A beautiful thing circulated among all nations

John 12:1-11

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

¹Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had been raised from the dead. ²Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. ³Then Mary took about a pint^[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

⁴But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ⁵"Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages.^[b]" ⁶He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

⁷"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. ⁸You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."

⁹Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. ¹⁰So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, ¹¹for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.

12:1 逾越節前六日，耶穌來到伯大尼，就是他叫拉撒路從死裏復活之處。12:2 有人在那裏給耶穌預備筵席；馬大伺候，拉撒路也在那同耶穌坐席的人中。12:3 馬利亞就拿著一斤極貴的真哪噠香膏，抹耶穌的腳，又用自己頭髮去擦，屋裏就滿了膏的香氣。12:4 有一個門徒，就是那將要賣耶穌的加略人猶大，12:5 說：「這香膏為甚麼不賣三十兩銀子賙濟窮人呢？」12:6 他說這話，並不是掛念窮人，乃因他是個賊，又帶著錢囊，常取其中所存的。12:7 耶穌說：「由她吧！她是為我安葬之日存留的。12:8 因為常有窮人和你們同在，只是你們不常有我。」12:9 有許多猶太人知道耶穌在那裏，就來了，不但是為耶穌的緣故，也是要看他從死裏所復活的拉撒路。12:10 但祭司長商議連拉撒路也要殺了；12:11 因有好些猶太人為拉撒路的緣故，回去信了耶穌。

1. 中心內容：
   
   內容：
   1>逾越節前六日，主耶穌來到伯大尼，有人設宴款待，拉撒路也在席中。（v1-2）

Jesus came to Bethany six days before the Passover. There a dinner was served and Lazarus was among them. (v1-2)
2>馬利亞拿一斤極貴的真哪噠香膏，塗抹並擦拭耶穌的腳，表明對主耶穌的愛。（v4）

Mary took a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she applied it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. It showed her love for Jesus. (v4)
3>出賣主耶穌的猶大口是心非，假慈悲、真愛財。（v4-6）

Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, contradicted his deeds and his words. Outwardly, it seemed that he cared for the poor, but inwardly, he was really a money lover. (v4-6)
4>主耶穌肯定馬利亞的作為，並暗喻自己將不久人世。（v7-8）

Jesus affirmed what Mary had done implying that He would soon leave this world. (v7-8)
5>許多人聞風（主耶穌）而到，同時要看死而復活的拉撒路。（v9）

Many found out that Jesus was there and came, not only to see Him, but also to see Lazarus who had been raised from the dead. ( v9)
6>祭司長彼此商議，連拉撒路也要殺了。（v10-11）
The chief priests also planned to kill Lazarus. (v10-11)

主題：普天傳頌的美事。

A beautiful thing circulated among all nations

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？

1>使死人（拉撒路）復活的耶穌基督。（v1）

Jesus Christ raised Lazarus from the dead. (v1)
2>與人同坐席的耶穌基督。（v2）

Jesus sat and ate with people. (v2)
3>即將遭出賣的耶穌基督。（v3）

Jesus Christ was to be betrayed. (v3)
4>即將死亡的耶穌基督。（v7-8）

Jesus Christ was soon to die. (v7-8)
5>配得相信的耶穌基督。（v11）

Jesus Christ is worthy of belief. (v11)

2. 給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？
   
   1>與主親近的家庭 A family close to Jesus
   逾越節前六日，耶穌來到伯大尼，就是他叫拉撒路從死裏復活之處。（v1）

¹Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had been raised from the dead. (v1)
住在伯大尼，包括馬大、馬利亞、拉撒路這三個姊弟的家庭，是一個與主親近、蒙恩得福的家庭。因為這個家庭是主耶穌所喜愛，而且經常到訪的家庭；同時也是常常伺候主耶穌的家庭，又是渴慕主耶穌話語的家庭，甚至是經歷過主耶穌權能（使拉撒路從死裏復活）的家庭。

Martha, Mary and Lazarus’ family, who lived in Bethany, was close to Jesus and was a blessed one. This family was loved and often visited by Jesus; always served and listened to Him; they even experienced His power and authority (by which Lazarus was raised from the dead).
反省：我的家庭是一個什麼樣的家庭？熱忱接待主嗎？渴慕主話語嗎？經歷過主的權能嗎？主耶穌喜歡常常到訪嗎？
Reflection: What kind of family is my family? Does it entertain Jesus with hospitality? Does it hunger for His word? Has it ever experienced His power and authority? Does Jesus like to visit it often?
2>不計代價的付出 Give at all costs
馬利亞就拿著一斤極貴的真哪噠香膏，抹耶穌的腳，又用自己頭髮去擦，屋裏就滿了膏的香氣。（v3）

³Then Mary took about a pint^[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (v3)

真正的愛是竭盡所有的給予對方，甚至還因為不能給予更多而感到遺憾。馬利亞對主耶穌的愛就是如此，已經到了「不計算代價、盡所有給予」的地步。因為「一斤極貴真哪噠香膏」的代價，大約等於一般工人一整年的工資，可見是極為貴重的。

Love is to give whatever you have, even to the point that one has felt regret for not being able to give more. This was the kind of love Mary had for Jesus and it came to the climax of giving it all. A pint of pure nard was equivalent to a year’s salary of hard labor back then, so it was extremely precious and expensive.
又根據馬可福音14:3所記載，馬利亞是將整個玉瓶打破了，也就是毫無保留、完全擺上的意思。顯然馬利亞對主耶穌的愛，是「不計代價、毫無保留、完全付出」的愛。

As recorded in Mark 14:3, Mary broke the whole bottle of nard and without holding anything back, she gave it all. Apparently, her love for Jesus was to hold nothing back and to give at all costs.
反省：我對主的愛有多深？我為主擺上多少？我奉獻的態度如何？斟酌情形、意思意思？如果一年的薪水，要為主而獻上，我捨得嗎？
Reflection: How much do I love Jesus? How much of myself do I offer before Him? Do I give according to what I have or do I give just for the sake of it? Am I willing to offer one year’s salary to God?

3>來自撒旦的阻力 Hindrance from Satan
有一個門徒，就是那將要賣耶穌的加略人猶大，說：「這香膏為甚麼不賣三十兩銀子，賙濟窮人呢？」（v4-5）

⁴But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ⁵"Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages.”(4-5)
看見馬利亞愛主的舉動，當時也在現場的猶大，就忍不住開口評論了，他否定馬利亞的作為，而且對馬利亞造成壓力。然而，從主耶穌的回應當中，我們發現馬利亞的作為，竟然獲得主耶穌的嘉許。顯然，猶大的發言，並不符合主耶穌的心意。
因此，猶大的發言，並非出自上帝的心意，而是來自撒旦的攔阻。就這件事而言，猶大道道地地的成了撒旦的工具。

When Judas Iscariot saw what Mary did, he expressed his disapproval, implying pressure on her. However, we could see from Jesus’ response that she was applauded by Him. Clearly, Judas’ comment was not in concert with Jesus’. Thus, his words did not come from God but Satan. In this case, he had become Satan’s tool.
反省：在教會、在社會，或在家中，我的發言、我的意見，較多是成全上帝美好的心意呢？還是成為撒旦利用的工具（專門反對、攔阻、破壞上帝的計劃）？
Reflection: At church, in the society or at home, are my words and opinions mostly concurring with God’s will or are they Satan’s tools that merely object, hinder and destroy God’s plans?

4>表裏不一的虛偽Hypocritical from the inside out
他說這話，並不是掛念窮人，乃因他是個賊，又帶著錢囊，常取其中所存的。（v6）

⁶He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. (v6)

猶 大對馬利亞的評論，從表面上看起來是極富愛心的，因為看似十分掛念窮人。然而聖經作者卻明白的指出，他心中真正的動機是貪愛錢財，而非掛念窮人。猶大真是一個貪財又虛偽、表裏不一的兩面人。所以從這事件當中，我們看見了一個真心愛主的馬利亞，以及一個假惺惺（假屬靈、裝愛心、真偷竊）的猶大。

Superficially, Judas’ comment on Mary seemed that he was compassionate for the poor. Nevertheless, the author clearly pointed out that his true motive was greed instead of caring for the poor. He coveted money and was hypocritical. We could see the stark contrast between Mary who truly loved Jesus and Judas who was hypocritical, who was pretentious in spirit and in love, who was a thief indeed.
反省：我行事為人是「誠實正直、表裏一致」呢？還是「拐灣抹角、表裏不一」呢？我比較像馬利亞？還是比較像猶大？

Reflection: Am I a person of integrity who is truthful from the inside out? Or am I hypocritical? Am I more like Mary or Judas?

5>討主喜悅的美事 A beautiful act that pleases the Lord
耶穌說：「由她吧，她是為我安葬之日存留的；因為常有窮人和你們同在，只是你們不常有我。」（v7-8）

⁷"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. ⁸You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." (v7-8)

當聽到猶大的評論之後，主耶穌立即主動為馬利亞辯解，也就是稱讚馬利亞的作為，同時將馬利亞的作為，賦予神聖的意義，也就是說：不要為難她吧！她是為我安葬之日存留的。「為主耶穌安葬之日存留」多麼神聖的意義！

When He heard Judas’ words, Jesus immediately spoke up for Mary. He complimented her and gave divine significance to what she did. He said, “Leave her alone, it was intended that she should save it for the day of my burial.” What a divine significance!
另外，根據馬太福音26:13的記載，主耶穌甚至進一步說：我實在告訴你們，普天之下，無論在什麼地方傳這福音，也要述說這女人所行的，作個紀念。顯然，馬利亞的作為，不僅蒙主喜悅，同時富有極為深遠的意義，莫怪至今依然存留，世世代代被紀念！

In Matthew 26:13, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." Apparently, what Mary did not only pleased Jesus, but also had a profound meaning. No wonder, it is still mentioned among believers today. It will be remembered from generation to generation.
反省：在家庭、在社會、在教會當中，我的言行、思想、意見、決定，是否小心謹慎的尋求上帝心意，同時能如同馬利亞一般討上帝喜悅？
Reflection: Are my words, my actions, my thoughts, my opinions and my decisions in concert with God’s will for my family, the society and the church? Does it please God as Mary did?

6>把握機會服事主 Serve the Lord while there is an opportunity
因為常有窮人和你們同在，只是你們不常有我。（v8）

⁸You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. (v8)
主 耶穌針對猶大的評論，不僅為馬利亞辯解，稱讚馬利亞的作為，同時賦予神聖的意義，甚至還強調說：常有窮人和你們同在，只是你們不常有我。因為主耶穌知道， 再過不久祂即將受難，所以門徒們或信從、跟隨祂的人，不再常有祂。這樣的教導也提醒我們，愛主、事奉主、做工要把握機會，因為機會過了，很可能就不再來。

Jesus not only spoke for Mary to counter Judas’ comment, He also complimented her and gave divine significance to it. Moreover, He said, “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” Jesus said so because He knew that he would not be with them for much longer. It reminds us to love, to serve the Lord and to do His work while there is opportunity. Once the opportunity passes you by, it seldom comes again.
反省：我是否把握每一個可以愛主、事奉主、做工的機會？
Reflection: Do I seize each opportunity to love, to serve the Lord and to do His work?

7>佳美見證----拉撒路 A beautiful testimony---Lazarus
有許多猶太人知道耶穌在那裏，就來了；不但是為耶穌的緣故，也是要看他從死裏所復活的拉撒路。（v9）因有好些猶太人為拉撒路的緣故，回去信了耶穌。（v11）

⁹Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.(v9) ¹¹for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him. (v11)
有許多猶太人，知道耶穌在那裏，就都來了。他們來的目的，不但是為耶穌的緣故，也是要看那「從死裏復活」的拉撒路。當他們看見拉撒路之後，有好些猶太人為拉撒路的緣故，回去就信了耶穌。拉撒路成為福音的見證人。

⁹Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.---¹¹for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him. Lazarus had become a witness of the Gospel.
反省：我是否成為福音的見證人，就是讓人因為看見了我，就認識、歸向主耶穌？
Reflection: Am I a witness of the Gospel? Does any one put their faith in Jesus because they see and know me?

8>心硬如鐵----祭司長 Hearts of steel---the chief priests
但祭司長商議，連拉撒路也要殺了。（v10）

¹⁰So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well (v10)
祭 司長們心硬如鐵，盲目的拒絕主耶穌，不僅密謀殺害主耶穌，甚至連無辜的拉撒路也要一併殺害。他們可以指控主耶穌褻瀆上帝，因為祂曾經自稱與上帝同等；但是 拉撒路並沒有做過任何違背律法的事，他們依然要至之於死地，只因為他曾經從死裏復活，尤其彰顯出主耶穌的權柄與能力。這些人顯然心硬如鐵，一錯再錯。

The steely hearts of the chief priests had blindly rejected Jesus. Not only they wanted to kill Jesus, but they also wanted to kill Lazarus who was innocent. They could do all they want to accuse Jesus of being blasphemous toward God, on the account of claiming Himself God. As for Lazarus, who did not commit any crime against the law, they wanted to kill him because he was raised from the dead by Jesus and that it manifested Jesus’ glory and power. Their hearts were made of steel which led themselves into a cycle of mistakes.
反省：我的心地如何？如同一些猶太人般的柔軟？或如同祭司長般的堅硬？
Reflection: What is the state of my heart? Is it as soft as those of some of the Jewish? Or is it as hard as those of the chief priests?


四、我的禱告 / 實際應用

Translated by 曾秀娟

Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem

John 12: 12-19

¹²The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. ¹³They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!" ¹⁴Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written,
¹⁵"Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey's colt."

¹⁶At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.

¹⁷Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. ¹⁸Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet him. ¹⁹So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!"

I. Message:

Content:

• The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They welcomed him as king. (v.12~13)
• Author used (Zechariah 9:9) Old Testament to describe the day Jesus entered into Jerusalem. (v. 14-15)
• The disciples did not understand all this until Jesus was glorified (death, resurrection). (v. 17)
• The crowd, who heard Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead, joined the people to meet Jesus. (v. 18)
• The Pharisees blamed and accused each other for they couldn’t do anything, when they saw the crowd had come out to meet Jesus and were shouting “Hosanna!” (v. 19)

Themes: Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem

II. Who is God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit?

• Jesus Christ was crucified for us. (v.12)
• Jesus Christ was sent in the name of God. (v.13)
• Jesus Christ was the king of Israel. (v. 13, 15)
• Jesus Christ was glorified. (v. 16)
• Jesus Christ was the Bible’s revelation. (v. 16)
• Jesus Christ called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead and did miracles. (v. 17~18)
• Jesus Christ drew people from all over the world. (v. 19)

III. What does this passage teach us (about commands, promises, examples, exhortations and warnings)?

1. Catch the right time to do things

No matter what Jesus did, it was never from his own will or without a plan.

He planned and followed the schedule arranged by God. He often said that his time was up or his time has not arrived yet…etc in bible. These not only show that Jesus complied exactly with God’s will. But it also shows that Jesus is good at doing things at the right time.

Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem is a concrete example. He chose a day when Jews got together to have a feast, a place where the crowds could meet and see him – Jerusalem. He declared his mission and identification in public. All these obviously show that Jesus obeyed God’s will, acted it out by God’s plan and at the right moment.

Reflections: Am I having the positive attitude and thoughtful mind to do services in God’s will or only doing things according to my brusque careless thoughts?

2. Jesus was crucified for us

Jesus came to the world in order to cleanse our sins. He was born to die for us. He is God and human. As a human, he was scared and hesitated when he was faced the cross, but he still followed the will of God and walked toward the cross.

Reflections: Am I brave and strong enough to face challenges that God will give me?

3. Symbolizes the Prince of Peace

Jesus found a young donkey and rode upon it, as it is written, "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." (v. 14~15)

According to Middle Eastern customs, all kings ride horse when they are out on the street, especially warhorses. Jesus is a king, and the crowd came out meet him on the street. But he chose to ride a donkey. Obviously, He was not the same as those kings on earth. He did not conquer people by force but by love. He even sacrificed his life to reconcile people with God. Thus, he is the Prince of Peace.

Reflection: I am a follower of Jesus; do I take Jesus as a model to become a prince of peace?

4. Slow comprehension of disciples

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. Most of Jesus’ disciples, who comprehended and realized afterward, didn’t understand what all it was about until Jesus glorified – died in the cross, resurrection. They had memorized by heart that Jesus had told and written to them about all these already.

Reflection: Do I believe in God’s teachings, bible’s revelations, and God’s promises? Or believe it until……?

5. Various crowds

When Jesus entered into Jerusalem, the crowd welcomed him on the both sides of street. But everyone had different motives.

1. Because of curiosity.
2. Expecting Jesus as a political king on the earth to lead them out of the ruling of Roman Empire.
3. The Pharisees were against Jesus, but they could not deter the crowd from following Jesus. The Pharisees blamed one another.

Reflection: If I were there, what kind of crowd would I have been in?

Translated by Teresa Yang

The plot to kill Jesus

John 11:45~57

45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.

"What are we accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."

49 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish."

51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. 53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

54 Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the Jews. Instead he withdrew to a region near the desert, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.

55 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple area they asked one another, "What do you think? Isn't he coming to the Feast at all?" 57 But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that if anyone found out where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might arrest him.

I. Message:

Content:

1. Two types of reactions, belief and denunciation, from the Jews following the resurrection of Lazarus (v. 45~46)
2. The high priest and the Pharisees discuss about the miracles of Jesus and how these have brought many followers to Him (v. 47~48)
3. The high priest Caiaphas intended to persuade the council in killing Jesus but prophesied on His mission (v. 49~52)
4. The high priest and the Pharisees plot to kill Jesus (v. 53)
5. Jesus left Bethany, moved to Ephraim which was near desert and stayed with His disciples (v. 54)
6. Since the high priest and the Pharisees gave orders to report all clues on Jesus’ where about, the crowd that came to Jerusalem for the Passover were actively looking for Jesus (v. 55~57)

Themes:

1. The plot to kill Jesus

II. Who is God, Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit?

1. Jesus Christ, able to resurrect dead man (Lazarus) (v. 45)
2. Jesus Christ, worthy of trust/belief (v. 45)
3. Jesus Christ, able to perform miraculous signs (v. 47)
4. Jesus Christ gave up His life for all (v. 50~51)
5. Jesus Christ brings scattered children of God together and make them one (v. 51~52)
6. Jesus Christ, soon to be betrayed (v. 53, 57)

III. What does the passage teach us (about commands, promises, examples, exhortations and warnings)?

1. Two opposing reactions in the same event

45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

The Jews that came to comfort Lazarus’ family saw the resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus but had opposing reactions. Some believed; some did not believe and reported the resurrection to the religious leaders, becoming accomplice in plotting Jesus’ murder.

Reflections: if I were present, how would I have reacted? Would I have believed or denied the truth to the point of plotting murder against Him?

2. Selfish leaders

47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. "What are we accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."

Jesus came to care for people, to love, to heal, to drive out demons, to free people and to resurrect the dead! He made so much contribution and yet the religious leaders did not appreciate His work but rather grew weary. They were worried that Jesus’ popularity might draw too much attention to the point that Rome may have to step in and take away their authority. Therefore they wanted to get rid of Jesus as soon as possible. This is in sharp contrast to John the Baptist’s motto, “He must become greater; I must become less.”

Reflections: am I selfish in serving the Lord? If so, I must repent now!

3. Hidden dark power

Church exists to spread the Gospel and to bring people to the Lord so that the population under the rule of the dark power may be freed and live in light. However, at the time of Jesus, the religious leaders worried about their own interest and decided to persecute Jesus, including plotting His death. This group of people represent the dark power coming from Satan, which does oppose all progress in spreading the Gospel.

Reflections: have I noticed the hidden dark force/evil power invisible to us in all my services to the Lord? How can I be better equipped to defend myself? Have I been on the dark side?

4. A priest that follows the crowd and holds on to his power

49 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish."

Caiaphas was the high priest that year, a chosen servant of God. But he uttered words without consulting God and chose to please the council. He said, “You do not realize that it is better for you that one man dies for the people than that the whole nation perish.” He meant that he agreed to kill Jesus so that Rome would not use this excuse to send over its army to crush them, taking away their power and possessions. Such a servant of God has neglected his duty!

Reflections: as a servant of the Lord, should I look for crowd’s approval? Or should I hold on to the principles in faith and look for God’s approval in all situations?

5. God is more powerful than human

51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.

Even though the high priest Caiaphas meant evil but prophesied God’s plan, which is Jesus’ mission to die for all sinners. He did not only die for all but also gathered the scattered children of God.

It’s clear that God is above human ways. For instance, Joseph was sold by his brothers but became the pivot of a saving plan. He was in charge of the entire Egypt and led the region, including Canaan, through seven years of drought.

Reflections: do I believe that no one can ever overcome God? Have I lived such an experience?

6. Retreat to a quiet place

54 Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the Jews. Instead he withdrew to a region near the desert, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples. 55 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple area they asked one another, "What do you think? Isn't he coming to the Feast at all?" 57 But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that if anyone found out where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might arrest him.

Jesus stayed away from Jerusalem in the midst of chaos and persecutions and moved to Ephraim to stay with His disciples. Jesus left because He knew His time had not yet come instead of fleeing from the danger. He chose to retreat to quiet place to renew His strength and to stay close to God.

Jesus often retreated to a quiet place during His years of evangelization. Sometimes He stayed alone; sometimes He brought with Him the three main apostles Peter, John and James. He did bring all His disciples to a quiet place as well. In other words, retreat to a quiet place and fervent prayers to God are major pieces of Jesus’ ministry on earth.

Reflections: do I look for God’s time always? Do I often retreat to a quiet place to be closer to God?Translated by 顏偉哲

Strengthening of one’s faith

John 11: 17-27

Jesus Comforts the Sisters

¹⁷On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. ¹⁸Bethany was less than two miles^[a] from Jerusalem, ¹⁹and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. ²⁰When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

²¹"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. ²²But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."

²³Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

²⁴Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

²⁵Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; ²⁶and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

²⁷"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ,^[b] the Son of God, who was to come into the world."

1. 中心內容：
   
   內容：
   1>（v17）Jesus went to Martha and Mary’s house. He also knew that Lazarus had been buried for four days.
   2>（v18-19）Many Jews came over to the house and comforted the two sisters.
   3>聽到主耶穌來了，姊妹兩人不同的反應，馬大出去迎接，馬利亞仍留家中。（v20）When they heard that Jesus came, Mary and her sister Martha reacted differently. Martha greeted Jesus at the door while Mary stayed inside.
   4>馬大表露心聲：你若早在，我兄弟必不死。你無論向神求什麼，神必應許。（v21-22）Martha said: “If you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask”.
   5>主耶穌應許拉撒路必要復活。（v23）Jesus told her that Lazarus will return from the dead.
   6>馬大誤以為末日的復活。（v24）Martha had mistaken what Jesus meant.
   7>主耶穌針對自己：勝過死亡權勢，是生命的主作出宣告。（v25-26）The victory over death is a proclamation of faith.
   8>馬利亞作信仰告白。（v27） A confession of faith was made.

主題：
1>復活在我，生命也在我（耶穌是生命的主宰）。Jesus is the Ruler of our lives.
2>信心的提升。Strengthening of one’s faith.

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？

1>應邀作家庭探訪、關懷的耶穌基督。（v17、v20）Jesus Christ who visits and cares about the family.
2>生命的主宰耶穌基督。（v21、v25）Jesus Christ the Ruler.
3>使人因信得永生的耶穌基督。（v26）Jesus Christ who saves those who believe in Him.
4>彌賽亞、救世主耶穌基督。（v27）Jesus Christ, the Messiah and the Savior.
5>上帝的兒子耶穌基督。（v27）Jesus Christ the Son of God.
6>降世為人的耶穌基督。（v27）Jesus Christ who was sent to us.

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？

1>耶穌的時間
聽見拉撒路病了，就在所居之地，仍舊住了兩天。Jesus heard that Lazarus was ill, so he stayed there for two days. （v6）耶穌到了，就知道拉撒路在墳墓裏已經四天了。When Jesus arrived, he knew already that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.（v17）
當主耶穌在世上的時候，一切言行舉止，都完全遵照上帝的旨意，包括時間的安排，也都沒有離開上帝的計劃。When Jesus was alive, every acts done and words said, including the timing were according to God’s will. 因此，當上帝所計劃的時刻未到之前，祂常常說：因為時候未到！但是當上帝計劃的時刻到來之後，祂便改口說：因為時候到了！We should not judge before the anointed time. And when the time comes, He will say: “It is time”.
在這個事件當中，根據第六節的描述，當主耶穌聽到拉撒路病了之後，卻還停留在所居之地兩天之久，這樣的反應令人有「不太在乎」的感覺。也因為主耶穌停留這兩天，導致當祂來到這個家庭時，一般人認為時間已經錯過了，已經沒有希望了。馬大所說「主啊，你若早在這裏，我兄弟必不死」這句話，足以代表一般人的心聲。What Martha said (“If you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask”.) shows what most people would feel in this situation.
但是，我們若綜觀整個事件的始末，將發現其實主耶穌是有計劃的，故意藉著時間上的延遲，造成拉撒路的死亡，甚至埋葬四天。藉此以彰顯祂不僅擁有醫治的權柄，甚至擁有勝過死亡的權勢。目的就是讓更多人，因為看見而相信祂。
反省：主耶穌有祂的計劃、有祂的時間，而且絕對不會誤事。我是祂的兒女，是否對祂深信不疑？我也是服事祂的人，是否凡事尋求並順服祂的計劃？God has everything planned according to his will and will not mistaken. We are His sons and daughters, am I having doubts? I am also His servant, must I obey His plan?

2>信心的層次
馬大對耶穌說：「主啊，你若早在這裏，我兄弟必不死；就是現在，我也知道，你無論向神求甚麼，神也必賜給你。」耶穌說：「你兄弟必然復活！」馬大說：「我知道在末日復活的時候，他必復活。」 “Lord, Martha said to Jesus, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day”（v21-24）當主耶穌快接近馬大與馬利亞家的時候，馬大出來迎接，並且對主耶穌說：「主啊，你若早在這裏，我兄弟必不死。接著又說，就是現在，我也知道，你無論向上帝求什麼，祂也必賜給你。」When Jesus arrived at Martha and Mary’s house, Martha greeted Jesus at the door and said to him: “Lord, Martha said to Jesus, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” 主耶穌卻對她說：「你的兄弟必然復活！」聽到主耶穌的應許，馬大立刻回應說：「我知道在末日復活的時候，他必復活。」Jesus responded: “Your brother will rise again.” As soon as Martha heard that, she replied: “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 從以上的對話當中，我們發現馬大對主耶穌，其實有一定程度的認識，包括主耶穌所教導，有關末日復活的事，她都明白，也都相信。We learn from this conversation that Martha knew Jesus’ teaching about the resurrection, understood and believed in Jesus. 但是她對主耶穌的信心，仍然停留在「病得醫治」的層次，並未提升到「死而復活」的深度。But her level of faith toward Jesus remains in the healing of sickness and it didn’t go deeper to the resurrection from death.
反省：我對主耶穌的認識有多深？我對主耶穌的信心有多大？只是精神上安慰人的主？或僅止
於病得醫治的主？還是能夠使死人復活的主？How well do I know Jesus? What about my faith? Is the Lord just a comforter, a healer or a savior?

3>信心的提升
耶穌到了，就知道拉撒路在墳墓裏已經四天了。On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.（v17）耶穌說：「你們把石頭挪開。」那死人的姊姊馬大對他說：「主啊，他現在必是臭了，因為他死了已經四天了。」”Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord”, said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad smell. Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days.” （v39）
剛剛說過，主耶穌之所以延遲到達，絕對有祂的用意。As said, the fact that Jesus got to their house late was intentional. 因為根據經驗，屍體在墳裏停放四天，必然發臭。Because the dead man has been there for four days and there is a bad odor.（v39）在這種完全絕望的狀況下，主耶穌的出現，並且使拉撒路復活，更能證明祂擁有「讓死人復活」的權柄。最重要的是：藉這個事件，提升馬大、馬利亞這對姊妹，對主耶穌信心，也就是從「病得醫治」，提升到「死而復活」。If we observe the general flow of the event, we notice that Jesus actually had a plan. He purposely delayed visiting Lazarus so late as to have him buried for four days. As a result, Lazarus' resurrection not only demonstrated Jesus' power of healing, but also his power over death. All this is to have people see his power and believe in him.

反省：我對主耶穌的信心，目前是在哪一個層次？是否不斷經歷、不斷提升？At what level is my faith at this moment? Does experience help me to have a greater faith?

4>生命的主宰
耶穌對她說：「復活在我，生命也在我，信我的人雖然死了，也必復活！凡活著信我的人，必永遠不死！你信這話嗎？」Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
（v25-26）主耶穌對馬大宣告說：「復活在我，生命也在我，信我的人雖然死了，也必復活！凡活著信我的人，必永遠不死！這話何等鏗鏘有力！就是宣告：祂就是生命的主宰！Jesus declared: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” These spoken words are very strong and powerful. This is a proclamation. He rules over our lives.
反省：我是否經歷並確信，主耶穌就是生命的主宰？Have I experienced and accepted God to be the Ruler of my life?

5>馬大的信心

馬大說：「主啊，是的，我信你是基督，是神的兒子，就是那要臨到世界的。」(v27) She told him : “Yes Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”
大多數的基督徒，一談到馬大，總是停留在「忙得不可開交，無心聽主話語」的刻板印象當中。Most Christians see the negative side of Martha’s act, which in this case is “too busy greeting Jesus and was kept away from listening His Words” . 然而從這一段「馬大跟主耶穌的對話」當中，我們發現其實馬大也是一個「充滿信心」的婦人。But from the conversation of Jesus and Martha, we come to know that Martha was in fact a woman with great faith. 因為她說：主啊！是的！我信你是基督，是神的兒子，就是那要臨到世界的。Because she said: “Yes Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” 這樣的回應，絕對是主耶穌所喜悅的This kind of response is pleasing to the Lord。正如彼得對主耶穌的回應「你是基督，永生上帝的兒子。」（馬太福音16:16）一樣。It is comparable to the response from Simon Peter to Jesus “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) 而且，能夠有這樣的對話，表示她對主的認識頗深。Being able to have this kind of conversation demonstrates her deep understanding of Jesus. 向來我
們對馬大總是貶過於褒，如今反而要大大的肯定馬大對主耶穌的認識與信心。Oftentimes, we disregard the role of Martha. Now, rather, we should come to affirm her knowledge and faith in Christ.

反省：我是否能像馬大一樣，在主面前，向主告白說：我信你是基督，是上帝的兒子，就是那
要臨到世界的？Am I able to confess to God by saying “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” like Martha?

四、我的禱告 / 實際應用

Translated by Candy Ho

I am the Resurrection and the Life

John 11:17-27 (New International Version)

17On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." 23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" 27"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ,[b] the Son of God, who was to come into the world."

I) Message

Content:

1. When Jesus came to Martha and Mary’s home, He already knew that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. (v17)
2. Many Jews went forth to their home to console these sisters. (v18-19)
3. When they heard that Jesus was coming, both sisters had different reactions; Martha went out to greet Jesus, and Mary stayed at home. (v20)
4. Martha revealed her feelings: “if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. No matter what you cry out to God for, God will promise it. (v21-22)
5. Jesus promised that Lazarus would rise. (v23)
6. Martha mistakenly thought the resurrection would take place in the end of times. (v24)
7. Jesus proclaimed that He is the one who overcame death and that He is the Lord of life. (v25-26)
8. Mary confessed her faith. (v27)

Themes:

1. I am the Resurrection and the Life. (Jesus is the ruler of life.)

2. The Elevation of Faith

II) Who is God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?
1. Jesus Christ made home visits and cared for people. (v17, v20)

2. Jesus Christ, the ruler of life (v21, v25)

3. Jesus Christ, the giver of life to those who believe (v26)

4. Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Savior of the world (v27)

5. Jesus Christ, the Son of God (v27)

6. Jesus Christ came into the world for man. (v27)

III) What does the passage teach us (about commands, promises, examples, exhortations and warnings)?

1. Jesus’ Time

Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days. (v6)

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. (v17)

When Jesus was on earth, all deeds and words were in full compliance with God’s will, even time itself was part of His plan. Therefore, whenever the planned events haven’t taken place, God would say: “The time has not yet come!”, but after it takes place, God would say: “because the time has come!”. Taking this point into account, verse 6 mentioned that when Jesus heard of Lazarus’ illness, He still stayed where he was two more days. This kind of decision made many people feel that He didn’t really care. Since Jesus stayed in place for two more days, when He arrived to this family’s home, most people felt that it was already too late and hopeless. The words Martha said, “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died”, represent what most people felt inside. However, if we look at the bigger picture, we can see that Jesus had everything planned out. He purposely delayed his arrival, resulting in the Lazarus’ death, even being buried for four days. With this situation, He revealed his ability to heal and to overcome death. The reason for this was to have more people to see and therefore, to believe in Him.

Reflections: Jesus has his plans and his time. He certainly does not cause delays. I am His child, but do I doubt my faith in Him? I am also his servant, but do I seek and obey his plans?

2. The Levels of Faith

"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." (v21-24)

From the conversation above, we can see that Martha already has a level of understanding of Jesus, of His teachings concerning the resurrection at the last day. She understands and believes, but her faith towards Jesus doesn’t surpass the level of “the sick being healed”, to the point of “the dead being resurrected”.
Reflections: To what extent, to what level do I know Jesus? How much faith do I have in Jesus? To the level of Jesus comforting the sick? Healing the sick? Or having the ability to resurrect the dead?

3. The Elevation of Faith

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. (v17) Jesus said: "Take away the stone,". "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." (v39)

As previously said on Jesus arriving late, He definitely had his reasons. By experience, when a dead body is put in the grave for four days, it is bound to stench. (v39) In times of total hopelessness like this, Jesus appeared and even raised Lazarus from the dead. This further proves that He holds the power “to resurrect the dead”. Most importantly, Martha and Mary’s faith were elevated through this event, from “the sick being healed” to “the dead being resurrected”.
Reflections: So far, what is the level of my faith in Jesus? Is it constantly experienced and elevated?

4. The Ruler of Life

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (v25-26)

Jesus proclaimed to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” These words resound powerfully! This is a proclamation that Jesus is the ruler of life!
Reflections: Have I experienced and do I firmly believe that Jesus is the ruler of life?

5. Martha’s Faith

"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ,[b] the Son of God, who was to come into the world." (v27)

The majority of Christians, when they discuss about Martha, they all end up with the stereotypical points “ she was too busy, she lacked enthusiasm, or she had no heart to listen to God’s word”. However, after looking upon “Martha’s conversation with Jesus”, we can see that Martha was also a “faithful” married woman. It is because she said: “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” With such reaction, Jesus was most definitely pleased. This instance is similar to Peter answering Jesus “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt 16:16) Also, being able to have such exchanges of words shows that her understanding of Jesus was deep. It seems like we’ve look down upon Martha. Now instead let us approve Martha’s understanding and faith in Jesus.

Reflections: Am I able to be like Martha, to directly proclaim to Jesus: “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”?

IV) My Prayers / Life Applications

Translated by Susan Tsai (from Taiwan)

To walk in the light of the Lord

John 11:1-16 (New International Version)

The Death of Lazarus

¹Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. ²This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. ³So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."

⁴When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." ⁵Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ⁶Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.

⁷Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."

⁸"But Rabbi," they said, "a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?"

⁹Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world's light. ¹⁰It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light."

¹¹After he had said this, he went on to tell them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up."

¹²His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better." ¹³Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

¹⁴So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, ¹⁵and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."

¹⁶Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

11:1 有一個患病的人，名叫拉撒路，住在伯大尼，就是馬利亞和她姊姊馬大的村莊。11:2 這馬利亞就是那用香膏抹主，又用頭髮擦他腳的；患病的拉撒路是她的兄弟。11:3 她姊妹兩個就打發人去見耶穌，說：「主啊，你所愛的人病了。」11:4 耶穌聽見，就說：「這病不至於死，乃是為　神的榮耀，叫　神的兒子因此得榮耀。」11:5 耶穌素來愛馬大和她妹子並拉撒路。11:6 聽見拉撒路病了，就在所居之地仍住了兩天。11:7 然後對門徒說：「我們再往猶太去吧。」11:8 門徒說：「拉比，猶太人近來要拿石頭打你，你還往那裏去嗎？」11:9 耶穌回答說：「白日不是有十二小時嗎？人在白日走路，就不至跌倒，因為看見這世上的光。11:10 若在黑夜走路，就必跌倒，因為他沒有光。」11:11 耶穌說了這話，隨後對他們說：「我們的朋友拉撒路睡了，我去叫醒他。」11:12 門徒說：「主啊，他若睡了，就必好了。」11:13 耶穌這話是指著他死說的，他們卻以為是說照常睡了。11:14 耶穌就明明地告訴他們說：「拉撒路死了。11:15 我沒有在那裏就歡喜，這是為你們的緣故，好叫你們相信。如今我們可以往他那裏去吧。」11:16 多馬，又稱為低土馬，就對那同作門徒的說：「我們也去和他同死吧。」

一、中心內容：

內容：
1>介紹病人拉撒路的家庭，尤其描述與主耶穌深厚的情誼。（v1-2）

Verse 1-2 introduced the family of Lazarus who was sick and their profound relationship with Jesus.

2>馬大與馬利亞打發人，將有關拉撒路生病 之事告知主耶穌。（v3）

Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus concerning Lazarus’ sickness. (v3)
3>聽到拉撒路生病之後，主耶穌的評語（不至於死）與反應（仍住兩天）。（v4-6）

When Jesus heard that Lazarus was ill, Jesus commented that Lazarus would not die and His response was to stay where He was for two days. (v4-6)
4>事發兩日之後，主耶穌決定前往探視，門徒因擔心主遭猶太人傷害而勸阻。（v7-8）

After two days, Jesus decided to go and see Lazarus. His disciples told Him not to go for the fear of the Jews. (v7-8)
5>主耶穌以白日有光，行走安全（行在真理，不怕遭害）為喻，表明前往決心。（v9-10）

Jesus expressed His determination by saying that it was safe to walk in the daylight (which means to walk in the truth and not to be afraid of danger). (v9-10)
6>主耶穌明白的告知門徒：拉撒路已死。並要前去醫治他，使他復活。（v11-14）

In verses 11-14, Jesus told the disciples that Lazarus was dead and He wanted to heal and raise him from the dead.
7>多馬呼籲其他門徒與主同行、共赴苦難。（v15-16）
Thomas told the disciples to go with Jesus and to die with Him. (v15-16)
主題：
1>為了上帝的榮耀。For God’s glory
2>行在主的光明中。To walk in the light of the Lord

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？

1>深深愛人的耶穌基督。（v3、v5）Jesus Christ who loves deeply. (vv3;5)
2>配得榮耀的上帝。（v4）God who is worthy of glory.(v4)
3>配得榮耀的耶穌基督。（v4）Jesus Christ who is worthy of glory. (v4)
4>教師耶穌基督。（v8）Jesus Christ, the Teacher. (v8)
5>遭受迫害的耶穌基督。（v8）Jesus Christ whom was persecuted.(v8)

6>不怕遭害、慷慨赴義的耶穌基督。（v8-11）Jesus Christ who was not afraid of persecution and death. (v8-11)
7>使死人復活的耶穌基督。（v11）Jesus Christ who raised people from the dead.(v11)

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？

1>患難中隨時幫助 A help in times of trouble
有一個患病的人，名叫拉撒路，住在伯大尼，就是馬利亞和她姊姊馬大的村莊。這馬利亞就是那用香膏抹主，又用頭髮擦他腳的；患病的拉撒路是她的兄弟。她姊妹兩個就打發人去見耶穌，說：「主啊，你所愛的人病了。（v1-3）

¹Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. ²This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. ³So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." (v1-3)
這個家庭有三姊弟，男孩拉撒路病了，而且病得很嚴重。兩個姊妹便打發人去，將拉撒路生病的消息告訴主耶穌，因為她們相信而且期待主耶穌能醫治他。顯然，主耶穌是這個家庭，患難中求告的對象，也是患難中隨時的幫助、唯一的倚靠與盼望。

There were two sisters and one brother in this household. Lazarus, the brother, was seriously ill. They anticipated and believed that Jesus would heal their brother, the two sisters sent someone to tell Jesus that Lazarus was ill. Apparently, Jesus was the person to whom this family went whenever they were in trouble. Jesus was the only person on whom they could rely and from whom they could draw hope.
反省：當時馬大、馬利亞與拉撒路這三姊弟，當家中遇到苦難時，懂得尋求主耶穌。今天，要是我的家庭遇到苦難，我都如何自處？是否懂得尋求主耶穌？又：如何尋求呢？
Reflection: When Martha, Mary and Lazarus were in trouble, they went to Jesus for help. , If my family encounters trouble, what would I do? Would I go to Jesus? How would I seek for His help?
2>耶穌所愛的家庭 The family that Jesus loved
她姊妹兩個就打發人去見耶穌，說：「主啊，你所愛的人病了。（v3）

³So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."(v3)
耶穌素來愛馬大和她妹子並拉撒路。（v5）

⁵Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.(v5)
馬大、馬利亞、拉撒路這個家庭，是一個有福的家庭，因為跟主耶穌的關係十分密切，尤其是主耶穌所愛的家庭，家中每一個成員都是主耶穌所愛的。

This family was blessed. Their relationship with Jesus was so close. Moreover, this family was loved by Jesus. Each family member was loved by Jesus.
反省：我的家庭是主耶穌所愛的家庭嗎？我是主耶穌所愛的人嗎？我該如何作，才能成為主耶穌所愛的呢？我是否愛祂？是否明白並遵行祂的旨意？
Reflection: Is my family the one that Jesus loves? Am I the one whom Jesus loves? What can I do to become the one whom Jesus loves? Do I love Him? Do I understand and obey His will?
3>彰顯上帝的榮耀 Manifest God’s glory

耶穌聽見，就說：「這病不至於死，乃是為　神的榮耀，叫　神的兒子因此得榮耀。」（v4）

⁴When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."
根 據主耶穌的說法，拉撒路的病是具有特殊意義的，也就是不僅不至於死，甚至要顯出上帝的榮耀，尤其叫上帝的兒子耶穌基督，因此而得榮耀。另外，根據約翰福音 第九章的記載：耶穌過去的時候，看見一個人生來是瞎眼的。門徒問耶穌說：「拉比，這人生來是瞎眼的，是誰犯了罪？是這人呢？是他父母呢？」耶穌回答說： 「也不是這人犯了罪，也不是他父母犯了罪，是要在他身上顯出　神的作為來。（v1-3）

According to Jesus, there was a special meaning in Lazarus’ sickness. Lazarus would not die; God’s glory would be manifested and Jesus Christ would be glorified through it. In John 9:1-3,¹As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. ²His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" ³"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.

顯然，病痛或苦難，不一定跟罪有關，不僅未必有關，甚至為了彰顯上帝的榮耀。

Apparently, sickness or suffering is not necessarily connected with sin, and not only that, it even displays God’s glory.
反省：在我的生涯當中，是否曾經歷過哪些苦難？我是否用心思想過，在這些苦難的背後，代表什麼意義？苦難為何會發生？又：我是用什麼態度來面對？是否曾經怨天尤人（埋怨上帝、怪罪他人）或從苦難中得著益處？尤其藉著苦難榮耀上帝？
Reflection: Had I ever encountered any suffering in my life? Had I ever pondered on the meaning behind those sufferings? Why did it happen to me? What was my attitude when I faced one? Had I ever complained against God and blamed others? Or did I benefit from it? Was God glorified through it?
4>凡事叫人得益處 It is for the good of others
聽見拉撒路病了，就在所居之地仍住了兩天。然後對門徒說：「我們再往猶太去吧。（v6-7）我沒有在那裏就歡喜，這是為你們的緣故，好叫你們相信。如今我們可以往他那裏去吧。（v15）

⁶Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days. ⁷Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea." (v6-7) ¹⁵and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."(v15)

當看完這段經文之後，可能有人會想說：當主耶穌聽到拉撒路病重的消息之後，為何沒有立即啟程，前往探視，甚至醫治，卻仍在原地耽擱了兩天呢？其實主耶穌並不糊塗，也不是不愛拉撒路，乃是有祂完整的計劃，祂絕對不誤事。

After reading this passage, one may want to say something like this: “When Jesus heard that Lazarus was seriously ill; He stayed where He was for two days. Why did Jesus not go immediately to see and heal Lazarus?” As a matter of fact, Jesus was not out of His mind, and it was not because that He did not love Lazarus. Instead, He had a perfect plan and he never missed it.
換句話說，不管祂立刻啟程，或耽擱兩天，其實都為了叫人得益處。假設祂立刻啟程，趕到拉撒路的身邊，一定會醫治他，不至於任憑他死去，這當然是好事一樁。然而，實際上主耶穌隔了兩天才去，或許可以說：故意讓拉撒路死去後再去。這又為了什麼呢？目的就是彰顯祂擁有醫治的權柄，尤其彰顯勝過死亡的權柄，藉此叫看見的人相信祂。

In other words, it was for the good of the people in either case. It would be a good thing, if He went right away, definitely, He would heal Lazarus. In fact, Jesus waited for two days. Maybe we could say that Jesus did it on purpose, He went after Lazarus was dead. Why did He do that? It is for the manifestation of His authority to heal and, especially, His authority over the power of death. People whoever saw it would believe Him.

反省：我是否能體會「凡事都互相效力，叫愛上帝的人得益處」這句話的意義？
Reflection: Do I understand the meaning of --- in all things God works for the good of those who love Him?
5>行在主的光明中 Walk in the light of the Lord
耶穌回答說：「白日不是有十二小時嗎？人在白日走路，就不至跌倒，因為看見這世上的光。若在黑夜走路，就必跌倒，因為他沒有光。」（v9-10）

⁹Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world's light. ¹⁰It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light." (v9-10)
雖然門徒因為擔心猶太人的傷害，而極力勸阻主耶穌前往伯大尼，但是主耶穌前往的決心依然堅定不變。便對門徒表明：祂並不懼怕猶太人，因為猶太人活在黑暗之中，而祂本身則是世界的光，祂人到什麼地方，光就照到什麼地方。

His disciples were afraid because the Jews wanted to harm Him, so they tried to stop Him from going to Bethany. However, Jesus was determined to go. He said to them that he was not afraid of the Jews who were living in the darkness; that He was the Light of the world and wherever He was there would be light.
反省：我是否凡事行在真理中？是否凡事行在主的光明中？
Reflection: In all things, do I walk in the truth and in the light of the Lord?
6>與主同死的決心 The determination to die with the Lord
如今我們可以往他那裏去吧。」多馬，又稱為低土馬，就對那同作門徒的說：「我們也去和他同死吧。（v15b-16）

“…But let us go to him.” ¹⁶Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."(v15b,16)

一 談到多馬，大家都想到他的理性，因為當主耶穌復活之後，他曾經表明：除非讓他親眼看見耶穌、親手摸到傷痕，否則不相信主耶穌復活。但是此處的多馬，所表現 的卻是可圈可點、令人激賞。因為當他得知主耶穌明知有危險，卻依然堅持前往伯大尼（近耶路撒冷）時，多馬立刻對那同作門徒的說：「我們也去和他同死吧。顯 示，他對主耶穌的忠心。

Upon his name is mentioned, everyone remembers that Thomas was a rational person. He was the one who said that he would not believe the resurrection of Jesus, unless he touched the wound in Jesus’ hand and saw Jesus in person. In this passage, Thomas’ action was praiseworthy. When he heard Jesus’ word of determination, he called other disciples to go and die with Jesus. It displayed his loyalty to Jesus.
反省：如果哪一天，為了主的緣故，我必須遭受苦害，我願意與主同行、同背十架嗎？
Reflection: If I were to be persecuted for the Lord, would I be willing to walk with the Lord and carry the cross with Him for His sake?
四、我的禱告 / 實際應用