Dieu aime un serviteur

Matthieu 12:15-21

12:15 Quand Jésus apprit les nouvelles, il quitta cet endroit et un grand nombre de personnes le suivirent. Il guérit tous les malades, 12:16mais il leur recommanda sévèrement de ne pas dire qu'il était.12:17 Il en fut ainsi afin de se réalisent ces paroles du prophète Isaïe : 12:18 « Voici mon serviteur que j'ai choisi, dit Dieu, celui que j'aime et en que je mets toute ma joie. Je placerai mon esprit sur lui et il annoncera aux nations le droit que j'instaure. 12:19 Il ne se disputera avec personne et ne criera pas, on ne l'entendra pas faire des discours dans les rues.12:20 Il ne cassera pas le roseau et n'éteindra pas la lampe dont la lumière faiblit. Il agira ainsi jusqu'a ce qu'il ait fait triompher le droit 12:21 et toutes les nations mettront leur espoir en lui.

1, le contenu de base:

Contenu:

1> Seigneur Jésus pharisiens a entendu les nouvelles, il serait détruire, ils ont quitté la salle. (V15a)

2> Il y a beaucoup de gens qui suivre le Seigneur Jésus, Seigneur Jésus a guéri toutes leurs maladies. (V15b)

3> le Seigneur Jésus ordonna au peuple, de ne pas être traités la nouvelles . (V16)

4> référencé Isaïe 42 Chapitre 1-3 pour une description plus détaillée du Seigneur Jésus. (V17-20)

5> personnes autour du monde ont placé leurs espoirs dans le Seigneur Jésus. (V21)

Thème:

1> Dieu aime un serviteur.

2 > Le roseau ne se décompose pas, les lumières ne s'éteignent pas.

Deuxièmement, Dieu, Jésus-Christ, l'Esprit Saint?

01> une mission claire de Jésus-Christ. (V15)

02> un pouvoir de guérison de Jésus-Christ a. (V15)

03> Dieu de Jésus-Christ a choisi un serviteur. (V18)

04> Jésus-Christ, bien-aimés de Dieu. (V18)

05> Dieu le Saint Esprit sera donnée à Jésus-Christ. (V18)

06> recevez l'Esprit Saint, Jésus-Christ. (V18)

07> et Jésus-Christ avec le Saint-Esprit. (V18)

08> exécuter les jugements de Dieu. (V18)

09> Jésus humble et doux. (V19)

10> plein de miséricorde de Jésus-Christ. (V20)

11> défendre la justice de Jésus-Christ. (V20)

12>Jésus-Christ, l'espoir de l'humanité. (V21)

Troisièmement, me donner une leçon (commandement, a promis par exemple, le blâme, avertissement) Qu'est-ce?

1> jouer la sécurité pour la mission

Lorsque le ministère de Jésus est dans le monde, les jours de grande puissance, non seulement d'enseigner, même le traitement, est aussi une grande puissance. Par conséquent, plus en plus de personnes le suivre. La position des pharisiens, le seul témoin a vu le Seigneur Jésus, l'influence croissante, trop peu pour aller au-delà. D'autre part dans les enseignements de Jésus étaient souvent graves que les points les Pharisiens aveugles et des erreurs, conduisant à des Pharisiens à Jésus comme une épine dans le pied, et veulent se débarrasser. Par conséquent, lorsque le Seigneur Jésus guérit main de l'homme desséché auprès les Pharisiens, non seulement ne s'étonne pas, l'admiration, la gratitude, mais discuter de la façon de le détruire. Alors Jésus a quitté la synagogue sera temporairement à un autre endroit. La raison pour laquelle Jésus a laissé, il n'a pas peur de mourir, mais parce que la mission n'a pas été complété, à la sagesse du choix. Réflexion: j'ai un moment insupportable à cause de griefs ou de colère, conduisant à l'ensemble mauvaise?

2> pour éviter le Ministère de mise au point

Bien que le Seigneur Jésus a quitté la synagogue, nombreux personnes le suivent étroitement. Il a guéri toutes leurs maladies, et leur dit qu'il n'a pas guéri ces nouvelles. Les mauvais traitements est une bonne chose, mais pourquoi Jésus leur avait ordonné de ne pas traiter ce message? D'une part, il ne veut pas que les gens soient découragé à le suivre et ne veut pas des masses de «mauvais traitements» que le principal objectif était de suivre le Seigneur Jésus. Parce que Jésus a également une mission plus importante est de transférer l'empire de l'Évangile. D'autre part pour éviter un malentendu profond juive sur lui, il a donné sa vie afin que d'entraver la mission de salut. Auto-examen: c'est quoi les motivations du Seigneur Jésus? Est-ce que pour obtenir des bénédictions matérielles? Juste pour montrer miracles? Ou pour le royaume de Dieu à venir? Afin de réaliser la volonté de Dieu? Afin de porter la croix avec Jésus?

3> une compréhension plus profonde du Christ

Ensuite, la référence écrit au chapitre 42 d'Isaï, pour décrire le Dieu unique oindre le Messie, qui est, une description plus claire du Seigneur Jésus; l'identité du Seigneur Jésus, la mission, la nature qui a une meilleure compréhension.

a. Il est l'élu de Dieu, la joie. Voici, il est mon serviteur choisi, je l'aime. (V18)

b. Il a reçu le don de l'Esprit de Dieu et a reçu le Saint-Esprit. Je mettrai mon esprit sur lui. (V18)

c. l'objet de son ministère ne se limite pas aux Juifs. Il est étendu aux étrangers (10.000). Il souhaite annoncer mon procès aux peuples. (V18)

d. Il annoncera le procès de Dieu et il souhaite annoncer mon procès aux peuples. (V18)

e. Son humilité et douceur, il ne discute pas, ne réclament ni crier dans la rue. (V19)

f. Le cœur plein d'amour et de miséricorde, pour les blessés, le soutien compte tenu en particulier de prendre soin ,un roseau froissé, il ne se cassera pas, à éteindre les lumières, il ne sera pas étouffer. (V20)

g. les résultats de son ministère; afin que la justice peut porter haut , il doit faire respecter la justice, jusqu'à ce que la justice est la victoire. (V20)

h. le monde entier se tournent vers les gens, partout dans le monde. Il devrait donner tous leurs espoirs sur lui! (V21)

Auto-examen: combien de chose je sais sur le Seigneur Jésus? Son expérience, son identité, sa mission, son tempérament? Je reçois la même mission? Que ce soit le tempérament de suivre Jésus?

4> Trinity de Dieu
Cite le passage du chapitre Isaïe 42 décrit Jésus-Christ, en disant: Voici, il est mon serviteur choisi, je l'aime, l'aime. J'ai mis mon esprit sur lui, il voudrais annoncer mon procès aux peuples. (V18)
Selon la description de l'Écriture, nous trouvons que «Dieu le Père, Jésus-Christ et le Saint-Esprit le Consolateur, les trois ont une relation très étroite. Tout d'abord, Jésus-Christ est Dieu qui a choisi, Dieu est amour. Puis à son tour le Saint-Esprit de Dieu a donné à Jésus Christ le consolateur. Enfin, Jésus-Christ, pour le monde, au lieu de Dieu, a annoncé son procès. Évidemment, Dieu le Père, Jésus-Christ, Saint-Esprit et le Consolateur, une division de sperme, mais aussi la coopération de trois, en un. Auto-examen: combien, je sais sur la doctrine de la Trinité? Dieu le Père, Jésus-Christ, le Saint-Esprit le consolateur de la propriété, au travail, les relations entre le nombre de connaissances?

The true meaning of the Sabbath.

12:1 不久以後，耶穌在一個安息日經過麥田。他的門徒餓了，就摘了一些麥穗來吃。12:2有些法利賽人看見了，對耶穌說：「你看，你的門徒做了在安息日不准做的事！」12:3 耶穌回答：「大衛和他的隨從在飢餓的時候做了甚麼，你們沒有念過嗎？12:4 他走進上帝的聖殿，他跟他的隨從吃了獻給上帝的供餅；那是違法的(因為那種餅只有祭司才可以吃)。12:5 難道你們沒有念過摩西的法律所記載的？每逢安息日，祭司在聖殿裏都破壞了安息日的規矩，可是他們不算犯罪。12:6 我告訴你們，這裏有比聖殿更重要的。12:7 聖經上說：『我要的是仁慈，不是牲祭。』假如你們真正明白這話的意思，你們就不會把無辜的人定罪。12:8 因為人子是安息日的主。」
12:9 耶穌離開了那地方，到猶太人的會堂去。12:10 在那裏有一個人，他的一隻手枯萎了。有些人想找耶穌的錯處，就問他：「在安息日治病是不是違法的？」12:11 耶穌回答：「假如你們當中有人有一隻羊，這隻羊在安息日掉進坑裏去，怎麼辦呢？他不把羊拉上來嗎？2:12人比羊貴重多了！所以，在安息日行善是法律所允 許的。」12:13 於是，耶穌對那人說：「把手伸直！」他一伸手，手就復原，跟另一隻手一樣。12:14 法利賽人出去，計劃對付耶穌，要殺害他。

Lord of the Sabbath

¹At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. ²When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath."

³He answered, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? ⁴He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. ⁵Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? ⁶I tell you that one^[a] greater than the temple is here. ⁷If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,'^[b] you would not have condemned the innocent. ⁸For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

⁹Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, ¹⁰and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"

¹¹He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? ¹²How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."

¹³Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. ¹⁴But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

一、中心內容 Message：

內容 Content：
1>主耶穌跟門徒，在安息日摘取麥穗來吃，並引來法利賽人的批評。（v1-2）Jesus and his disciples picked some heads of grain and ate them. The Pharisees criticized this behavior. (v1-2)
2>主耶穌以「大衛跟祂的隨從，吃聖殿裏的餅」與「在安息日，祭司做更多的事」為例，來為自己的作為作解釋。（v3-5）Jesus used the example of “David and his companions eating the consecrated bread in God’s house” and “the priests did more things on the Sabbath” to explain his behavior. (v3-5)
3>主耶穌為自己的身份與心意作解釋。就是：祂比聖殿更重要、祂是安息日的主、祂愛仁慈，不愛祭物---等。（v6-8） Jesus explained about his status and intention, that is, He is greater than the temple, He is the Lord of the Sabbath, He desires mercy, not sacrifice, etc. (v6-8)
4>主耶穌到猶太人的會堂，遇見一隻手枯萎的人，且面對法利賽人的挑戰。（v9-10）Jesus went into the synagogue, saw a man with a shriveled hand and faced a challenge from the Pharisees. (v9-10)
5>針對法利賽人的挑戰，主耶穌提出說明，並施行醫治。（v11-13）Being challenged by the Pharisees, Jesus explained himself and healed the man. (v11-13)
6>法利賽人就此出去，並計劃要對付耶穌，而且要殺害他。（v14）The Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. (v14)

主題 Theme：
1>安息日的真義。The true meaning of the Sabbath.
2>安息日的主。The Lord of the Sabbath.

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？Who is God, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit?

01>比聖殿偉大、比聖殿重要的耶穌基督。（v6）Jesus Christ who is greater and more important than the temple. (v6)
02>要仁慈，不要牲祭的耶穌基督。（v7）Jesus Christ who desires mercy but not sacrifice. (v7)
03>設立安息日的耶穌基督。（v8）Jesus Christ who established the Sabbath. (v8)
04>行醫治神蹟的耶穌基督。（v12）Jesus Christ who performed healing miracle. (v12)

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？ What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, warning)?

1>設立安息的真義 The true meaning of establishing the Sabbath

猶太人，尤其法利賽人，表面上看起來，是那樣重視律法、恪遵律法。但是在傳統包袱的束縛之下，所謂的律法，經過他們解釋、定義、持守之後，卻漸漸偏離愛人的精神，甚至趨向形式化與教條化。其結果就是：不僅無法使上帝的子民，因律法而得自由、享受愛，反而因律法而承受重擔，甚至遭受轄制。

On the surface, it seems like the Jewish people, especially the Pharisees, extremely value the Law and follows the Law. However, this Law, under the constraint and burdens of their traditions, has turned away from the spirit of loving people. It has become a mere formality or doctrine after they defined it. As a consequence, not only can’t the people of God receive freedom and enjoy love because the Law, they are forced to bear the heavy burdens and get tied up.

事實上，上帝設立安息的目的非常簡單，也非常清楚，就是：讓上帝的子民，在忙碌的生活中，能夠騰出一天的時間，不需要工作，可以專心敬拜上帝，追念上帝的恩惠與慈愛。對上帝的子民來說，這是一種釋放，也是一種享受，更是一種安息。

In fact, the intention of God to establish the Sabbath is very simple and very clear—that is, God’s people can find one day in their busy life to focus on God and worship God without having to work. To think and remember God’s grace and love is an enjoyment of ease, comfort and rest for God’s people.

反省：我是否明白上帝設立安息的意義？我是否真正享受過安息？或一直在勞碌之中？是否始終背負重擔？甚至遭受綑綁？
Reflection: Do I understand the meaning behind the Sabbath established by God? Have I truly enjoyed the Sabbath? Or have I been losing myself in this busy world and carrying a heavy burden, even being so tied up?

2>恢復安息的精神 Restore the spirit of the Sabbath

根據經文的記載：有一次，主耶穌在一個安息日經過麥田。祂的門徒餓了，就摘了一些麥穗來吃。有些法利賽人看見了，就對主耶穌說：你看，你的門徒做了在安息日不准做的事。針對法利賽人的指控，主耶穌提出兩個例子，來為門徒的舉動作辯解。

According to the scripture, as Jesus went through the grainfields on one Sabbath, his disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing hwat is unlawful on the Sabbath.” In response of their accusation, Jesus explained the behavior of his disciples with two examples.

第一個例子：大衛和他的隨從在飢餓的時候，走進上帝的聖殿，跟他的隨從吃了獻給上帝的供餅。因為那種餅只有祭司才可以吃，所以大衛與其隨從的舉動，就法利賽人的標準來說，就是違法的。但是卻被容許！
第二個例子：每逢安息日，為了獻祭的緣故，祭司宰殺了許多牲畜，就法利賽人的標準來說，同樣是違法的，也就是破壞了安息日的規定。但是仍被容許！

The first example: When David and his companions were hungry, they entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread. Because only the priests can eat the bread, so what David and his companions did was unlawful according to standard of the Pharisees, but tolerated!

The second example: On the Sabbath the priests killed many animals for offerings. According to the standard of the Pharisees, this too was unlawful, but still it was still tolerated!

在這段經文當中，顯現出主耶穌和祂的門徒這一方，以及法利賽人那一方，對安息日的認知明顯不同。法利賽人拘泥於律法的字句；主耶穌和祂的門徒，卻為成全生命之所需。
法利賽人受制於猶太文化傳統；主耶穌和祂的門徒，卻以超越文化的眼光來看待。法利賽人曲解、死守律法，而主耶穌與祂的門徒，其實是恢復了律法愛人的精神！

In this scripture, it is shown that Jesus and his disciples and the Pharisees each has different understanding of the Sabbath. The Pharisees rigidly adhere to the words of the Law, whereas Jesus and his disciples help accomplish the needs in life. The Pharisees were tied down to their Jewish traditional culture, whereas Jesus and his disciples were looking past through the culture. The Pharisees misinterpreted the Law and stuck to it, whereas Jesus and his disciples restore the loving spirit of the Law!

反省：在個人信仰生活當中，有哪些部份已經成為習慣？失去意義、不知緣由，或落入教條化（律法主義）的危機當中？甚至被法規條例套牢，以致於失去「愛與公義」的信仰精神？
Reflection: Which part in your personal life of faith has become a routine and lost its meaning and reason? Or even so tied down by the Law that it has lost the spirit of love and righteousness?

3>耶穌比聖殿重要 Jesus is greater than the temple

主耶穌對法利賽人說：我告訴你們，這裏有比聖殿更重要的。（v6）
重視聖殿的禮儀與律法規條，雖然不是什麼壞事，但是過度的重視，甚至單單執著於此的結果，往往變成本末倒置。法利賽人就是如此，由於過度重視聖殿禮儀與律法規條，以致於忘了聖殿的真正作用，就是要將人帶到上帝面前。

Jesus said to the Pharisees, “I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.” (v6) Valuing the ceremony and laws of the temple is not a bad thing, but excessively valuing and persisting can lead to people attending to the superficial as opposed to the essentials. The Pharisees were like this— they forgot that the true purpose of the temple was to bring men to God because they were overly focusing on the rules.

如今，主耶穌已經來到世上，而且就在他們當中。主耶穌比聖殿重要，主耶穌也比聖殿偉大。因為主耶穌比聖殿，以及聖殿中的宗教禮儀，更能將人帶到上帝面前。尤其，主耶穌本身就是上帝。所以，祂當然比聖殿更重要、更偉大。因此，主耶穌說：我告訴你們，這裏有比聖殿更重要的---就是我（主耶穌）！

Now Jesus has come to the world and was present within them. Jesus is more important than the temple and Jesus is also greater than the temple. This is because Jesus has more power to bring men before God than the temple and its religious ceremonies. Especially when Jesus himself IS God, He then is definitely greater than the temple. Therefore, Jesus said, “I tell you that one greater than the temple is here”— ME (Lord Jesus)!

反省：我是否在不知不覺當中，看重敬拜的地點、看重敬拜的禮儀、看重敬拜的設施或器皿，過於看重敬拜的對象---三位一體的上帝？
Reflection: Often times do I focus on the place, the manner and the tools of the worship more than the object of the worship—the Holy Trinity God, without noticing?

4>愛憐恤不愛祭物 Desires mercy but not sacrifice

聖經記載主耶穌的話說：我要的是仁慈，不是牲祭。假如你們真正明白這話的意思，你們就不會把無辜的人定罪。（v7）
主耶穌引用先知何西阿的話說：我要的是仁慈，不是牲祭。（和合本：我喜愛良善，不喜愛祭祀。何西阿書6:6）意思是說，上帝看重一個人內心，勝過任何外在禮儀與祭物。

In the bible, Jesus said “if you had known what these words mean, ’I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.” (v7) Jesus quoted on prophet Hosea, “for I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” (Hosea 6:6) This means that God values one’s inner heart more than any external rites or offerings.

反省：經常參加禮拜、參與聖餐、參與服事的我，是否只重外表、只重形式，導致失去真誠、敬畏、謙卑、悔罪的心？
Reflection: Has the routine of attending to the Sunday service, the Holy Communion and constant serving in church made me focus on the appearance and formality only? Have I lost the heart to be sincere, reverent, humble and repentant?

5>設立安息日的主 Lord of the Sabbath

主耶穌說：因為人子是安息日的主。（v8）

主耶穌向法利賽人宣告：祂就是安息日的主！意思就是表明：祂比安息日（律法）更大，祂勝過安息日，因為安息日是祂所設立的。

Jesus said “for the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (v8) Jesus told the Pharisees that He is the Lord of the Sabbath. This means that He is greater than the Sabbath (the Law) because He established the Sabbath.

然而，法利賽人，因為不明白主耶穌就是上帝的兒子，不知道安息日（律法）是祂所設立的。所以指責主耶穌所帶領的門徒，竟然觸犯了「安息日不可工作」的律法。
也因為主耶穌是安息日的主，安息日是祂所設立的。因此，設立安息日（律法）的人，當然勝過安息日，當然有權柄可以掌管所設立的安息日（律法）。

However, the Pharisees accused Jesus’ disciples for doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath because they did not understand that Jesus is the Son of God and that He established the Sabbath (the Law). Therefore, the person who establishes the Sabbath (the Law) is definitely greater than the Sabbath and has the power to be in charge of the Sabbath (the Law).

反省：當我與人分享時，是否只分享教義、道理、典章、律例，卻缺乏重生、活潑、有美好見證的生命？
Reflection: Do I only share with others about the Law, the principles and regulations but not a renewed life and a life of beautiful testimony for God?

6>無知的法利賽人 The ignorant Pharisees

法利賽人自認為是「敬畏上帝、恪遵律法」的一群，對自己死守律法的偏失卻渾然不知，甚至還以正義之師自居，認定主耶穌就是異端。進而百般挑難，極力追殺，欲除之而後快！同時，為了尋找把柄，甚至設下圈套，經常緊追不捨！自以為是替天行道。

The Pharisees thought they were the ones who were reverent towards God and strictly following the Law. They called themselves the righteous and saw Jesus as being heterodox, but they had no idea of their own fault of being tied down to the Law. They looked for chances to accuse Jesus and kill Jesus. Meanwhile, they even set Jesus up in order to find faults against him, thinking that they were working for God!

有一次，主耶穌到猶太人的會堂去。在那裏有一個人，他的一隻手枯萎了。那些法利賽人，認為逮到機會，想找主耶穌的錯處，就問祂說：在安息日治病是不是違法的？
當主耶穌以「大衛跟祂的隨從，吃聖殿裏的餅」與「在安息日，祭司做更多的事」為例子來回答，同時醫治那個人枯萎的手之後，法利賽人發現無計可施，就出去了。但是依然不死心，繼續籌謀對付主耶穌的事，甚至企圖要將祂給殺害。根據以上的描述，證明法利賽人真是無知的一群！

Jesus went into their synagogue once and a man with a shriveled hand was there. The Pharisees, thinking that they had caught the opportunity to accuse Jesus, asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” Jesus used the example of “David and his companions eating the consecrated bread in God’s house” and “the priests did more things on the Sabbath” to explain his behavior and healed the man’s hand. The Pharisees saw that there was nothing they could do and went out, but they still wouldn’t give up and started to plot how they might kill Jesus. From the above description, we can see that the Pharisees were an ignorant group of people.

反省：我是否曾經犯了法利賽人的錯誤？陷入法利賽人的迷失當中？無知卻又自以為是？

Reflection: Have I ever made the same mistake the Pharisees did—lost , ignorant, but still thinks so full of oneself?

四、我的禱告 / 實際應用 My Prayer/Life application

Take the yoke of the Lord

Matthew 11:20-30 (New International Version)
Woe on Unrepentant Cities


20Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21"Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.22But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.[a] If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."
Rest for the Weary


25At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."


一、中心內容：Message

內容：Content
1>主耶穌因為看到哥拉汛、伯賽大、迦百農這三座城的居民，心靈剛硬的程度，而深感詫異。Lord Jesus saw that the residents of Korazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum were stubborn and He was surprised.（v21-24）
2>主耶穌指出：天國奧秘的事，向自以為聰明、有學問，驕傲的人隱藏；卻向自以為沒有學問，謙卑的人顯明。Jesus mentioned about hidden things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children （v25-26）
3>主耶穌表示：他與父上帝，那份彼此相屬、密不可分的關係。（v27）
4>主耶穌宣告：凡就近祂的人，就必得著心靈的安息。（v28-30）

主題：Theme
1>當負主的軛。Take the yoke of the Lord
2>心靈享安息。Spiritual mind at rest

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit?

01>譴責不信者的耶穌基督。Jesus Christ who condemns those who do not believe in Him（v20-21）
02>行神蹟的耶穌基督。Jesus Christ who does miracles（v20-21）
03>施行審判的上帝。God who judges（v22）
04>天上的父親上帝。God who is the heavenly Father（v25）
05>天地的主宰上帝。God of Heaven and Earth（v25）
06>啟示真理的上帝。God who reveals the truths（v25）
07>旨意美善的上帝。God who shows the goodness（v26）
08>將一切賜給耶穌基督的上帝。God who gives everything His Son（v27）
09>完全認識耶穌基督的上帝。God who fully knows His Son（v27）
10>將上帝表明出來的耶穌基督。Jesus Christ who reveals God（v27）
11>歡迎、呼籲人就近祂的耶穌基督。Jesus Christ who welcomes and calls His people（v28）
12>為人擔重擔，賜給人安息的耶穌基督。Jesus Christ who gives rest to the weary （v28）
13>心地柔和謙卑的耶穌基督。Jesus Christ who is gentle and humble in heart （v29）

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, warning)?

1>令人詫異的剛硬
主耶穌說：「哥拉汛哪，你要遭殃了！伯賽大啊，你要遭殃了！我在你們當中行過的神蹟要是行在泰爾和西頓，那裏的人早就披麻蒙灰，表示他們已棄邪歸正了。我實在告訴你們，在審判的日子，泰爾和西頓所遭受的懲罰比你們所受的要輕呢！至於你，迦百農啊，你要把自己捧上天嗎？你會給摔進地獄去！我在你們那裏行過的神蹟要是行在所多瑪，它今天一定還存在著！我再告訴你們，在審判的日子，所多瑪所遭受的懲罰比你們所受的要輕呢！」"Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.22But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.[a] If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."（v21-24）
哥拉汛、伯賽大、迦百農---等這三座城，都位於加利利海的西北邊。因為主耶穌曾經在那一帶居住過一段時間，所以當地的居民，幾乎都看過主耶穌所行的神蹟，同時聽過不少有關天國的教訓。Korazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum ; these three cities are located in the Northwest of the Sea of the Galilee. Jesus stayed in the area for some time so the local residents have all seen the miracles Jesus did and they have all heard the lessons Jesus taught about the kingdom of heaven. 但是令人感到遺憾的就是，他們依然硬著心，始終不願意悔改。所以主耶穌特別為這三座城的居民，感到悲哀與感嘆！But they were still hard in heart and were not willing to repent, so Jesus felt sad for the residents of the three cities.
另外，推羅與西頓係位在腓尼基的海岸，距離加利利海分別有三十五哩與六十五哩， 所多瑪則位在往南約一百哩的地方。In addition, Tyre and Sodom were 35 miles and 65 miles away from the sea of Galilee. Sodom was located about a hundred miles in the south. 居住這三座城裏的百姓都是外邦人。People living in these three cities were all Gentiles. 舊約時代，這三座城的居民作惡多端、聲名狼籍。但是主耶穌，將這三座城的人，拿來跟哥拉汛、伯賽大、迦百農這三座城的人作比較，說：祂所行的神蹟，若是行在推羅、西頓與所多瑪，他們早就已經悔改了。但是，哥拉汛、伯賽大、迦百農這三座城的人，竟然不願意悔改。In the time of the old testament, the residents of the three cities were doing evil. But Jesus compared these people to the people of Korazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. He said the people of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom have all already repented. However, those in Korazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum were unwilling to repent.
顯示：哥拉汛、伯賽大、迦百農這三座城的人，心靈是剛硬到令人慨嘆的程度。Shows: The residents of Korazin, Bethsaida and Capernuam had hearts so unbelievably stubborn.
反省：當時哥拉汛、伯賽大、迦百農這三座城的人，心靈是剛硬到那樣的程度。今天在我們高雄地區，甚至左營地區的人，心靈狀況會是如何？主耶穌會怎麼看待？此外，我自己的心靈狀況，又是如何？主耶穌怎麼判定？Reflection: How are our hearts compared to the ones in Korazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum? How would Jesus Christ think of it? What is my own condition?

2>聰明反被聰明誤
那時候，耶穌說：「天父，天地的主，我感謝你；因為你向聰明、有學問的人所隱藏的事，卻向沒有學問的人啟示出來。是的，天父啊，這樣的安排都是出於你的美意！25At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.（v25-26）
主耶穌接著解釋，人之所以不信，其中攔阻之一，就是心中的驕傲。也就是自以為聰明、通達。這種人被有限的知識，蒙蔽了心靈的眼睛，導致看不見基督榮耀的大能。Jesus explained that one of the reasons people refused to believe was pride in the heart. They are self-conceited. They are misled by the limited knowledge and the minds, and this prevents them to see the glory of God.
因此，主耶穌藉著禱告，指出一個事實，就是：上帝向聰明、有學問的人所隱藏的事，卻向沒有學問的人啟示出來。Therefore, through prayers, Jesus Christ showed the fact that He has hidden things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children. 顯然，就信仰角度來看，自以為聰明的人，有時反被聰明所誤。因此，唯有存心謙卑、自以為不足的人，反而容易得著這福份。Through the point of view of faith, those who think themselves wise and smart are often mistaken. Therefore, those who are humble often receive the blessings.
反省：針對救贖福音真理，我的態度如何？是否自以為很聰明、很有學問、懂很多？還是抱持著謙卑、自以為不足的態度？我是否聰明反被聰明誤？Reflection: What is my attitude toward the gospel of truth and salvation? Do I consider myself smart or do I have a humble attitude?

3>父與子親密關係
主耶穌又說：我父親已經把一切都給我了。除了我父親，沒有人認識兒子；除了兒子和兒子所願意啟示的人，也沒有人認識父親。"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.（v27）
主耶穌接著談到天父上帝與祂之間的關係，強調祂與天父之間的關係，是親密而且合一的。Jesus then talked about the relationship between himself and the Heavenly Father which is in unity and very close.首先提到，天父上帝已經把一切都給了祂。意思就是說：祂在世上所擁有的一切，都是上帝所賜的。而且，祂在世上所作的一切，也都是照著上帝的旨意。First He mentioned that all things have been committed to him by His Father, which meant everything he had on Earth were all given by God. Also, everything he did on Earth were acted according to God’s will.
接著又提到，除了祂的父親，沒有人認識兒子；除了兒子和兒子所願意啟示的人，也沒有人認識父親。意思就是說：除了天父上帝之外，沒有人真正認識耶穌基督；另外，若不藉著耶穌基督，也沒有人能夠真正認識天父上帝。Then he said that “no one know s the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” In addition, if it is not through Jesus Christ, no one would really know God. 因此，耶穌基督是上帝的形象，是上帝在世上的彰顯。因此，唯獨認識耶穌基督，才能真正認識上帝。Therefore, Jesus Christ is the imagine of God, so one can only fully know God if knowing Jesus Christ.
反省：我對三位一體（聖父、聖子、聖靈）的上帝，有多少認識？我是否極力追求更深認識主耶穌？同時藉著認識主耶穌，進一步認識天父上帝？Reflection: How much do I know about the trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) of God? Do I seek to get to know Christ the Lord? By knowing the Lord Jesus, do I understand better God?


4>負主軛得享安息
主耶穌說：來吧，所有勞苦、背負重擔的人都到我這裏來！我要使你們得安息。你們要負起我的軛，跟我學，因為我的心柔和謙卑。這樣，你們就可以得到安息。我的軛是容易負的；我的擔子是輕省的。"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."（v28-30）
擔重擔是每一個時代的人，十分普遍的現象。主耶穌以負軛，來形容人生的重擔，或心靈所受的綑綁。軛是套在牛、馬的頸肩，用來駕馭牛馬犁田、馱物的工具。Burden is a very common phenomenon to people of every generation. Jesus used the yoke to describe the burden of life. The yoke is used to control the horses and oxen to plow the fields or to carry the tools.
主耶穌引用軛，來形容生命中的枷鎖、重擔。生命中的枷鎖、重擔，就像一只重大的軛，駕馭在人的生命當中，成為一種無法承受的負擔。The burden of life is like a great yoke which controls our lives and which will eventually become unbearable.
另外，所謂的軛，主耶穌也常常用來形容當時法利賽人的作為，就是將「遵守律法」的事，繁複到成為一種重擔，就像被「軛」轄制住一樣。In addition, Jesus also often used yoke to describe the “law abiding” of the Pharisees which becomes a burden.
重點是：主耶穌發出一個邀請，就是邀請所有在生命中負軛的人，可以來到祂面前。凡來到他面前的，就必得享安息。The main point is that Lord Jesus invited everyone to go to Him because he will give rest. 尤其呼籲來到祂面前的人，必須學習像祂一樣，存著一顆柔和謙卑的心，讓上帝的靈自由在他裏面運行，當到達一個地步時，也甘願背起主的軛。And those who go to Him must learn from Him, to be gentle and humble in heart, to find rest in soul. 如果人一直背著自己的軛，枷鎖與重擔永遠無法脫離。但是，當來到主面前，尤其背主的軛時；主也必背起我們的軛，這樣我們就輕省多了。And just like He said: ”For my yoke is easy and my burden in light”
反省：目前的我，還獨自背負重擔、踽踽獨行？還是將一切重擔卸給主？我還獨自背負著軛？還是已經來到主面前，同時背負起主的軛來？Reflection: Am I currently carrying my burden alone? Or did I come before God to carry His’?

四、我的禱告 / 實際應用Prayer / Life application

John the Baptist’s doubts

¹After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.

²When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples

³to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"

⁴Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see:

⁵The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy^[b]are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

⁶Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

⁷As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?

⁸If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces.

⁹Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

¹⁰This is the one about whom it is written:
" 'I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.'

1. Central content

Content:

1. After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. (v1)
2. In the prison, John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus, and confirm his identity. (v2-3)
3. Jesus answered directly to the questions of the disciple of John the Baptist. (v4-6)
4. Jesus’s certainty and compliments toward John the Baptist. (v7-10)

Topics:

1. John the Baptist’s doubts
2. Complimented Pioneer

2. Who are God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost?

1> Jesus Christ who trains the disciples. (v1)

2> Jesus Christ who educates. (v1)

3> Jesus Christ who spreads the gospel. (v1)

4> Jesus Christ who can do all sorts of healing miracles. (v14-15)

5> Jesus Christ who turn death into life. (v15)

6> God who sends messenger. (v10)

3. What is the lesson (command, promised, example, blame, warning)?

1> Nonstop Jesus

As recorded in verse one in the bible: After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.

We all know that Jesus has only worked in this world for a short period of three years, in order to complete the mission entrusted by God, which is to spread the gospel of the Kingdome, his schedule was tight, a nonstop rush.

Although the education of his twelve disciples is the key for the accomplishment of his mission, it was also the most urgent task. While training His disciples, He didn’t forget to gain some time, use opportunities to spread the gospel of Kingdome to people in Israel.

Reflection:

What’s my attitude when I’m serving? Active and positive?

My feeling while preaching the gospel? Feeling sad for those depraved souls?

While particularly facing so many folks who have not yet know the Lord, do you feel a sense of urgency in your mind?

2> Perplexity of John the Baptist

According to Chapter 3 verse 13-15, this is when Jesus was in Jordan River, preparing to receive baptize of John the Baptist, through dialogue with each other, John the Baptist had learned that Jesus had the identity of the Messiah. However, the fact that he had experienced prisoning, suffering, and had brought many rumors from the outside, causes a doubt toward Jesus identity. Indeed, was Jesus the promise of God, the Messiah who people had been waiting for? He wasn’t sure about that.

However, John the Baptist was a loyal, brave prophet; he is also God’s servant, also Jesus’ pioneer. Therefore, facing Jesus’ identity, he shouldn’t be doubtful. But John the Baptist, after all, is a man, as a human being, it is normal to have weakness and limitations.

Even so, we cannot deny all this because of John’s doubt. Just think: On the Mount Carmel, Elijah, had been threatened by the Queen Jezebel while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. (1 Kings 19:4) Because he is a man, so he has human being’s weakness.

Hence, the world, no matter how brilliant, great leader will inevitably be timid and weak, even frustrated, fall. Because they are human, not God.

Reflection:

How much do I know about human nature?

When you face the weakness of human nature, how do you deal with it? A complete failure/defeat? Or: take a lesson? And re-stand?

3> Keep in mind God’s Kingdome

As it is mentioned in Chapter 4 verse 12: John the Baptist was sent to prison because of his uprightness, wasn’t afraid of power and had criticized Herod incest case. Due to his misfortune, and rumors from the outside, he was in doubt toward Jesus identity, so he sent his disciples to see Jesus, interrogate him and made things clear.

This shows that John the Baptist’s body, despite being in jail. But his heart is still concerned about things of the “Messiah”, which means that he is concerned about stuff in the Kingdome of God. This proves that John the Baptist, always keep in mind God’s Kingdome!

Reflection: despite his body in the prison, John the Baptist still cares about stuff of the Kingdome of God. What about you? Totally free, how much do you care about the Kingdome of God?

4> The secret to prevent falling

When John the Baptist’s faith was shaking, he immediately sent his disciples to ask the Lord Jesus, this is his secret: though puzzled, but not fall over. If John the Baptist had sent his disciples to ask Herod, Pharisees, the answer wouldn’t be the same, his faith would shake more and he will even face a crushing defeat.

Jesus Christ can let the blind sees, can let the lame walks, can clean leprosy, can let the deaf hears, can turn death into life, can let the poor hears the gospel, etc., this can solidifies his faith.

Reflection: When you are weak in confidence, who are you usually looking for? Looking for friends who do not believe? Looking for elders who believe? Or even looking for Jesus?

5> Proving identity by acting

When the disciples of John the Baptist ask Jesus: “you are the one mentioned by John the Baptist, or are we waiting for the other one?” Then, Jesus didn’t directly answer “yes” or “no”.

Jesus told them: “Go back and tell what you’ve heard, what you’ve seen to John.” Which are: blind can see, lame can walk, leprosy got cleaned, deaf can hear, resurrection of death, poor can hear gospel. Jesus, by His acts, proves that He is the “Messiah” who God had promised.

The specific act, is the most specific description, is a strong testimony. About “proving identity by acting”, Jesus has also said in John chapter 13 verse 34-35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Reflection:

Jesus acts specifically, to prove that He is the Messiah. Jesus then orders us to love one another, to prove that we are His disciples. In our daily, what do we do to prove our Christian identity?

6> Complimented pioneer

When John the Baptist’s disciples had leaved, Jesus started talking about John the Baptist, in the discussion, He didn’t underestimate nor blame him, but instead, was complimenting him. Jesus used beautiful comparisons to describe John the Baptist. He said: “Before, when you were looking for John in the Wilderness, what did you want to see?”

Jesus first described him, he is not a reed blown by the wind. Which means: John is not someone who doesn’t have his own minds. Jesus then described as someone who doesn’t seem to wear soft clothes. Which means: John is not someone who enjoys pleasure all the time, nor someone that is undetermined.

John the Baptist is a prophet, is the pioneer of the Messiah predicted in the Old Testament. Since his arrival, not only he ended the old era, but opened a new one. Therefore, Jesus complimented him greater than the prophets.

Reflection:

As a Christian, am I complimented in Jesus eye? Or am I blamed?

4. My prayer / Practical application

Things need to pay off when becoming a disciples

Matthew 10:34-42 (New International Version)

³⁴"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to turn
" 'a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -
³⁶a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'^[a]

³⁷"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; ³⁸and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

⁴⁰"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. ⁴¹Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. ⁴²And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."

I. Core Message

Content:

1. Conflicts occur between believe or not believe since Jesus is coming. (v34-36)
2. Talking about three kinds people who don’t deserve to follow Jesus (v37-38)
3. Jesus talks about life from the point of view of winning and losing (v39)
4. Jesus said people who treat god’s servants good with receive rewards (v40-42)

Theme:

1. Things need to pay off when becoming a disciples
2. Rewards of being a disciples

II. Who are God, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit?

1. Jesus Christ who brings conflicts to the society (v34-36)
2. Jesus Christ who is worthy for our devotions (v37-39)
3. God who is worthy for us to receive and worship
4. God who send Jesus Christ (v40)
5. God who send his servants (v41)
6. God who gives rewards (v41-42)

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

1. Sources of Conflicts

This script is harder to be understood. It brings up misunderstanding easily. People often wonder why Jesus Christ does not bring peace to the world; instead, he brings conflicts. In fact, Jesus Christ does not bring conflict. He still brings love and peace to the world. The problem is that Satan is powerful. He always tries to make people resist the truths. Thus, when a person is making a decision regarding faith, there must exists an opposing force. This force often comes from people who are close to you. For example, from parent, family, and friends. This sometimes even break the relationship between two parties. We can see that Satan is the one who actually brings the conflict.

Reflection: Have I received pressures after I follow Jesus? Have I faced any conflicts

2. Order of Love

In the scripture, Jesus talked about three kinds of people who do not deserve to follow him. First kind is people who love their parents more than Jesus. Second is who loves his son or daughters more than Jesus. Third kind is who does not take cross and follow Jesus. Jesus does not tell us not to love our parents, son and daughter. He is just saying that we should love him more than we love our parents, son and daughters. By doing so, we are worthy to follow him, and become his disciples. According to Jesus teaching, we are not choosing between him and “parents, and son and daughter.” He is teaching us that we need to do both, but there exist the order.

Reflection: How much do I love Christ? Do I love my parent, brothers and sisters, and friends more?

3. What we need to pay off when we follow Christ

In the scripture, Jesus talked about three kinds of people who do not deserve to follow him. First kind is people who love their parents more than Jesus. Second is who loves his son or daughters more than Jesus. Third kind is who does not take cross and follow Jesus. We all know that, at the time of Jesus, it was harsh to take the cross. These people may even loss their lives. Thus, Jesus is teaching us, people who decide to follow us need to prepare their heart that they will suffer for Christ. In other words, we need to pay for following Christ.

Reflection: How many years have I followed Jesus? Have I sacrifice anything for him?

4. Talking about Christ from an angle of winning and losing.

Jesus said, “. ³⁹Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” What Jesus is teaching us is that, people who hold tight to his life will loss the rewards coming from God. This is telling us that if we take what are from the world seriously, we will feel empty in our heart. On the other hand, If we do not take what we have in the world seriously, we will be able to follow Christ more seriously. And we will feel that our lives are more abundant. Thus, people who are willing to follow Jesus for all cost, their lives is abundant, and they will receive eternal life.

Reflection: What do I live for? What does life means to me? Will I find my life? Or Will I lose my life?

5. Power of Pleading

Jesus said, “⁴⁰"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. ⁴¹Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. ⁴²And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."

Jewish believe that when they receive the prophets of someone, they are receiving who send them as well. Thus, when you show respects to the prophets, you are showing respects to the person who send them. Jesus used this concept to point out that: Due to God, people who receive his servants will receive rewards from God. Even though the person he receives is the little one, he will still receive rewards.

Reflection: Have I ever received anyone? Do I receive pastors or people who are on missions? Have I ever helped any brothers and sisters? Have I ever received Christ?

Life is more than precious!

Matthew 10:24-33

²⁴"A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. ²⁵It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub,^[a] how much more the members of his household!

²⁶"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ²⁷What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. ²⁸Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹Are not two sparrows sold for a penny^[b]? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. ³⁰And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

³²"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. ³³But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

10:24 「學生不高過老師，奴僕不高過主人。10:25 因此，學生的遭遇跟老師一樣，奴僕的遭遇跟主人一樣，也該滿足了。如果一家的主人被叫作鬼王別西卜，家裏其他的人豈不是要受更大的凌辱嗎？」 10:26 「所以，不要怕人，一切隱藏的事都會被揭發，祕密的事也會被洩露。10:27 我在暗中所告訴你們的，你們要在光天化日之下說出來；你們私下聽到的話，也要當眾宣佈。10:28 那只能殺害肉體、卻不能殺滅靈魂的，不用害怕；要懼怕的是上帝，只有他能把人的肉體和靈魂都投進地獄。10:29 兩隻麻雀固然用一個銅錢就買得到，但是你們的天父若不許可，一隻也不會掉在地上。10:30 至於你們，連你們的頭髮也都數過了。10:31 所以，不要怕，你們比許多麻雀要貴重多了！」 10:32 「那在人面前認我的，我在我天父面前也要認他；10:33 那在人面前不認我的，我在天父面前也不認他。」

一、中心內容：

內容：
1>主耶穌以「學生不高過老師，奴僕不高過主人」為喻，談到只要想起老師或主人所受更嚴厲的逼迫時，自己所受的就算不得什麼，也因此稍得安慰。（v24-25）

Jesus said, “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” When it comes to facing severe persecution, a teacher or a master always suffers more than his student or his servant does. Whenever we think of the severe persecution that our Master faced, we will think that the persecution we are facing is much lighter to bear and easier to withstand. Jesus’ words were meant to comfort those who would face persecution for His sake. (V24-25)

2>主耶穌表示：隱藏的事沒有不被揭露出來的。（v26-27）See verses 26 and 27.

3>主耶穌表示：真正該懼怕的，不是只能殺害肉體，來自人的逼迫，乃是能把人的肉體和靈魂都投進地獄的上帝。（v28）See verse 28.
4>主耶穌表示：在上帝的眼中，我們人類的生命，比麻雀更珍貴。（v29-30）See verses 29 and 30.
5>主耶穌表示：凡在人面前認祂的，祂在天父面前也要認他；凡在人面前不認祂的，祂在天父面前也不認他。（v32-33）See verses 32 and 33.

主題：
1>生命誠可貴！Life is more than precious!
2>勿擔心逼迫！ Do not worry about facing persecution.

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？
1>掌管人類肉體和靈魂的上帝。（v28）God rules over flesh and soul. (V28)
2>掌管宇宙萬物的上帝。（v29-30） God rules over the universe.(v29-30)
3>深切瞭解人、疼惜人、保護人的上帝。（v30） God profoundly understands, loves and protects us. (v30)
4>聖父上帝。（v32-33）God, the Father (v 32-33)
5>聖子耶穌基督。（v32-33）Jesus Christ, the Son (v 32-33)


三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？

1>因著耶穌得安慰 Comfort from Jesus
主耶穌說：學生不高過老師，奴僕不高過主人。因此，學生的遭遇跟老師一樣，奴僕的遭遇跟主人一樣，也該滿足了。如果一家的主人被叫作鬼王別西卜，家裏其他的人豈不是要受更大的凌辱嗎？

以 上說法，無非是要使將來遭受逼迫的門徒，藉著想起耶穌所受的逼迫而得著安慰。因為主耶穌所受的逼迫，大大的超過祂的門徒。就是遭受殘酷的鞭刑，而且被釘死 在十字架上。身為老師的主耶穌，都受了這麼殘酷的逼迫，身為門徒所受的還算得了什麼呢！因此，在往後事奉的歲月當中，每逢遭受逼迫時，只要想起主耶穌的遭 遇，就不覺得自己有什麼委屈了！

Verses 24-26 were words to comfort the disciples who would face persecution one day. It reminded them that the persecution that Jesus faced was far greater than that of theirs. He was brutally flogged and crucified. When compared to what Jesus had gone through, the persecution that the disciples faced would have been counted as nothing. Therefore, when we face persecution while serving, it will be much lighter to bear and easier to withstand.
反省：我曾經為了主耶穌的緣故，遭受任何逼迫嗎？想起主耶穌所承受十字架上的苦刑，我的心境又如何呢？是否稍得安慰？
Reflection: Have I ever been persecuted for Jesus’ sake? How do I feel when I think of the excruciating pain Jesus experienced on the cross? Am I comforted because of it?
2>隱密事將被揭露 Things hidden will be exposed
主耶穌說：所以，不要怕人，一切隱藏的事都會被揭發，祕密的事也會被洩露。我在暗中所告訴你們的，你們要在光天化日之下說出來；你們私下聽到的話，也要當眾宣佈。

台灣俚語說：鴨蛋再密也有縫。或有成語說：法網恢恢，疏而不漏。又有所謂：凡走過的，必留下痕跡。以上台灣俚語或成語，其實都是先人經驗的累積、智慧的結晶。這話一點都不假！
因此，我們千萬不要以為：反正神不知、鬼不覺，所以就在暗地裏，專做一些偷雞摸狗、見不得人的醜事。切記！一切隱藏的事都會被揭發，祕密的事也會被洩露。尤其上帝是無所不知的真神，祂甚至鑒察我們的心思意念。在上帝面前，絕對隱藏不了！
See verses 26 and 27.

A Taiwanese proverb says “Eggs are not without pores.” There is no escape from under the law. No one can walk without leaving a track behind. These are words of wisdom passed down from the experienced forefathers. It rings true all the time.
Do not ever think that no one sees what you do in secret. Keep this in mind, every hidden thing will be revealed and every secret will be exposed. God knows everything and He knows our heart and mind. No one can hide before Him!

反省：針對「隱藏的事，會被揭發；祕密的事，會被洩露」一事，我是否相信？是否體會？
Reflection: Do I believe that hidden things will be revealed and secret things will be exposed? Do I experience something like that?
3>惟有上帝當懼怕 Be afraid of God only
主 耶穌說：那只能殺害肉體、卻不能殺滅靈魂的，不用害怕；要懼怕的是上帝，因為只有祂能把人的肉體和靈魂都投進地獄。主耶穌為了堅固門徒，讓他們勇於面對逼 迫，就告訴他們說，那逼迫你們的，頂多只能殺害你們的身體，卻無法殺害你們的靈魂。那能夠殺滅靈魂的，就只有上帝而已。因此，我們所當懼怕的，其實是「能 把人的肉體和靈魂都投進地獄」的上帝，而不是逼迫我們的人。言下之意：不順從上帝，比殉道更可怕！
To strengthen His disciples, Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

We need not be afraid of anyone except God, because He is the One who can destroy both body and soul in hell. The consequence of disobeying God is scarier than to be martyred.

反省：我對上帝有多少認識？我對上帝的態度如何？是否打從心底敬畏祂？
Reflection: How much do I know of God? What is my attitude toward Him? Do I revere Him from the bottom of my heart?
4>上帝珍惜的生命 God values life
主 耶穌接著又說：兩隻麻雀固然用一個銅錢就買得到，但是你們的天父若不許可，一隻也不會掉在地上。至於你們，連你們的頭髮也都數過了。所以，不要怕，你們比 許多麻雀要貴重多了！為了強調人類生命的價值，主耶穌特別拿麻雀，來跟人類的生命相比。祂說：連那麼不值錢的麻雀，上帝都如此眷顧、愛護，何況是人類，上 帝當然更加看重。主耶穌尤其以「連頭髮上帝都數過」來形容，上帝是如何入微的瞭解、關心、珍惜我們。

Jesus tells us in verses 29-31 that the hairs of our head are all numbered by God. It reveals God’s care for us; God knows every detail of our life and sees us as precious ones.
反省：我是否瞭解生命的意義？是否知道生命的價值？我是否欣賞、尊重他人生命的價值？是否接納、肯定自己生命的意義？
Reflection: Do I understand the meaning and value of life? Do I appreciate and respect the value of other people’s lives? Do I accept and affirm the meaning of my life?
5>認與不認的結局 The consequences of acknowledging and not acknowledging the Lord
主耶穌說：那在人面前認我的，我在我天父面前也要認他；那在人面前不認我的，我在天父面前也不認他。此處所謂：認主耶穌的「認」字，不僅指口頭上的承認，更指認同祂的處境，尤其與祂連結在一起，願意與祂同生死、共患難的人。另外，所謂不認主耶穌的「不認」這個字，表示：否認、拒絕、不認識，宣告與祂無關的人。這兩種人的結局截然不同！

See verses 32-33.

To acknowledge Jesus means not only to do it through the words of our mouth, but also to identify ourselves with His stand. Particularly, we need to be united with Him and to be willing to die with Him and suffer His sufferings. Those who do not acknowledge the Lord are the ones who deny, refuse and do not know Him. They have nothing to do with Him. For those who acknowledge the Lord and those who do not, the consequences are different indeed.
反省：我除了在家、在教會以外，吃飯前是否禱告？是否表明基督徒的身份？
Reflection: Do I say grace before meals other than in my house and at church? Do I show my identity as a Christian?
四、我的禱告 / 實際應用

Envoyé pour servir!

Matthieu 10:01-15
Jésus appela ses douze disciples et leur donna l'autorité de chasser les esprits mauvais et de guérir toute maladie et toute infirmité.
2 Voici les noms des douze *apôtres: d'abord, *Simon appelé Pierre puis André son frère; *Jacques, fils de Zébédée, et Jean son frère;
3 Philippe et Barthélemy; Thomas et Matthieu, le *collecteur d'impôts; *Jacques, fils d'Alphée, et Thaddée;
4 Simon, le Zélé[a], et Judas Iscariot, celui qui a trahi Jésus.

L'envoi des Douze
5 Ce sont ces douze hommes que Jésus envoya, après leur avoir fait les recommandations suivantes:
---N'allez pas dans les contrées païennes et n'entrez pas dans les villes de la Samarie.
6 Rendez-vous plutôt auprès des brebis perdues du peuple d'*Israël.
7 Partout où vous passerez, annoncez que le règne[b] des cieux est tout proche.
8 Guérissez les malades, ressuscitez les morts, rendez *purs les lépreux, expulsez les démons.
 Vous avez reçu gratuitement, donnez gratuitement.
9 Ne mettez dans vos bourses ni or, ni argent, ni pièce de cuivre.
10 N'emportez pour le voyage ni sac, ni tunique de rechange, ni sandales, ni bâton, car «l'ouvrier mérite sa nourriture».

 11 Chaque fois que vous arriverez dans une ville ou un village, faites-vous indiquer quelqu'un de recommandable[c] et restez chez lui jusqu'à votre départ de la localité.
12 En franchissant le seuil de la maison, saluez ses occupants et dites: «Que la paix soit avec vous[d]!»
13 S'ils en sont dignes, qu'elle repose sur eux. Sinon, qu'elle vous revienne.
14 Si, dans une maison ou dans une ville, on ne veut pas vous recevoir, ni écouter vos paroles, quittez la maison ou la ville en secouant la poussière de vos pieds[e].
15 Vraiment, je vous l'assure: au jour du jugement, les villes de *Sodome et de *Gomorrhe[f] seront traitées avec moins de rigueur que les habitants de ces lieux-là.



Contenu:
1> Le Seigneur Jésus a appelé 12 disciples,Il les donna à expulser les mauvais esprits et le pouvoir de guérison de diverses maladies. (V1)
2> Passer par le Seigneur Jésus, l'un des douze disciples choisi le nom et une partie de l'arrière-plan. (V2-4)
3> Quand les disciples de servir en envoyant avant le Seigneur Jésus sont engagés dans une formation de base. (V5-15)

Thème:
1> Envoyé pour servir!
2 les disciples vont à la formation.

Deuxièmement, Qui est Dieu, Jésus-Christ et l'Esprit Saint?

1> l'appel des disciples de Jésus-Christ. (V1)
2 > subvention en vertu de l'autorité spirituelle et la capacité de Jésus-Christ. (V1)
3> l'envoi des disciples de Jésus-Christ. (V5)
4> Subvention en vertu de la Paix de Dieu. (V13)
5> exécuter les jugements de Dieu. (V15)

Troisièmement, me donner une leçon (commandement, promesse par exemple, le blâme, avertissement) Qu'est-ce que c’est?

1> remplir la mission, la stratégie
Dieu envoie Jésus dans le monde, alors que la mission qui lui est confiée. Mais le Seigneur Jésus dans le monde des années, seule une courte période de 30 ans, en particulier de travail en temps réel, un peu plus de trois ans seulement. Comment faire, ne peut pas parce qu'il est décédé, conduisant à la mission de commencer. Encore plus de s'épanouir, de sorte que pour les fins de remplir la mission confiée par Dieu, le Seigneur Jésus a le stratégie de formation donné à ses disciples. Il choisit 12 disciples, de leur vie ensemble, tout en regardant l'étudiant, sur la marque d'une part la plantation, la formation, puis la mission qui leur est confiée, c'est une stratégie utilisée par le Seigneur Jésus.
Réflexion: dans l'église aujourd'hui, prendre la mission de participer au ministère, à encore faire seul? Ou les stratégies d'apprentissage utilisées par Jésus-Christ, est la sélection du personnel la formation de disciples?

2 >Les disciples de l'arrière-plan
Pour bien mener la mission que le Seigneur Jésus, Il choisit les douze disciples. Toutefois, il faut une réflexion plus approfondie: où est le sacré des douze disciples? En quel genre de soutien? Selon la description de l'Écriture, sur les caractéristiques suivantes:
a. trivial origine: le Seigneur Jésus a choisi ses disciples, et aucune connaissance spéciale ou de l'état, mais un petit groupe de gens ordinaires seulement, ni même le pêcheur de fond maigres.
b. d'horizons différents: les disciples de Jésus ont été choisis, chacun a un fond différent. Inclut: les pêcheurs de faible capacité, fatigué du percepteur, l'orientation politique radicale, une forte conscience nationale des membres .
c. les différences de personnalité: le Seigneur Jésus, choisis parmi les douze disciples, et chacun a son propre caractère. Tels que: la personnalité impulsive Peter, attentif, Jean, André, attitude positive, de même que le Jésus financiers, comme la vie, incapable, se baisser, Judas a trahi.
De toute évidence, Dieu créa l'homme, à l'origine diverse. Par exemple: Vous avez donné une variété de traits de personnalité de base différents, ont des intérêts différents loisirs. Toutefois, aussi longtemps que la rencontre du Seigneur, l'engagement au Christ, humble et très obéissant, dédiée au service, peut avoir un ministère merveilleux, mais aussi les principales réalisations de l'événement merveilleux.
Réflexion: J’ai une origine ordinaire?Je ne peut tout simplement pas être comparés avec d'autres, c'est étrange qu’il y a un caractère de ce personne? Ne peux tout simplement pas continuer à travailler avec lui?
3> recevoir le pouvoir et la capacité
Jésus choisit ses disciples, la mission qui leur est confiée, de les envoyer au service et de prévoir devront faire face à toutes sortes de guerre. Afin de mieux servir, leur résultat a été pour eux la victoire dans la guerre, quand la route devant le Seigneur Jésus leur a donné de chasser les mauvais esprits et le pouvoir de guérison de diverses maladies.
Il est clair, aussi longtemps que le Seigneur Jésus nous a appelés, nous utiliser, ne nous laissera pas seuls, ne nous laissera pas être en mesure de faire face. Il doit nous donner à travailler pour le nécessaire avant divers dons, la puissance et la capacité.
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Auto-examen: moi,qui sert à Dieu et se fier plutôt à leur sagesse et leur talent? Ou de savoir comment lever les yeux vers Dieu, s'appuyer sur le Seigneur le don de dons spirituels, ou de l'autorité et le pouvoir?

4> recevoir la mission périodique
Quand Jésus envoya ces douze disciples, quand Il leur commanda, en disant: "N’y vas pas vers les païens de la région, ni dans la ville des Samaritains. Vers les brebis perdues des peuples d'Israël.
Pour voir une telle commande, quelqu'un peut s'ennuyer, c'est: Pourquoi nous nous opposons Évangile alors? Rien de mal avec l'Évangile ne doit pas limiter l'objet, puisque l'Évangile doit être réparti à travers le monde, c'est la volonté de Dieu.
Toutefois, à l'époque, en vertu d'un moment spécial et de l'espace et le contexte, peut-être d'une part, les disciples de l'équipement, ne suffit pas pour répondre aux nations de la nécessité; d'autre part, peut-être le résultat, à travailler sur les priorités, afin de mettre en scène la tâche du Seigneur Jésus sera promulguée étape de la mission des douze disciples.
Ainsi, alors que l'Évangile jusqu'aux extrémités, est laissé par le Seigneur Jésus-Grande Commission, mais sur notre situation actuelle, il devrait être une priorité, qui est, il y a des missions périodiques pour terminer, tout comme de Jérusalem, la Judée et la Samarie, jusqu'à la fin du même ordre. Tels que: à partir de membres de la famille, des voisins, à leurs collègues étudiants, collègues, ou même l'ensemble du pays ----- et ainsi de suite.
Réflexion: Jésus a laissé derrière dans la grande mission qui, je me suis trouvé la phase d'engagement de la mission? Tels que: membres de la famille, voisins, camarades de classe, collègues --- et ainsi de suite, ont entendu l'Évangile encore? Ma mission de le faire?

5 Contenu> desservie par les pauvres
Jésus leur dit alors: vous devez placer à prêcher: le ciel 『vite rendu compte! Ainsi, vous avez à traiter les malades, ressuscitez les morts, le nettoyage lépreux, chassez les démons.
Évidemment, lorsque le Seigneur Jésus à les envoyer avant la préparation est faite à toute épreuve. Inclut: tout d'abord, ils reçoivent le pouvoir et la capacité, puis émis périodiquement par la mission, de nouveau, leur dire de fournir un contenu spécifique, est le lieu de prêcher: le ciel 『vite rendu compte! Ainsi, vous avez à traiter les malades, ressuscitez les morts, le nettoyage lépreux, chassez les démons.
Auto-examen: Selon ce qui précède, lorsque Jésus dit à ses disciples de servir le contenu, je comprends? Lesquels j’ai fait parmi les dernier?

6> par la mauvaise attitude du ministère
Jésus s'en alla en disant: vous obtenez pour rien, mais aussi en vain. Il s'agit de leur rappeler la bonne attitude de ceux qui servent, ce qui signifie de dire: devoir tenir l'esprit de partage.
Parce que ce salut est en vain ici, alors il devrait y avoir aucune condition, et à partager joyeusement. Les Évangélistes ne parle pas de conditions, sur le prix, il ne faut pas chercher à en bénéficier.
Auto-examen: si l'Église ou des personnes, qui effectuent des travaux évangile, indépendamment du fait qu’il fair trop d'intérêt? Entraîner une distorsion de la mission?
7> par le mauvais approvisionnement du ministère
Puis il a commandé le Seigneur Jésus,il a dit: Ne bourse d'or, d'argent et de cuivre; sort pas avec un sac ou deux de sous-vêtements, ne pas porter les chaussures et les bâtons de marche. Parce que les travailleurs reçoivent l'offre qu'il devrait être.
La route, les principes de l'Évangile et de l'équipement des travailleurs. Parce que trop de considérations, de nombreux acheter trop de matériel, et de transporter des articles trop grand nombre de devenir une charge pour servir.
Toutefois, la question est: sortir, tous les frais de subsistance, comment sera-t-il? Jésus a dit: parce que les travailleurs sont l'offre de ce qui devrait être. Voulait dire: Dieu se mouvait les gens à l'offre. En particulier, les personnes qui reçoivent des prestations de l'Evangile, prêcher ou de déclarer l'offre des besoins quotidiens des enseignants est une question de cours.
Auto-examen: Je ne me souciais, et conduit même à un prédicateur, prédicateurs ou ouvriers de l'Evangile à temps plein les frais de séjour?

8> par le ministère de mauvaises conditions de logement
Jésus s'en alla en disant: vous dans une ville ou un village, d'abord savoir qui sont prêts à vous recevoir, à vivre dans sa maison jusqu'à ce que vous quittez cet endroit. Puis il a dit: Vous avez saisi la famille, a déclaré: 『Que la paix soit avec vous. 』Si cette famille vous accueillera, et vous avez la paix qu'ils recherchent viendra de ce. Si elles ne vous accueillir, sur le dos de tes bénédictions.
De toute évidence, par la différence de l'évangile de travailleurs du ministère à temps plein, y compris les problèmes de logement, doivent également recevoir et de soins.
Réflexion: pour les prédicateurs, pasteurs, ou travailleur à temps plein Evangile, je me soucie trop, il a reçu?

9> Avec la paix et les bénédictions
Jésus a dit: vous dans la famille, a déclaré: 『Que la paix soit avec vous. 』Si cette famille vous accueillera, et vous avez la paix qu'ils recherchent viendra de ce. Si elles ne vous accueillir, sur le dos de tes bénédictions. Évidemment, comme évangélistes, que ce soit pour aller, les gens ont toujours apporter la paix et les bénédictions. C'est une très bonne chose!
Réflexion: Comme un messager de mon Évangile, partout où il veut amener les gens?

10> a rejeté les résultats de l'Evangile
Jésus dit encore: cela ne vous accueillir ou écouter à votre domicile ou de la ville, puis vous avez quitté là-bas, aux pieds de la poussière. Suivie par une déclaration sévère dit: Je vous le dis, le jour du procès, Sodome et Gomorrhe subi la peine à subir de la lumière qui place aussi! "
Jésus a dit ces mots à dire qui a dit: il a refusé de placer l'Évangile, lorsque la gauche avant la poussière aux pieds. Cette initiative, a déclaré: Il a la responsabilité de refuser l'Evangile, Dieu fera face à une rude épreuve.
Réflexion: l'évangile du salut du Christ, je suis acceptable? Si l'évangile de Dieu envoyant ses messagers venus à ma communauté,il est même venu à ma maison, et les résultats ne seront pas à pieds de la poussière?

The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few

Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute

27As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" 28When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied.

29Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; 30and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." 31But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.

32While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."

34But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."

The Workers Are Few

35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

I. Message:

Content:

1. Two blind men came to Jesus for help (v27)
2. Because of their faith, Jesus healed them and restored their sight (v28-30)
3. The two men whose sight was restored went out and spread the news of the healing all over the region. (v30)
4. Jesus healed the mute who was demon-possessed (v32-34)
5. Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness (v35)
6. Jesus had compassion on the harassed and the helpless, and he called his disciples to offer themselves up to serve the kingdom of God. (v.36-38)

Theme:

1. Lord! We believe.
2. According to your faith will it be done to you.
3. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few

II. Who is God? Who is Jesus Christ? Who is Holy Spirit?

1. Jesus Christ, son of David. (v27)
2. Jesus the Messiah and savior (v27)
3. Jesus Christ who has the authority to heal and to perform miracle (v29-30)
4. Jesus’ widespread reputation (v31)
5. Jesus Christ who has the authority to drive out demons (v32-33)
6. Jesus who is active and involved in the community (v35)
7. Jesus Christ who is compassionate towards men (v36)
8. Jesus Christ who calls out for workers for God’s kingdom (v37-38)

III. What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, warning)?

1) Physically but not spiritually blind

These two men were physically blind, but when they found out that Jesus was passing by, they followed him closely and called out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" ‘Son of David’ represents Messiah or Savior. Obviously, they knew Jesus was their hope in regaining their sight. They desperately called out and begged for help, and ended up receiving! This proves that although these two men were physically blind, their spiritual sight was clear. Today, many people are the opposite of this. Although they have physical sight but they are spiritually blind.

Reflection: What kind of person am I, spiritually blind or perceiving?

2) Miracle by faith

This was a miracle of healing, the restoration of sight. If we pay closer attention to the scripture specifically the conversation between Jesus and the blind men, we can see that in fact ‘faith’ was the key to this miracle of healing. Because in the healing process, Jesus asked them first, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied. Thus, Lord Jesus touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” Their sight was restored. Evidently, the miracle was accomplished through faith.

Reflection: What kind of faith do I have in Jesus? What miracle have I experienced?

3) Recounting God’s wonderful deeds

After having been healed by Jesus, these two previously blind men went out and told many all over the region about what Jesus had done for them against the Lord’s stern command to “see that no one knows about this." (Performing miracle was not Jesus’ purpose on earth.) From their action, we see that the two men must have been overjoyed and unable to withhold their excitement, thus unceasingly spread the news of the miracle. In contrast, today, we too have experienced salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, and have even received healing and the direct command to spread the gospel and to be his witness. However, are we active or silent in our response? Considering the action of these two blind men, shouldn’t we be ashamed?

Reflection: Has the salvation through Jesus Christ been witnessed throughout my community and among my peers and colleagues?

4) Four different characters

In the scripture following the restoration of sight is the healing of the demon-possessed mute. In this event, we discover four different characters. a) the demon who possessed the man: demon oppress and bound people to cause the lost of identity, suffering and to abandon God. b) the demon possessed man: lost of the original identity, suffering gravely to the point of abandoning God. c) the one who led the mute, a nameless hero, not only received the gratitude of the mute but was also remembered forever. d) The Lord who heals: he is the source of life, full of power and authority, even overcoming the demon, the power of evil.

According to the analysis of the above four characters, we can know that a Christian should assume the third role, that is to lead others to Lord Jesus Christ, especially being mindful of those who are weak, in pain, poor, oppressed and in mourning.

Reflection: Between the demon-possessed and the one who led the mute, which of the two roles do I often play?

5) Divergent reactions

When the demon was driven out by Jesus, the mute began to speak, resulting in two different reactions among the crowd: a) witnesses who believed in Jesus said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." Amazed, excited and thankful! b) Pharisees who did not believe in Jesus, said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons." They were envious, anxious, and twisted the truth! Obviously, the crowd witnessed the amazing work of God whereas the Pharisees, not only did not see God’s work, they also offended Jesus, claiming that his work was done by the prince of demons.

Reflection: If I were present at the scene, what would have been my reaction, similar to the believers or the Pharisees?

6) Disease and spiritual bondage

According to our common sense and experience, being mute is a handicap and disease. However through the healing performed, we discover that the mute was not a real disease; it is not a physical ailment or damage to the vocal cord. The real cause is the bondage by the demon; as soon as the demon was driven out, the person was able to speak. Once again proving that in practical life, some disease is related to demons! Therefore, medical doctors can address physical ailment, but the disease caused by bondage of demon requires Jesus’ intervention and help!

Reflection: Do I believe in the relationship between physical disease and bondage by demon? Have I experienced it? Am I able to make the distinction?

7) Model for community involvement

The scripture said, “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.” In this we see that our Lord Jesus, while on earth, did not retreat to the temple, living a segregated life from the world. Instead, he was actively involved in the community caring for people, loving, supporting and satisfying them. This is the model set for us by Lord Jesus!

Reflection: Is our church open to the community, involved in it or closed to and segregated from it?

8) Jesus’ work

The scripture said, “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.” We learn from this passage that Jesus’ work on earth included three aspects: teaching the synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. This is an example set by Lord Jesus for us concerning the matter of our serving.

Reflection: Does today’s churches serve in these three capacities: teaching, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness (spiritual and physical)?

IV. Prayer/ Life Application