蒙骗众人。这也应验了《撒迦利亚书》11章13节的预言。由于耶利米书总是在拉比教导的顺序中排列第一,所以预言书有时也被称为耶利米所说的话。

 
 
 
 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. Did Judas repent from his sin since he changed his mind and he was remorseful about his action? The answer is no. Biblical repentance is not only changing our mind but returning to God and ask for forgiveness. This is what is lacking in Judas’ repentance. Pray that we always return to God when we are remorseful about our sin.

犹大是否因改变心意、后悔举动,而认罪悔改呢?并非如此。真正的悔改不但要求我们改变心意,还要归向神,祈求宽恕;这就是犹大在后悔中所缺的。祷告每当我们为罪后悔时,总会回转归神

 

  1. Many of us, after realizing that we are wrong, will try to correct it right our own way. This is a mistake upon mistake. We should return to God and ask God what we should do rather than devising another man-made plan to redeem ourselves. Pray that we follow God’s way rather than our own way.

人知错后多数都会以自己的方式尝试弥补——这是错上加错。我们要归向神,求神告诉我们当如何行,而不是寻另一个人造方式赎回自己。祈求我们能跟从神的道路,而不是自己的道路。

 

  1. It is amazing how the prophecy of God works. The Lord not only knew how much Judas will sell Jesus for, but what Judas will do after that and how the chief priests will do to his thirty pieces of silver. This is the omniscient God. Let us worship Him and praise His name.

预言的操作真奇妙。主不但晓得犹大会因多少钱卖耶稣,还知道他过后将如何,并祭司长会如何处理那三十块钱。这就是神的全知。让我们敬拜祂,并赞美祂的名。

 



Matthew 马太福音 26:57-68 — Trial of the King 君王的审讯

After Jesus’ arrest He was put on trial and eventually executed. But these were carried out on unjust and illegal grounds.

耶稣被逮捕后,就受审讯,最后被处死。然而,这整个过程是不公不法的。

 

  1. Illegal Convening of the council 公会的非法聚会 (26:57-58)

The essence of the OT legal system is found in Dt 16:18-20; courts were to rule with fairness and impartiality. Where capital cases were concerned, the governing principle was: “The Sanhedrin is to save, not destroy life.” No criminal trial could be begun during or continued into the night for fear of misjudgments. In their eagerness to convict Jesus, the council proceeded to convict Jesus without regard for the law.

旧约法律系统的原则已在《申命记》16章18至20节列出:法庭当以公义裁决。若涉及命案,总原则是:“公会是为救人,不是毁灭生命。”为避免误判,审讯绝不能在夜间开始,或持续至深夜。可是,为要及早审判耶稣,公会不顾法律,继续审讯。

 

  1. Illicit Conspiracy to convict 违法合谋的定罪 (26:59-66)

To guard against false witnessing, the Mosaic law prescribed that a person who knowingly gave false testimony would suffer the punishment the accused would if found guilty (Dt 19:16-19). However, the only possible way to convict the sinless was on false testimony, and when there were no legitimate charges, they resorted to steer Jesus into self-incrimination. They took Jesus’ acknowledgment of messiahship and deity as blasphemy, calling for an immediate verdict without deliberation.

为防止人做假见证,摩西律法规定:凡刻意做假见证的,若罪犯被定罪,他将与罪犯受同等的罪刑(申19:16-19)。然而,要为无罪的人定罪唯有一个方法就是做假见证;在无合法的控告下,他们只好逼耶稣自证其罪。他们将耶稣承认自己是弥赛亚的宣告视为亵渎神,毫不犹豫地给祂下判决了。

 

  1. Immoral Conduct of the court 法庭不公的行为 (26:67-68)

With total lack of inhibition, the religious aristocracy of Judaism revealed their true decadence, spitting on Jesus and throwing verbal abuse in His face. These are the true blasphemers of God.

犹太教的宗教贵族毫无遮掩,揭开了自己的真面目,吐唾沫在耶稣的脸上,还口出妄言。他们才是真正亵渎神的人。

 
 
 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. After Jesus was arrested all the disciples fled but Peter was following him at a distance (Mt. 26:58). Although Peter was proud and arrogant but his love for Jesus is still clear. Let’s pray that although our love is not perfect but we still love Jesus.

耶稣被捕后,所有门徒都逃离了,唯有彼得还远远地跟着祂(26:58)。虽然彼得骄傲自大,但他对耶稣的爱是明确的。让我们祈祷自己的爱虽不完美,确实真实爱耶稣的。

 

  1. The chief priests wanted to achieve their mission so badly that they will achieve their goal at any cost. Some term this commitment others think that they are blinded by their ambition. We call this the idol of the heart. They will do whatever it takes to achieve their mission, even breaking the law. Are you so committed that you disregard God’s law?

祭司长急切地想要达到他们的目标,所以不择手段。有人称之为“委身”,又有人说他们被野心蒙蔽双眼,我们则说这是心中的偶像。他们为达成目标,不择手段,甚至犯法。你是否也如此执意,甚至能无视神的律法呢?

 

  1. Although Jesus died of the miscarriage of the justice in the human court, He did not die in vain because He died on our behalf us sinners in the heavenly court. Jesus died with a purpose that is to save us from our sin. Let’s thank Him and praise Him for His love for us.

虽然耶稣死于人手的不义,但祂并非枉然而死,因为祂是为在天庭里的罪人牺牲的。耶稣身亡是有目的的,为要救我们脱离罪中。让我们感谢祂,并为祂为我们的爱赞美祂。

 



Matthew 马太福音 26:47-56 — Betrayal and Arrest of the King 君王的背叛与捕捉

After making preparations for His death, the time for the cross has come.

为死亡做好预备后,十字架的时刻来临了。

 

  1. The kiss of the traitor 叛徒亲嘴 (26:47-49)

Judas came with an armed crowd brought together for the sole purpose of arresting Jesus and putting Him to death. They consist of the officers of the Temple (Lk. 22:52), a cohort of Roman soldiers, Pharisees (Jn. 18:3), chief priests and elders. Ironically, Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, a sign of close affection and love reserved only for intimate relationships.

犹大与一群武装分子来了;他们的主要目的是要逮捕耶稣,将祂致死。这群人包括守殿官(路22:52)、一队罗马兵丁、法利赛人(约18:3)、祭司长和长老。具讽刺性的是,犹大以亲嘴之举背叛耶稣——亲嘴乃是密切关系中表示爱戴与深厚情感的专属标志。

 

  1. The presumption of Peter 彼得冒昧 (26:50-55)

The soldiers came and seized Jesus once He was identified. While the other disciples asked if they could strike with the sword, Peter (Jn. 18:10) went ahead and struck the servant of the high priest. In telling Peter keep his sword, Jesus was saying that physical weapons cannot be used to defend or extend His kingdom. Not only was it morally wrong (Gen. 9:6), it was also unnecessary. The Lord’s battles are won by His power alone. 

一旦耶稣被认出来了,兵丁便上前去逮捕。正当其他门徒问自己是否可以动刀时,彼得已经抢先拔刀,将大祭司的仆人砍了一刀。当耶稣告诉彼得收刀时,祂的意思是:属世的刀枪是无法卫护或扩展祂的国的。这不仅触犯了道德条例(创9:6),也是不必要的。主的战争只有藉着祂的大能才可战胜。

 

  1. The defection of the disciples 门徒逃亡 (26:56)

The manner of arrest attested to the unjust and cowardice of the elders and chief priests. However, Jesus’ arrest was ultimately a fulfillment of God’s prophesized plan of redemption. As it dawned on the disciples that their Lord was finally a captive of His enemies, and that He would not do anything Himself nor let them interfere, all fled in fear of being arrested as accomplices.

耶稣被逮捕的方式实际上表明了长老与祭司长既不公正,又很胆怯。然而,耶稣被捕终究是对神预言的救赎计划之应验。当门徒后来领悟到主的确沦落敌人之手后,且必不会为自己或让门徒介入于此时,他们都因害怕被视为同谋而逃走了。

 
 
 
 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. On the surface he was intimate with Jesus but in his heart he betrayed Him. Are you like Judas – on the surface love Jesus but secretly love the world and sometime to the extent of betraying Him? Pray for repentance and return to him and serve Him and Him alone.

犹大背叛耶稣时,与耶稣亲嘴。表面上,他与耶稣似乎亲密,但心里却背叛了祂。你是否像犹大——表面上看似爱主,但心底却是爱世界的,且会不惜背叛祂?祈求我们能悔改归向神,唯独侍奉祂。

 

  1. Jesus said, “For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Mt. 26:52) Do you want to achieve the will of God through the sword or violent or our own way? Or will you be willing to humble and submit to God’s plan even it means to go through suffering and humiliation? Pray that we will humble ourselves.

耶稣说:“凡动刀的,必死在刀下”(26:52)。你是否想藉着刀枪、暴力,或自己的方式达成神的旨意?又或者愿意虚心谦卑,不论受苦或耻辱都要降服于神的计划呢?祈求我们愿自己谦卑。

 

  1. When Jesus was arrested, the disciples fled. This is a fact of life that when we need our friends most they fled, all of them. If you were there will you run away also? Was Judas the only one betrayed Jesus? How about the rest of the disciples? Pray that the Lord have mercy on us.

耶稣被捕时,门徒逃走了。事实上,当我们最需要朋友的时候,他们都会远离。倘若你在场,你是否也会逃走?背叛耶稣的是否只有犹大一人?其他门徒呢?祈求主怜悯我们。 

 



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。