The reward of following Jesus

Matthew 19:23-30

²³Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

²⁵When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"

²⁶Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

²⁷Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?"

²⁸Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ²⁹And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother^[a] or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. ³⁰But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

19:23 於是，耶穌告訴他的門徒：「我實在告訴你們，有錢人要成為天國的子民多難哪！19:24 我再告訴你們，有錢人要成為上帝國的子民，比駱駝穿過針眼還要困難！」19:25 門徒聽見這話，十分驚訝，就問：「這樣說來，有誰能得救呢？」19:26 耶穌注視著他們，說：「人是不能，但在上帝，事事都能。」19:27 這時候，彼得開口說：「你看，我們已經撇下一切來跟從你了，我們將得到甚麼呢？」19:28 耶穌對他們說：「我告訴你們，在將來的新時代裏，人子坐在他榮耀寶座上的時候，你們跟從我的人要坐在十二個寶座上，來審判以色列的十二個支族。19:29 無論誰，為了我的緣故撇下了他的房屋、兄弟、姊妹、父母、兒女，或田地的，都要得到百倍的酬報，並且要得到永恆的生命。19:30 但是，有許多在先的，將要居後，居後的，將要在先。」

一、中心內容：

內容：
1>主耶穌重複強調：有錢人要成為上帝國度的子民，是極其困難的。（v23-24）

Jesus repeatedly emphasized that it was hard for the rich to enter God’s kingdom. (v23-24)
2>門徒聽見這話，十分驚訝，就問：這樣說來，有誰能得救呢？（v25）

The disciples were astonished at Jesus’ word and asked, “Who then can be saved?” (v25)
3>耶穌注視著他們，說：人是不能，但在上帝，事事都能。（v25）

Jesus answered them that with man it was impossible, but with God everything was possible. (v25)
4>彼得代表門徒詢問：我們已經撇下一切來跟從你了，我們將得到甚麼呢？（v27）

See verse 27.
5>主耶穌告訴他們，將來當主榮耀降臨時，將與祂同享榮耀的權柄。（v27-28）

See verse 27-28.
6>主耶穌表示：為了祂的緣故，願意有所捨棄的，都要得到百倍（豐盛）的酬報，並且要得到永恆的生命。（v29）

See verse 29.
7>主耶穌表示：有許多在先的，將要居後；居後的，將要在先。（v30）
See verse 29.
主題：
1>跟隨耶穌的賞賜。The reward of following Jesus
2>同享榮耀的權柄。We will have the authority to share in Jesus’ glory.
3>在先將居後；居後將在先。Those who are the first will be last; those who are the last will be first.

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？

1>全能（凡事都能）的上帝。（v26）God is omnipotent
2>配得捨棄一切跟從的耶穌基督。（v27） It is worth it for us to give up everything for Jesus.
3>坐在榮耀寶座上的耶穌基督。（v28）Jesus Christ sits on His glorious throne
4>即將再臨的耶穌基督。（v28）Jesus Christ is to come
5>即將施行審判的耶穌基督。（v28）Jesus Christ is to judge all the earth
6>賜下永恆生命的上帝。（v29）God bestows eternal life

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？

1>錢財為天國攔阻 Wealth is an obstacle
於是，耶穌告訴他的門徒：「我實在告訴你們，有錢人要成為天國的子民多難哪！我再告訴你們，有錢人要成為上帝國的子民，比駱駝穿過針眼還要困難！（v23-24）

當那位年輕的財主離開之後，主耶穌以充滿感慨的口氣對門徒說：「我實在告訴你們，有錢人要成為天國的子民有多麼難哪！說完之後，又再一次的強調：我再告訴你們，有錢人要成為上帝國的子民，比駱駝穿過針眼還要困難！

See verse 23-24.

就當時巴勒斯坦地區的生活經驗來看，駱駝是陸上最龐大的動物；而，針則是家庭中最細小的器材。主耶穌將這兩樣東西擺在一起，形成一個極為強烈的對比。這是主耶穌在比喻當中，經常使用的方式（誇張法）之一。

主耶穌之所以使用如此強烈對比的兩樣東西來形容，就是表示：錢財在個人生命中，所造成的綑綁與纏累，是相當普遍，而且相當嚴重的現象。甚至遮蔽了人心靈的眼睛，使人甘心作為錢財的奴隸，導致失去屬天的祝福。
Camels are large animals in the Palestine area. A needle is the tiniest thing in the house. It was common for Jesus to use the contrast of things to teach. He used it to describe the common fact that wealth is an entanglement to mankind. It blinds the eyes of man and enslaves him. It makes a man lose his eternal blessing.
反省：錢財在我個人生命中的定位如何？是否遮蔽了心靈的眼睛，導致失去屬天的祝福？
Reflection: Where does wealth stand in my life? Does it blind my eyes and make me lose my eternal blessing?
2>靠上帝凡事都能 With God everything is possible
門徒聽見這話，十分驚訝，就問：「這樣說來，有誰能得救呢？」耶穌注視著他們，說：「人是不能，但在上帝，事事都能。」（v25-26）
當聽完主耶穌所說「有錢人要成為上帝國的子民，比駱駝穿過針眼還要困難」之後，門徒都感到十分驚訝，就問主耶穌說：這樣說來，有誰能夠得救呢？主耶穌注視著他們，說：「人是不能，但在上帝，事事都能。」

See verses 25-26.
顯然，主耶穌並沒有明說，什麼樣的人（如：窮人）能夠成為上帝國的子民，什麼樣的人（如：富人）就不能夠成為上帝國的子民。

Jesus did not specify who could or could not be God’s people.
主耶穌只表明：成為上帝國的子民，人人都有攔阻。也因為有這些攔阻，所以就人的立場來說，要成為上帝國的子民，似乎是不可能的事。雖然在人來看，幾乎是不可能的事，但是在上帝卻凡事都能。

Jesus said that there were hindrances for men to become God’s people. These hindrances make it impossible for men to become God’s people. Though it seems impossible for men, yet with God everything is possible.

因為上帝奇妙的大能，可以超越人性的難處與限制。正如：撒該就是一個例子。

God’s awesome power transcends man’s limitations and difficulties. As we can see in the example of Zacchaeus.
反省：在我的生命中，成為上帝國子民的攔阻是什麼？學問？地位？錢財？偏見？自我？這些攔阻如何除掉？是依靠自己呢？還是依靠上帝？
Reflection: What hinders me from becoming God’s people? Is it education, social status, wealth, prejudice or self? Do I rely on God or myself to get rid of the hindrances?
3>同享榮耀的權柄 the authority to share in Jesus’ glory
這時候，彼得開口說：「你看，我們已經撇下一切來跟從你了，我們將得到甚麼呢？」耶穌對他們說：「我告訴你們，在將來的新時代裏，人子坐在他榮耀寶座上的時候，你們跟從我的人要坐在十二個寶座上，來審判以色列的十二個支族。（v27-28）
就 在這個時候，彼得又再一次代表十二個門徒發言，（十六章十六節，彼得第一次代表發言：你是基督，永生上帝的兒子）。他詢問主耶穌說：你看，我們已經撇下一 切來跟從你了，我們將得到甚麼呢？耶穌對他們說：「我告訴你們，在將來的新時代裏，人子坐在他榮耀寶座上的時候，你們跟從我的人要坐在十二個寶座上，來審 判以色列的十二個支族。
意思就是說：當新天新地來臨的時候，也就是當主耶穌再度來臨時，或是當人子以審判的姿態出現時，這十二位門徒，將坐在十二個審判的寶座上，執行分辨真假的工作。從全部名為「猶太人」當中，分辨出誰是真猶太人，誰是假猶太人。（羅馬書2:28-29）
See verses 27-28.

It was the second time that Peter spoke. The first time was in Matthew 16:16. Jesus answered that when the new kingdom and the new earth come, they will sit on the thrones with Jesus to judge Israel. (See Romans 2:28-29)
4>為主犧牲的報償 The reward of making sacrifices for Jesus
無論誰，為了我的緣故撇下了他的房屋、兄弟、姊妹、父母、兒女，或田地的，都要得到百倍的酬報，並且要得到永恆的生命。（v29）

See verse 29.
主耶穌將屬地的得失，轉換成為永恆的榮耀。就是強調：凡是專心跟隨主耶穌的人，應該不斷學習「捨棄」的功課。如果從屬世的角度來看，既然是捨棄，當然是損失。但是如果從永恆生命的角度來看，使生命豐盛的途徑，不是爭取與擁有，而是捨棄與分享。

Jesus referred to the loss on this earth as an eternal glory. Whoever devotedly follows Him should continually learn the lesson of laying things down. It is considered a loss from an earthly point of view. But from the viewpoint of eternal life, the way to an abundant life is through abandonment and sharing, not striving to own.
而且，不是只有十二個使徒如此而已，凡全心跟隨主耶穌的人，都將是如此。因此，主耶穌說：無論誰，為了我的緣故撇下了他的房屋、兄弟、姊妹、父母、兒女，或田地的，都要得到百倍的酬報，並且要得到永恆的生命。

Moreover, it is not for the twelve disciples only, it is also for those who whole-heartedly
follow Jesus. We can take Jesus’ word for it.

此處的「百倍」非指具體數值，乃是象徵意義，就是「豐盛」的意思。

One hundred fold does not mean in physical quantity. It means abundance symbolically.
反省：為了主耶穌的緣故，我曾經犧牲過什麼嗎？又曾經捨棄過什麼嗎？
Reflection: Have I ever sacrificed or abandoned anything for Jesus?
5>國度先後的倫理 Kingdom order
但是，有許多在先的，將要居後，居後的，將要在先。（v30）

See verse 30.
當今世上，許多被認為是走在前頭的人，諸如：有錢財的人、有勢力的人，或老信徒，或在教會中擔任重要職務的人。以上這些人，當然都無可厚非。但是，在信仰的路上，如果自得自滿，不繼續努力追求，在上帝的國度中，將會成為落後者。

The rich, the powerful, the senior believers or leaders in churches, who are complacent and lazy in pursuing their faith journey, will fall behind in God’s kingdom.

反 過來說，在當今世上，被認為是落後的人，諸如：貧窮、平凡的人，初信主的人，或是在教會當中，沒有任何職務的人。在信仰的路上，如果他們竭力追求，在上帝 的國度中，將是在前面得賞賜的人。因此，在上帝的國度中，千萬不能停頓不動，應該竭力追求，向著標竿直跑，否則將要被後進者追趕而過。

The poor, the average, the new believer, lay people in churches who consistently and continually look forward to the goal in God’s kingdom will be rewarded.

Therefore, we should not stop pursuing the goal in God’s kingdom lest we fall behind.
反省：在信仰道路上，我是繼續不斷、竭力追求呢，還是志得意滿、停止追求？
Reflection: Do I continue in my pursuit of faith? Or do I just stop and feel satisfied?
四、我的禱告 / 實

The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew 18:01-09 (New International Version)

Matthew 18

The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom
of heaven?"

2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the
truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom
of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the
kingdom of heaven.

"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6But if anyone
causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to
have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

5

7"Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must
come, but woe to the man through whom they come! 8If your hand or your foot causes
you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled
than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9And if your eye
causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one
eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

I. Core Message

Content:

1) 1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in
the kingdom of heaven?"(v1)
2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I
2)
tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will
never enter the kingdom of heaven. (v2-3)
3) Jesus said, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the
kingdom of heaven.” (v4)
4) Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name
welcomes me.” (v5)
5) Jesus said, “It is extremely sinful to cause one who believe in me to
sin.”(v6-7)
6) Jesus said, “It is better to enter heaven with disables than entering hell
with a complete body.”(v8-9)

Theme:

1)
2)

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

1)
2)

Change and become like little children
The greatest in the kingdom of heaven

Jesus Christ who is good at telling parables (v2-4)
Jesus Christ who spreads the gospel (v6-9)

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

Having a Heart of the man in the World
1)
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the
kingdom of heaven?" (v1)

People in the world are often competing for power and names. This is the consequences
after we start sinning. This is exactly like what Satan does- disobeying God. There is a
story recording in Mark 10:35-41

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they
said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask. 36"What do you want me to do for
you?" he asked.37They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your
left in your glory. 38"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you
drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" 39"We
can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be
baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40but to sit at my right or left is not
for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared."
41When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.

35

This is an example of people who are competing for power and names. This
situation even occurs between the core disciples of Jesus (James and John). This
tells us that it is hard to change the heart of a man in the world even though he had
followed Jesus Christ. Thus, they asked, “ Who is the greatest in the kingdom of
heaven?”

Reflection: People are competing for powers and names in the society. Should we
do the same in the church?

Be Like Little Children
2)
2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you
the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter
the kingdom of heaven. (v2-3)
When the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom
of heaven?” He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I
tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will
never enter the kingdom of heaven. What does it mean to be like little children? It
certainly does not mean that to be childish, ignorant and blind obedient. It means
that we have to be as innocent, humble, obedient, and willing to learn like children.
The requirement of entering heaven is being humble. Just like what Jesus had
said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew
5:3) Thus, we should learn from the little children. We are further away from
the kingdom of heaven when we feel that we are important. We are closer to the
kingdom of heaven when we feel that we are poor in spirit and we need to relay on
God.
Reflection: Do I think that I am experienced? Or am I still humble, innocent, and

obedient?

Welcome the Little
3)
5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6But
if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be
better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in
the depths of the sea. (v5-6) People in the world often focus on people who have
power, right, and knowledge. However, Jesus sees the world differently. He often
pays his attention on the littles, humbles, and poors. Jesus has a different definition
for what is “important” and what is “small.” As a Christian, we should follow
Jesus. However, what should we do? We could accomplish it by reading bible
everyday and interact with the Lord. After all, we need to pay for it. When we have
the eyesight of Jesus, we would start paying attention on the little. And due to Jesus
Christ, we will be willing to care and accept the littles in the society.

Reflection: What is my eyesight? Do I only look at the tall? Or Am I like Jesus who cares
for the littls?

Sin of Causing Others to Sin
4)
Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must
come, but woe to the man through whom they come! (v7) Jesus said that the person
who causes other to sin is extremely sinful. This kind of person will face severe
punishment. Thus, Jesus describes, “If anyone causes one of these little ones who
believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung
around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” He also said, “Woe to
the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come,
but woe to the man through whom they come!” Thus, we should very careful
with our behavior and never let others to abandon God because of our personal
behaviours.

Reflection: Reflect back, have I ever make others abandon God?

Spirit is More Important than Flesh
5)
8If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better
for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be
thrown into eternal fire. 9And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw
it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be
thrown into the fire of hell. (v8-9)

Jesus then tells another example: If we could gain eternal life as we loss some
organs of our bodies, such as hand, feet or eye, we will choose to loss them. We
shall not make the decisions of protecting the whole body for the prices of entering
to hell.

Reflection: Do I take what is eternal important? What barriers should I overcome?

The transfiguration of Jesus

Matthew 17:1-13 (NIV)

The Transfiguration

¹After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ²There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. ³Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

⁴Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."

⁵While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"

⁶When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. ⁷But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." ⁸When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

⁹As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

¹⁰The disciples asked him, "Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"

¹¹Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. ¹²But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." ¹³Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

17:1 六天後，耶穌帶著彼得以及雅各和約翰兩兄弟悄悄地上了一座高山。17:2 在他們面前，耶穌的形像變了：他的面貌像太陽一樣明亮，衣服也像光一樣潔白。17:3 忽然，三個門徒看見摩西和以利亞在跟耶穌講話。17:4 彼得對耶穌說：「主啊，我們在這裏真好！你若願意，我就在這裏搭三座帳棚，一座給你，一座給摩西，一座給以利亞。」17:5 彼得正說這話的時候，一朵燦爛的雲彩籠罩了他們；有聲音從雲中出來，說：「這是我親愛的兒子，我喜愛他。你們要聽從他！」17:6 門徒聽見這聲音，非常害怕，都俯伏在地上。17:7 耶穌走過來，拍他們，說：「起來，不要怕！」17:8 他們抬頭一看，只見耶穌，其他的人都不見了。17:9 他們下山的時候，耶穌吩咐他們：「在人子沒有從死裏復活以前，千萬不要把所看見的異象告訴人。」17:10 於是門徒問耶穌：「為甚麼經學教師說以利亞必須先來呢？」17:11 耶穌回答：「以利亞是要先來準備一切。17:12 可是我告訴你們，以利亞已經來過，人卻不認識他，反而任意對待他。同樣，人子也將受他們的虐待。」17:13 門徒們這才明白耶穌這話是指著施洗者約翰說的。

一、中心內容：

內容：
01>主耶穌帶彼得、雅各、約翰上了一座高山（禱告），同時在山上變貌。（v1-2）

Jesus took with Him Peter, James and John to pray in the mountain. He was transfigured there. (v1-2)
02>忽然，這三個門徒看見摩西、以利亞跟主耶穌講話。（v3）

Suddenly, they saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. (v3)
03>彼得未經深思，即對主耶穌說：要為主耶穌、摩西，以利亞搭三座帳棚。（v4）

Without a second thought, Peter said to Jesus that he wanted to build them three tents. (v4)
04>上帝第二度宣佈：主耶穌是祂的愛子，並吩咐他們當聽從祂。（v5）

It was the second time, God announced that Jesus was His beloved Son and commanded them to listen to Jesus. (v5)
05>門徒害怕，俯伏在地，主耶穌安慰他們之後，其他兩人立即消失。（v6-8）

The disciples prostrated on the ground out of fear. Jesus comforted them. The other two vanished right where they were. (v6-8)
06>主耶穌吩咐這三個門徒，當祂還未從死裏復活之前，勿將此異象告訴人。（v9）

Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone about this vision before His resurrection from the dead. (v9)
07>主耶穌與門徒之間，有關施洗約翰（用「以利亞」來形容）的對話。（v10-13）

Jesus and the disciples conversed about John the Baptist. (v10-13)

主題：
1>主耶穌變貌。The transfiguration of Jesus

2>只見祂一人。They saw Jesus only

3>上山與下山。Before and after the mountain experience

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？

1>揀選並訓練門徒的耶穌基督。（v1）Jesus chose and trained disciples. (v1)
2>重視禱告的耶穌基督。（v1）Jesus accentuated on praying. (v1)
3>外貌改變、彰顯榮光的耶穌基督（v2）。Jesus was transfigured and glorified. (v2)
4>總結律法（摩西）與先知（以利亞）的耶穌基督（v3）。Jesus is the conclusion of the law (Moses) and prophet (Elijah). (v3)
5>耶穌基督的慈父上帝（v5）God, Jesus’ loving Father. (5)
6>上帝所愛的兒子耶穌基督（v5）Jesus, God’s beloved Son (v5)
7>安慰門徒的耶穌基督。（v7）Jesus comforted the disciples. (v7)
8>即將死而復活的耶穌基督。（v9）Jesus was to resurrect from the dead. (v9)

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？

1>重視禱告生活 Accentuate on praying
六天後，耶穌帶著彼得以及雅各和約翰兩兄弟悄悄地上了一座高山。（v1）

See verse 1.
當主耶穌正式宣佈祂將受難與復活之後的第六天，帶著彼得以及雅各和約翰兩兄弟悄悄地上了一座高山。然而，他們悄悄的上山，到底所為何事？根據路加福音九章廿八至卅六節的記載，非常清楚的指出：主耶穌就是帶領他們三人上山去禱告。

Jesus quietly took with Him Peter, James and John to a mountain. It was six days after Jesus told His disciples that He would be crucified and resurrect from the dead. Why did they go to the mountain? As recorded in Luke 9:28-36, Jesus took them to pray in the mountain.
談到禱告，我們都知道，當主耶穌在世上的年日，禱告是祂服事生涯中不可或缺的一部份。例如：祂教導人要禱告(路加福音18:1)，教導人如何禱告（馬太福音 6:6-13），本身也經常禱告(馬太福音14:23)，祂更以禱告，來面對生命中的每一個重要階段：a.受洗之時禱告(路加福音3:21) b.選召學生之前禱告(路加福音6:12) c.被捕之前禱告(路加福音22:44)d.生命結束前禱告(路加福音23:46)
根據這段經文所記載，主耶穌甚至帶著彼得、約翰與雅各等三位門徒上山去禱告。

Praying is an essential part of Jesus’ ministry on earth. In Luke 18:1, He told people to pray; in Matthew 6:6-13, He taught people how to pray; in Matthew 14:23, He prayed all the time. He faced each crucial stage in His life with prayer. A) Luke 3:21, His baptism; B) Luke 6:12, before choosing the disciples; C) Like 22:44, before His arrest; D) Like 23:46, before the end of His life.

In this verse, He took the disciples to pray in the mountain.
反省：我的禱告生活如何？是否從主耶穌的身上，得著提醒與激勵？
Reflection: How is my prayer life? Am I inspired and reminded to pray because of His example?
2>栽培核心同工 Train up core co-workers
六天後，耶穌帶著彼得以及雅各和約翰兩兄弟悄悄地上了一座高山。在他們面前，耶穌的形像變了：他的面貌像太陽一樣明亮，衣服也像光一樣潔白。（v1-2）

See verses 1and 2.
主耶穌揀選十二個使徒，將這十二個使徒帶在身邊，藉著生活化的方式培訓他們。但是我們如果稍微留意一下，將會發現：某些情況或服事，並非讓每個門徒都參與，而只挑選其中的三位，就是彼得、約翰、雅各。這種情形，聖經中至少出現三次。

Jesus chose and trained the twelve disciples by spending time with them daily. If we look closely, Jesus did not let each of them take part in every service or to be with Him in every situation. This time, He took only Peter, James and John with Him. Incidents like this had been recorded in three places in the Bible.

第一次：耶穌基督在客西馬尼園禱告時，只帶彼得、約翰、雅各這三人同行（太26:36-38、
可14:32-42、路22:39-46）。

First incident: See Matthew 26:36-38; Mark 14:32-42 and Luke 22:39-46. Jesus took them to pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane.
第二次：當耶穌基督醫治睚魯的女兒，使她從死裏復活時。聖經明明記載：耶穌到了他的家，除了彼得、約翰、雅各，和女兒的父母，不許別人同祂進去。（路8:51）

Second incident: Luke 8:51, when He arrived at the house of Jarius, He did not let anyone go in with Him except Peter, John and James.
第三次：本段經文所記載，耶穌基督在山上變貌的事件中，同樣只帶彼得、約翰、雅各這三位同行（太17:1-13、可9:2-13、路9:28-36）。

Third incident: Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13 and Like 9:28-36, in the event of His transfiguration, Jesus took only Peter, John and James.

為何會如此呢？因為某些情況或服事，並非人人都能參與。尤其有關屬靈的事，靈命不夠成熟的人，是不配知道、不配接觸、不配參與的。同時也證明，彼得、約翰、雅各這三個人，是屬靈生命於比較成熟的使徒，也是主耶穌所揀選，而且刻意栽培，小組中的小組、核心中的核心。

How so? Not everyone is suitable to serve in all situations, particularly, in the area of spiritual issues. It is not fit for a spiritual immature person to serve in these areas. This passage testified that Peter, John and James were more mature in their spirits; they were chosen and trained by Jesus. They were core of the cores.
反省：在事奉的過程中，我們反對負面的搞小圈圈，但是需要生命成熟、同心合意的同工，正如禱告的同工，彼此分擔與分享的同工----等。
Reflection: We oppose factions while serving in church. But we do need co-workers who are more mature in their spiritual life, just like prayer partners, partners who share with each other the joy and the burdens.
3>避免信口開河 Avoid worthless words
耶穌的形像變了：祂的面貌像太陽一樣明亮，衣服也像光一樣潔白。忽然，三個門徒看見摩西和以利亞在跟耶穌講話。彼得對耶穌說：「主啊，我們在這裏真好！你若願意，我就在這裏搭三座帳棚，一座給你，一座給摩西，一座給以利亞。」（v2-4）

See verse 2-4.
根據經文描述，當他們上山之後，首先，在突然之間，主耶穌的形象改變了，衣服就像光一樣的潔白。接著，忽然有摩西、以利亞兩個人出現，並跟主耶穌說話。
當彼得見到這個景象之後，必定心有所感，因此，突然對主耶穌說：「主啊，我們在這裏真好！你若願意，我就在這裏搭三座帳棚，一座給你，一座給摩西，一座給以利亞。」
路加福音針對這個事件，最後補上一句：彼得卻不知道所說的是甚麼。（路加福音9:33）
彼得這樣的狀況，不僅可以用「異想天開、不假思索、信口開河、不知所云」來形容。同時顯示出彼得那種「心直口快」的個性。

With Jesus, Moses and Elijah before his eyes, Peter suggested to Jesus that he wanted to build three tents for them. Peter was naïve and did not know what he was talking about. He was a quick-tongued person.
反省：有關屬靈的事，我是否更加謹慎尋求、小心的辨明？而不輕易斷言？
Reflection: Am I prudent in spiritual areas? Do I discern carefully and do not easily jump into conclusion?
4>上山是為下山 the purpose of entering the mountain is to be out of it
彼得對耶穌說：「主啊，我們在這裏真好！你若願意，我就在這裏搭三座帳棚，一座給你，一座給摩西，一座給以利亞。」（v4）

See verse 4.
在高山上，當主耶穌變貌，以及跟摩西、以利亞講話的景象，必定讓彼得著了迷，彼得沈浸，並且享受在這種榮耀、美好的氣氛當中，以致於不想要下山，甚至要為主耶穌、摩西、以利亞搭三座帳棚，就是作長久居留的打算。

Peter was fascinated by what he saw, seeing Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah. It made him want to stay there forever. Thus, he suggested building three tents for them.
當然，這件事，彼得純粹以人的角度來看。如果從上帝的角度來看，情形就不是如此。
上帝不是要他們常留山上、享受氣氛，而是要他們下到山下，完成使命。因此，我們需要山上的經歷，但更需要山下的實踐。

Peter saw from the perspective of a human being. But, it was not God’s intention that they stayed there forever. He wanted them to leave the mountain to serve and to carry out the mission. Even though we need an experience like that, but more importantly is the action taken after leaving the mountain.

反省：我是否看重山上的經歷？是否更看重山下的使命？
Reflection: Do I value more the experience in the mountain or the mission afterward?
5>確認耶穌身份 Validation of Jesus’ identity
彼得正說這話的時候，一朵燦爛的雲彩籠罩了他們；有聲音從雲中出來，說：「這是我親愛的兒子，我喜愛他。你們要聽從他！」（v5）

See verse 5.
主耶穌是上帝的兒子，為了拯救世人，上帝差派祂到世上來。但是，當祂正式出來事奉之後，雖然教導、行事大有能力，但是當時有許多猶太人，都不相信祂就是上帝的兒子，尤其宗教領袖更是以百般的理由，來否認祂、拒絕祂，甚至迫害祂。

Jesus is Son of God. God sent Him to the world for the salvation of mankind. He was not recognized as Son of God by the Jewish people despite of His teaching and power. He was rejected, refused and persecuted by the leaders of His time.
因此，上帝就藉機會正式宣佈主耶穌擁有「上帝愛子」的身份。這裏說：這是我親愛的兒子，我喜愛他。你們要聽從祂！另外，在這之前，也就是當主耶穌在約旦河，接受施洗約翰洗禮的時候，上帝也作過類似的宣佈，就是說：「這是我親愛的兒子，我喜愛他。」（馬太福音3:17）

God declared that Jesus was His beloved Son in this passage and Matthew 3:17.
因此，我們可以確認，耶穌是基督，是永生上帝的兒子，是彌賽亞，是救世主。

Therefore, we are sure that Jesus is Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah and the Savior.
反省：我對主耶穌的認識有多少？是偉人？是先知？是上帝的兒子？是救世主？
Reflection: How much do I know Jesus? Is He a great person or a prophet or the Son of God or the Savior?
6>單單聽從耶穌 Listen to Jesus only
彼得正說這話的時候，一朵燦爛的雲彩籠罩了他們；有聲音從雲中出來，說：「這是我親愛的兒子，我喜愛他。你們要聽從他！」（v5）

See verse 5.
這是天父上帝第二次宣佈確認主耶穌的身份，也是為主耶穌的身份作見證。由於主耶穌是上帝的獨生愛子，是祂差派到世上的唯一代表。

It was the second time that God declared that Jesus was His beloved Son. He testified to Jesus’ identity.

Jesus is God’s sole representative to this world.
因此，當主耶穌在世上時，就是上帝唯一具有絕對權威的代表。因此，順服主耶穌就是順服父上帝。今天世上（甚至教會）有許多不同的聲音，有各種分歧的意見，我們應該謹慎，學習分辨什麼是來自主耶穌的聲音。唯有確實聽從祂，才能蒙上帝喜悅。

While Jesus was on the earth, He was an authoritative figure who represented God. Thus, obeying Jesus equals obeying God. There are many different voices and divided opinions in the world and even in churches; we must be very careful when it comes to discern Jesus’ voice. We please God by obeying Jesus.
反省：在這「民主多元、意見紛歧」的世代，我如何分辨何者才是主耶穌的聲音？
Reflection: How can I discern Jesus voice in a world of divided-opinions and multi-democracies?
7>只見耶穌一人They saw Jesus only
耶穌走過來，拍他們，說：「起來，不要怕！」他們抬頭一看，只見耶穌，其他的人都不見了。（v7-8）

See verses 7-8.
當上帝的聲音從雲中出來，說：「這是我親愛的兒子，我喜愛他。你們要聽從他！」之後，門徒因為聽見這聲音，就非常害怕，都俯伏在地上。主耶穌便走過來，拍他們說：「起來，不要怕！」他們抬頭一看，結果只見主耶穌一人，其他的人都不見了。

They fell face down on the ground when they heard the voice from the heaven. Jesus comforted them not to be afraid. All they saw was Jesus.
此 處「只見主耶穌一人」這句話，到底代表什麼意義呢？其實就是告訴我們：耶穌基督是獨特的、是唯一的。在上帝的救贖計劃當中，律法與先知都是階段性，也是不 完全的。代表律法的摩西，以及代表先知的以利亞，只是扮演見證人的角色而已，唯有耶穌基督才是一切的總成、總結。唯有在耶穌基督裏，才有真正而且完全的救 贖。

It means that Jesus is the only One. Law and prophets were only strategic in God’s salvation plan. Moses symbolized law and Elijah the prophets, they served as witnesses. Jesus Christ perfected God’s plan. Salvation is in Jesus Christ.
另外，摩西（律法）、以利亞（先知）代表舊約，耶穌基督代表新約。顯示：舊約時代已經過去，新約時代正式來臨。

Moses and Elijah represented the Old Testament era and Jesus the New Testament. The New Testament era has come.
反省：我是否確信耶穌基督是唯一的救贖？是否完全倚靠祂的救贖？
Reflection: Do I believe that Jesus is the only salvation? Do I rely fully on His salvation?
8>把握使命核心 The core of the mission
他們下山的時候，耶穌吩咐他們：「在人子沒有從死裏復活以前，千萬不要把所看見的異象告訴人。」（v9）

See verse 9.
當在變貌山上擁有榮耀的經歷之後，主耶穌去卻吩咐三個門徒，暫時不要將所看見的異象告訴任何人。為什麼會這樣吩咐呢？因為當時主耶穌的使命尚未完成，如果提早將這榮耀的經歷張揚開來，必然會影響上帝的救贖計劃。

Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone of this vision. It was because that Jesus’ mission was not finished yet. It would affect God’s plan, if they spread the news before it was time.
主耶穌希望門徒明白，唯有十字架才是祂使命的核心。因此，只有藉著祂的犧牲，才能完成上帝所託付的使命，人類才能脫離罪和死亡的轄制。因此，才特別吩咐這三個門徒說，當祂還沒有從死裏復活以前，千萬不要把所看見的異象告訴人。

Jesus wanted them to understand that the cross was the core of His mission. It was only through His sacrifice that human beings would be set free from under the control of sin and death. Thus is the reason for it.
反省：我是否如同主耶穌一樣，懂得優先次序、明白使命核心？
Reflection: Can I prioritize things like Jesus did when it comes to mission?
9>開路先鋒約翰 John the pioneer
於是門徒問耶穌：「為甚麼經學教師說以利亞必須先來呢？」耶穌回答：「以利亞是要先來準備一切。可是我告訴你們，以利亞已經來過，人卻不認識他，反而任意對待他。同樣，人子也將受他們的虐待。」門徒們這才明白耶穌這話是指著施洗者約翰說的。（v10-13）

See verses 10-13)
先知瑪垃基曾經預言，當彌賽亞來臨之前，有一位「以利亞」將要先來到。他是基督的開路先，他來要為主預備道路。（瑪垃基3:1）當然，此處所為的以利亞，就是指施洗約翰。但是非常可惜，當時的宗教領袖，無法真正認識他的身份，因此任意對待他。

Malachi prophesied that Elijah would come before Messiah. He would prepare the way for Christ. (See Malachi 3:1) Elijah symbolized John the Baptist. He was not well treated by the leaders of his time, because they did not recognize his identity.
最後，這位上帝忠心的僕人，由於耿直的個性，以及對是非得堅持，竟然犧牲了寶貴的性命。施洗約翰的事奉是值得稱許的，因為他成為耶穌基督的開路先鋒，不僅將人們引到耶穌基督面前來，甚至連他自己的門徒，也介紹給主耶穌。

He was a faithful servant of God. His stern personality resulted in his death. He deserved to be applauded in his service. He prepared the way that people could come to Jesus. Furthermore, he also introduced his disciples to Jesus.
反省：施洗約翰對自己角色適切的扮演，對上帝所託付使命完全的承擔，以及對是非善惡的分明與堅持，對我有什麼樣的啟示？
Reflection: John the Baptist played his role well, he carried out God’s mission and he was stern in distinguishing right and wrong. What inspiration do I get from his example?

I
四、我的禱告 / 實際應用

Picking up one’s cross to follow the Lord

Matthew 16:21-28

16:21 從那時候開始，耶穌清楚地指示門徒，說：「我必須上耶路撒冷去，在長老、祭司長，和經學教師手下遭受許多苦難，並且被殺害，第三天將復活。」16:22 彼得拉耶穌到一邊，勸阻他，說：「不！主啊，這事絕不可臨到你身上！」16:23 耶穌轉身對彼得說：「撒但，走開！你是我的絆腳石；因為你所想的不是上帝的想法，而是人的想法。」16:24 於是，耶穌對門徒說：「如果有人要跟從我，就得捨棄自己，背起他的十字架來跟從我。16:25 因為那想救自己生命的，反要喪失生命；那為著我喪失生命的，反要得到生命。16:26 一個人就是贏得了全世界，卻賠上了自己的生命，有甚麼益處呢？沒有！他能夠拿甚麼去換回自己的生命呢？16:27 人子將要在他父親的榮耀中，跟他的天使一起來臨。那時候，他要按照各人的行為施報應。16:28 我鄭重地告訴你們，站在這裏的人，有的在他們死以前會看見人子來到他們當中掌權。」

Jesus Predicts His Death

²¹From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

²²Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"

²³Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

²⁴Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵For whoever wants to save his life^[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. ²⁶What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? ²⁷For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. ²⁸I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

一、中心內容 Message：

內容 Content：
01>主耶穌首次明確指出：自己即將受死與復活。（v21）Lord Jesus clearly points out that he will experience death and resurrect. (v21)
02>聽見主耶穌的宣告，彼得立刻出面極力勸阻。（v22）Upon hearing Jesus’ declaration, Peter immediately came forward to discourage that. (v22)
03>針對彼得的勸阻，主耶穌提出嚴厲的責備。（v23）In regards to Peter’s discouragement, Jesus rebuked him severely. (v23)
04>主耶穌談論跟隨祂的人，應有付代價的心理準備。（v24-26）Jesus said that those who followed him had to be prepared to pay the price. (v24-26)
05>主耶穌預言祂將降臨、掌權以及審判。（v27-28）Jesus predicted his coming, power and judgment. (v27-28)

主題 Theme：
1>預言受難與復活。Prediction of the passion and resurrection.
2>背起十架跟隨主。Picking up one’s cross to follow the Lord.

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

1>即將受難的耶穌基督。（v21）Jesus Christ who is about to suffer. (v21)
2>死而復活的耶穌基督。（v21）Jesus Christ who died and rose again. (v21)
3>順從上帝的耶穌基督。（v23）Jesus Christ who obeys God. (v23)
4>堅守使命的耶穌基督。（v23）Jesus Christ who adheres to the mission. (v23)
5>與父同榮的耶穌基督。（v27）Jesus Christ who shares in the Father’s glory. (v27)
6>即將再臨的耶穌基督。（v27）Jesus Christ who is to come again. (v27)
7>施行審判的耶穌基督。（v27）Jesus Christ who will bring about judgment. (v27)

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>宣佈救贖的核心 The core of declaring the salvation
從那時候開始，耶穌清楚地指示門徒，說：我必須上耶路撒冷去，在長老、祭司長，和經學教師手下遭受許多苦難，並且被殺害，第三天將復活。（v21）

From that time on, Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. (v21)
當主耶穌向門徒宣佈教會的根基，以及祂所賦予教會的權柄，也就是當祂揭示「祂將在地面上建立教會」這個榮耀而且偉大的計劃之後，緊接著又揭示了救贖的核心，就是祂將藉著十字架，來經歷死亡與復活。因為教會是建立在「耶穌基督的死亡與復活」這基礎之上。

After the Lord Jesus declared the foundation of the church as well as the authority given to it to the disciples, which is what he meant by the glorious and master plan of ‘He will build his church on earth’, he revealed the core of salvation. This salvation was his experience of death and resurrection through the cross. This revelation is based upon the foundation of ‘Jesus’ death and resurrection.’
在主耶穌的傳道生涯當中，這是第一次公開談論「祂的受死與復活」這件事。主耶穌藉著十字架的死亡與復活，就是上帝整個救贖計劃的核心。

In Jesus’ ministry, this is the first time he openly discussed the idea of his suffering and resurrection. God’s whole plan of the core of redemption is through Jesus’ death and resurrection through the cross.
反省：我是否明白十字架的意義？我是否明白上帝救贖的核心？我如何看待十字架？我如何面對十字架？
Reflection: Do I understand the meaning of the cross? Do I understand the core of God’s redemption? How do I look at the cross? How do I face the cross?

2>成為撒旦的工具 Becoming Satan’s tools
彼得拉耶穌到一邊，勸阻他，說：「不！主啊，這事絕不可臨到你身上！」耶穌轉身對彼得說：
「撒但，走開！你是我的絆腳石；因為你所想的不是上帝的想法，而是人的想法。」（v22-23）

Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." (v22-23)

當主耶穌公開宣佈，祂即將受死與復活之後，彼得立刻將主耶穌拉到一旁，以非常嚴肅的口吻，以及慎重其事的態度，對主耶穌說：「不！主啊，這件事，絕對不可以臨到你身上！」主耶穌立即回應他說：「撒但，走開！你是我的絆腳石；因為你所想的，不是上帝的想法，而是人的想法。」

When Jesus openly declared that he would die and resurrect, Peter immediately pulled Jesus aside. Using a very serious tone of voice and with an attitude of proceeding with caution, he told Jesus, “Never, Lord. This shall never happen to you!” Jesus instantly responded saying, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
根 據主耶穌對彼得的回應，我們可以發現：彼得此舉絕對不是出自上帝的心意，而是來自撒旦的作為，目的是要阻止主耶穌成就上帝拯救人類的大計劃。回顧幾分鐘之 前，彼得才因作出劃時代的宣告「你是基督，是永生上帝的兒子」而得到主耶穌的稱讚說：「約翰的兒子西門，你真有福了；因為這真理不是人傳授給你的，而是我 天上的父親向你啟示的。」（v17）沒有料到，幾分鐘之後，竟然搖身一變，成為撒旦的工具，體貼人的心意。導致遭受主耶穌斥責說：撒但，走開！你是我的絆 腳石！

From the Lord Jesus’ response to Peter, we can realize that Peter’s actions were not in alignment with God’s mind but with Satan’s actions. The purpose of that was to stop Jesus from accomplishing God’s master plan of saving all of mankind. Only several minutes ago, Peter had just made a declaration saying, "You are the Christ,^[a] the Son of the living God” and received God’s praise saying, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. (v17) Without expecting it, a few minutes later he actually changed and became Satan’s tool, showing consideration for man’s mind. This in turn caused Jesus to rebuke him saying, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me.”

反省：我的言行舉止，較常成為上帝的同工？還是成為撒旦的工具？
Reflection: Are my words and actions more often God’s co-workers? Or Satan’s tools?

3>堅守使命的耶穌 Jesus, who adheres to the mission
耶穌轉身對彼得說：「撒但，走開！你是我的絆腳石；因為你所想的不是上帝的想法，而是人的想法。（v23）

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." (v23)
彼得對主耶穌的勸阻，就人的立場來說，其實也是人之常情，至少是出自一份愛與關懷。但是就屬靈的角度來看，這樣的關懷，其實是陷入一種試探當中，成為撒旦的工具，要阻止主耶穌，走向十字的道路，以阻斷了上帝的救贖計劃。

From man’s perspective, Peter’s dissuasion to Jesus is in fact human. At least it is out of love and care. However, from a spiritual perspective, this kind of care actually means getting caught up in temptation and becomes Satan’s tool to stop Jesus from going towards the path of the cross and breaking God’s plan of redemption.
當面對撒旦藉著彼得的口，利用人情的牽絆，擾亂上帝的計劃之後，主耶穌沒有絲毫思考空間，也沒有絲毫保留餘地，立刻以堅定的語氣，責備比得說：「撒但，走開！你是我的絆腳石；因為你所想的不是上帝的想法，而是人的想法。」
顯然，面對誘惑、面對阻擾，主耶穌絲毫不為所動！祂堅持守住上帝所託付的使命。

When faced with Satan’s words through Peter, taking advantage of people’s interdependence, and messing around with God’s plan, Jesus did not leave the slightest space nor leeway to think but used a firm tone to rebuke Peter saying, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Clearly, in the face of temptation and obstruction Jesus did not budge. He insisted on adhering to the mission entrusted to him by God.

反省：當我所承擔的使命，面對試探或遇見阻擾時，結果都是如何？堅持？或妥協？

Reflection: When I take on a mission, how is the result, in face of temptation and obstruction? Persistence? Or compromise?

4>跟隨耶穌的代價 The cost of following Jesus
於是，耶穌對門徒說：如果有人要跟從我，就得捨棄自己，背起他的十字架來跟從我。（v24）

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (v24)
十字架是羅馬政府執行死刑最普遍的刑具，被宣判死刑的人，通常都要背著自己的十字架，從街頭一步、一步的走向刑場。主耶穌引用這樣的圖像與情境，來形容跟隨祂的人，必須要如同背負十字架一般，要有付上代價的心理準備。

The cross is the most common instrument of torture used by the Roman government. For those who were sentenced to death, they usually had to bear their own cross and walk the streets, step by step towards the execution ground. The Lord Jesus used this kind of image and context to describe following him, like carrying one’s own cross and having the mindset of paying the price.

因為一個背負著十字架步向刑場的人，已經不可能再有自我存在，包括個人的理想、個人的利益，甚至個人的雄心壯志---等，都要完全捨棄。

The reason for this is because people who are carrying their cross towards the execution ground does not think about himself anymore including personal ideals, interests and ambitions. All of these must be completely abandoned.
同樣的道理，一個完全委身、全心跟隨主的人，也應該有同樣的心理準備，不僅要學習放棄自我（犧牲權益、斷絕關係）甚至連遭遇危險時，也都應該毫不退縮！

By the same concept, a fully committed, wholehearted follower of the Lord should have the same mental preparation of not only having to give up self-interests (sacrificing rights). Even in face of danger, he should not flinch.

反省：為了跟隨主，為了事奉主，我作過哪些犧牲？我付過哪些代價？

Reflection: What kind of sacrifices have I made to follow the Lord and to serve him? What price have I have to pay?

5>得生命與失生命 Receiving life and losing it
因為那想救自己生命的，反要喪失生命；那為著我喪失生命的，反要得到生命。（v25）

For whoever wants to save his life^[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. (v25)
主 耶穌之所以如此說，是在表示：一個跟隨基督，事奉上帝的人，如果太過於顧惜自己的肉體，不太願意受苦的話，那麼他的屬靈生命，就會日漸枯竭。如果只懂得為 自己而生活，就會失去生命真正的意義。反過來說，當願意為主受苦時，屬靈生命就會越發豐盛，當願意為主而活時，就越能活出生命的價值。

The reason why Jesus said this was to express the idea that if a follower of Christ and servant of God cares too much for his own body and is not willing to suffer, then his spiritual life will slowly exhaust. If one only knows how to live for himself, he will lose the true meaning of life. On the other hand, when one is willing to suffer for the Lord, his spiritual life will be more abundant. When one is willing to live for the Lord, he will be able to live out the value of life.
或者說，為了保全自己的生命，而放棄「主耶穌和祂的道」的人，終必無份於上帝國的生命；反過來說，因為「耶穌基督和祂的道」的緣故，願意放下或不顧自己生命的人，在今世必發現生命的意義，來世也必享受上帝國永恆的生命。

In other words, for those who want to save their own lives and give up the Lord Jesus and his Word, they will not have a place in God’s kingdom. Conversely, those who are willing to abandon and not care for their own lives because of Jesus Christ and his Word will discover the meaning of life and have part in God’s eternal kingdom.
反省：我是一個得著生命的人？還是一個失去生命的人？得與失之間，我能分辨嗎？
Reflection: Am I a person who has life? Or a person who loses his life? Can I differentiate gaining and losing?

6>生命勝過全世界 Life is greater than the whole world
一個人就是贏得了全世界，卻賠上了自己的生命，有甚麼益處呢？沒有！他能夠拿甚麼去換回自己的生命呢？（v26）

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? (v26)
在主耶的眼中，生命是極其貴重的。祂形容：連全世界所有的價值，都比不上一個生命的可貴。尤其在世上，任何「人認為有價值」的東西，都無法換取永恆的生命。包括：萬貫家財、崇高地位、名譽聲望---等，都無法換取永恆的生命。

In the Lord’s eyes, life is extremely valuable. He describes it as this: the value of the whole world cannot compare with the value of life. Especially on earth, anything people think has value cannot exchange for eternal life. This includes, wealth, high status, prestigious honor, etc. These cannot exchange for eternal life.
反省：我看重生命過於世界？或追求世界過於生命？

Reflection: Do I value life more than the world? Or do I pursue the world more than life?

7>面對最後的審判 Facing the last judgment
人子將要在他父親的榮耀中，跟他的天使一起來臨。那時候，他要按照各人的行為施報應。（v27）

For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. (v27)
主耶穌擁有審判的權柄，尤其當祂再來時，將會有最後的審判。屆時，不管未信者，或是基督徒，都要在審判台前接受審判。針對擁有永生盼望的基督徒來說，屆時主耶穌將按照他如何運用恩賜、如何把握機會、如何善盡職責，來決定在天國的賞賜。

The Lord Jesus has the authority of judgment, especially to have the last judgment when he comes again. At that time, all, no matter if its believers or nonbelievers must stand before the stage and accept judgment. For the Christians who have hope for eternal life, the Lord Jesus will determine the reward in heaven according to how they used their gifts, how they seized opportunities, how they fulfilled their responsibilities.
因此，一方面，我們要好好的預備自己，因為主耶穌什麼時候再來，我們不得而知。另一方面，我們不能論斷他人是否得救，因為得救與否的決定權在乎上帝。

Therefore, on one hand, we must properly equip ourselves because we do not know when the Lord Jesus will come again. On the other hand, we cannot judge whether or not others will be saved because the decision of salvation in the hands of God.
反省：我是否隨時預備好，迎接主耶穌再來？我是否常常論斷他人？

Reflection: Am I ready to welcome the Lord Jesus’ coming? Do I often judge others?

8>目睹人子來掌權 Seeing the son of Man take control
我鄭重地告訴你們，站在這裏的人，有的在他們死以前會看見人子來到他們當中掌權。（v28）

I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
主耶穌所給予「有些人在死亡之前，會看到人子來到他們當中掌權」的應許，有人認為，當主耶穌在山上變貌時，就已經實現了。因為當時有彼得、約翰、雅各這三個門徒，在山上親眼看見主的榮耀。（17:1-3）

The Lord Jesus gave the promise of ‘some people, before they die, will see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’ Some people think that when the Lord Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, this was already achieved because at that time, Peter, John and James had already seen God’s glory. (Matthew 17:1-3)
另外，也有人認為，這句話是指：五旬節聖靈的降臨，以及教會的建立。無論所指的是哪一種情境，重要的是：我們應該好好的預備心，就是應該用心追求，以期目睹上帝國度的榮耀，以及經歷基督能力的彰顯。

Also, there are others who think that these words refer to the befalling of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost and the establishment of the church. No matter what context these words are referring to, the important thing is this: we must properly prepare our hearts, which is to pursue carefully, to see the glory of God’s kingdom and to experience the ability of Jesus Christ.
反省：在信仰的路上，我是否用心追求？是否預備好自己，以期目睹上帝國度的榮耀，以及經歷基督能力的彰顯？

Reflection: On the path of my faith, do I pursue with my heart? Am I carefully equipping myself to see the glory of God’s kingdom and to experience His ability?

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

Assurance of Jesus’ identity

Matthew 16:13-20 (New International Version)

13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

I. Message:

Content:

1. Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “who do people say I am?” (v13)
2. The disciples replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." (v14)
3. Jesus pursuit the question further: “Who do you say I am?” . (v15)
4. Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (v16)
5. Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.” (v17)
6. Jesus went on to tell Peter the rock on which he will build his church and its authority. (v18-19)
7. Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ. (v20)

Theme:

1. Assurance of Jesus’ identity
2. Peter’s confession of faith
3. Church’s foundation and authority

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

1. Jesus Christ, the Messiah. (v16)
2. Eternal God(v16)
3. Christ, the Son of the living God (16)
4. Christ who establishes his church in the world (v18)
5. Jesus Christ who gives authority to his church (v19)

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

The region of Caesarea Philippi was situated about 30 miles from northern shore of the Sea of Galilee and was governed by Herod Philippi. The cultural artifacts and remains of both the Greek and the Roman were evident everywhere, especially temples for the innumerable local Gods. When Philippi was assigned to govern this region, he not only rebuilt the city but also renamed the city by attaching his own name.

At that time, Jesus and his disciples were near the end of their ministry along the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. He asked his disciples purposefully about His identity, with the intention of testing their understanding.

1) Identity of Jesus (1)

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." (v. 13-14)

Jesus learned indirectly through his disciples’ response that others had thought of him as John the Baptist, Elijah or Jeremiah. Because Jesus’ ministry was powerful and effective, people compared him to these three extraordinary prophets. However, it was not a satisfactory answer to Jesus; he continued to question his disciples.

Reflection: How much do I know Lord Jesus? If I were asked the same question, what would be my answer?

2) Identity of Jesus (2)

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. (v. 15-17)

When Jesus directed his question at his disciples, Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus was very pleased with this answer and replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.” Obviously, Jesus is Christ, the Messiah, Savior, the Anointed One, the Son of living God.

Reflection: How many years have I been a Christian? Do I really believe and understand that Jesus is Christ and the Son of the living God?

3) Supernatural revelation of Heavenly Father

Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.” (v.17)

Upon hearing Peter’s response, proclaiming that Jesus is Christ and the Son of the living God, Jesus confirmed that such truth does not come from men but is a revelation from God. Evidently, in this world, certain understandings are gained through human experience, knowledge and teaching, while others come from God’s revelation.

Reflection: In my life, do I pursuit teaching from men or revelation from God?

4) The foundation of church

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (v.18)

This passage remains controversial. First, the Catholic Church places great importance on this passage, believing that the rock refers to Peter. Furthermore, they consider themselves as Peter’s heirs and hold the key to the Kingdom. Consequently for a long period of time in church history, Roman Catholic Church firmly believed that church mediates salvation. The idea that salvation is the absolute grace of God was recognized only after the Reformation. God is ultimately sovereign over men. It is more commonly understood and accepted that the rock in the passage refers to Jesus Christ himself, or Peter’s confession of faith: “You are Christ, the Son of the living God.” No man alone can be the foundation of God’s church. The foundation of Church can only be Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

Reflection: Do I confess that Jesus Christ is the foundation and head of the church?

5) The authority of church on earth

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (v.19)

When the term ‘church’ was first used in the New Testament, its meaning in Greek is ‘a group of people who had been called’. Therefore, church is not a building, or an organization but a spiritual body. It is a body made up of a group of people who had been ‘called by God, received the Baptism in faith, saved by grace’. As a Christian, we face spiritual battle in this life, but our Lord Jesus Christ has given the authority to conquer to all who believe in him. Church and his believers, through prayers, have the authority to bind and to release.

Reflection: Do I know of this given authority? Have I ever used this authority in Jesus’ name?

IV. Prayer/ Life Application

Glorify God’s Holy name

15:29 耶穌離開那地方，來到加利利湖邊。他上了山，坐下。15:30 一大群人又來找他，並帶來跛腳的、失明的、殘疾的、啞巴的，和許多患其他疾病的人，安置在耶穌腳前；耶穌一一治好他們。15:31 那群人看見了啞巴的說話，殘疾的復原，跛腳的走路，失明的看見，都非常驚奇，也都讚美以色列的上帝。 15:32 耶穌叫門徒來，對他們說：「我很體貼這一群人，他們跟我在一起已經三天，現在沒有甚麼可吃的了。我不願意叫他們餓著回去，恐怕會在路上暈倒。」15:33 門徒說：「在這偏僻的地方，我們哪裏去找足夠的食物給這一大群人吃飽呢？」15:34 耶穌問他們：「你們有多少餅？」他們回答：「七個餅和幾條小魚。」15:35 耶穌吩咐群眾坐在地上，15:36 拿起那七個餅和幾條小魚，感謝上帝，擘開，遞給門徒；門徒又分給群眾。15:37 大家都吃，而且吃飽了。門徒收拾剩餘的碎屑，裝滿了七個籃子。15:38 吃飽的，除了婦女和孩子，有四千人。15:39 於是耶穌遣散群眾，然後上船，往馬加丹地區去。

Matthew 15:29-39 (New International Version)

Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand

²⁹Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. ³⁰Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. ³¹The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

³²Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way."

³³His disciples answered, "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?"

³⁴"How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked.
"Seven," they replied, "and a few small fish."

³⁵He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. ³⁶Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. ³⁷They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ³⁸The number of those who ate was four thousand, besides women and children. ³⁹After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.

一、中心內容 Message：

內容 Content：
01>主耶穌來到加利利湖邊，上了山並醫治各樣的病症。（v29-30）Jesus went along the Sea of Galilee. He went up on a mountainside and healed many. (v29-30)
02>凡看見醫治神蹟的人，都將榮耀歸給上帝。（v31）Whoever saw the healing miracles gave glory to God. (v31)
03>主耶穌叫門徒來，針對三天未進食的群眾表示體貼（憐憫）。（v32）Jesus called his disciples to him and showed compassion for these people who have not eaten for three days. (v32)
04>門徒針對供應那麼多人的餐食問題，深深表示疑慮。（v33）The disciples were having doubts as to where they could get enough food to feed such a crowd. (v33)
05>主耶穌從門徒手中取得七個餅幾條小魚，經祝謝後眾人吃飽還剩下七藍。（v34-38）Jesus took and seven loaves and the fishes from the disciples, gave thanks and in the end there were seven basketfuls of leftovers. (v34-38)
06>主耶穌遣散群眾，然後上船，往馬加丹地區去。（v39）Jesus had sent the crowd away and he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan. (v39)

主題 Theme：
1>上帝聖名得榮耀。Glorify God’s Holy name.
2>四千（男）人吃飽的神蹟。Miracle of feeding four thousand men.

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

1>擁有醫治權柄的耶穌基督。（v30）Jesus Christ who has the healing power. (v30)
2>聖名配得尊榮、頌讚的上帝。（v31）God whose Holy name is worthy of praises, honour and glory. (v31)
3>體貼（憐憫）人的耶穌基督。（v32）Jesus Christ who has compassion for men. (v32)
4>行七個餅幾條魚讓四千人（男人）吃飽的耶穌基督。（v33-38）Jesus Christ who fed four thousand men by just seven loaves of bread and some small fishes. (v33-38)

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>吸引眾人的耶穌 Jesus attracts great crowds

耶穌離開那地方，來到加利利湖邊。他上了山，坐下。一大群人又來找他。（v29-30a）Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him. (v29-30a)

主 耶穌來到加利利湖邊的山上，群眾立刻從各處蜂擁而到，並且圍繞在祂的四周圍，這樣的景象，經常在福音書中出現。這些被吸引來跟隨的人，動機可能不盡相同， 但是主耶穌的生命具有強大的吸引力，絕對是一個不可否認的事實。因為在祂的生涯當中，包括：醫病、趕鬼、行神蹟、教導人---等，與當時的宗教領袖截然不同，乃是帶著極大的權柄與能力。因此，凡所到之處，總是人山人海。
Lord Jesus went up on a mountainside by the Sea of Galilee and great crowds came to him. This kind of scene can often be seen in the books of the Gospel. These crowds who were attracted and followed him might not all have the same motive, but there was absolutely no doubt that Jesus’s life had a strong attractive power. His life was completely different from the religious leaders at that time. His mighty authority and power can be seen when he healed the sick, casted away demons, performed miracles and gave his teachings. Therefore, wherever he went, there were always great crowds.

反省：當時主耶穌的生命與作為，是這樣的吸引群眾，今天我們這些跟隨主耶穌、學像主耶穌的人，所到之處又是如何呢？吸引人嗎？還是惹人怨？
Reflection: Jesus’s life and doings attracted great crowds. How is it like for us followers of Jesus today? Do we attract people or are we resented by people?

2>殘缺不全的人生 Incomplete life

耶穌離開那地方，來到加利利湖邊。他上了山，坐下。一大群人又來找他，並帶來跛腳的、失明的、殘疾的、啞巴的，和許多患其他疾病的人，安置在耶穌腳前。（v29-30a）
Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. ³⁰Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet. (v29-30a)

當時不僅一大群人，前來圍繞在主耶穌的四周圍，同時也帶來了跛腳的、失明的、殘疾的、啞巴的，和許多罹患其他疾病的人，前來安置在主耶穌的腳前。這些罹患各種病症的人，就是人生真實情境的寫照。所謂「家家有本難唸的經」或「人生不如意十之八九」等俗語，證明我們的人生，沒有任何一個人，能夠十全十美，乃是殘缺不全的。
Not only did great crowds of people came to Lord Jesus and surrounded him, there were also the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many other people with different diseases. They have laid themselves at his feet. These people with different symptoms of diseases were the true portrayal of real life. We all have different problems and things often don’t go according to one’s wishes. No one is perfect, but rather incomplete and flawed.

反省：我的人生如何？擁有平安嗎？常常喜樂嗎？一切都稱心如意嗎？還是有什麼病痛？有什麼重擔？有什麼苦悶？有什麼缺陷？有什麼難處？
Reflection: How is my life? Do I have peace and joy? Are things going as I wish them to be? Or is there any pain, burden, flaws or hardships?

3>領到主耶穌面前 Led before Lord Jesus

一大群人又來找他，並帶來跛腳的、失明的、殘疾的、啞巴的，和許多患其他疾病的人，安置在耶穌腳前。（v30a）
Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. (v30a)

當時有許多跛腳的、失明的、殘疾的、啞巴的，和許多患其他疾病的人，這些人都需要主耶穌的醫治，但是他們未必能夠自行前來。因此，需要有人願意協助、有人願意帶路。要是沒有人願意協助，沒有人願意帶路，他們就無法就近主耶穌，就無法得著醫治。因此，那些協助、帶路的人，所扮所演的角色，也是不可或缺的。
At that time, there were many who were lame, blind, crippled, mute and many others. They needed the healing of the Lord Jesus, but not all of them were able to come by themselves. Therefore, they needed people to help them and lead the way. If there was no one who was willing to help and lead the way, they could not have come near Jesus and been healed. Thus, the role of those who helped and led the way was indispensible.

反省：我是否經常注意，在我身邊有那些有綑綁、有難處，需要關懷、需要協助的人？是否將他們帶到主耶穌面前來？
Reflection: Am I aware of those who are experiencing hardships and are in need of care and help? Do I bring them before Lord Jesus?

4>使人復原的耶穌 Jesus who heals

一大群人又來找他，並帶來跛腳的、失明的、殘疾的、啞巴的，和許多患其他疾病的人，安置在耶穌腳前；耶穌一一治好他們。（v30）
Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. (v30)

在這段聖經當中，非常清楚的記載，當時不管是跛腳的、失明的、殘疾的、啞巴的，或罹患其他各種疾病的人，只要帶來安置在主耶穌的腳前；主耶穌就一一的治好他們。顯示：主耶穌擁有醫治的權柄，主耶穌是醫治人、使人復原的主！
In this passage, it is clearly stated that at that time, whether it be the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute or many others, whoever laid themselves at the feet of Jesus were healed by him. It shows that Lord Jesus has healing power and he is the Lord who heals people and restores them.

反省：我對主耶穌的認識有多深？我擁有多少（肉體、心靈、個性、品德）因主耶穌而復原的經歷？
Reflection: How much do I know about Lord Jesus? How many times have I been restored and healed by Jesus (physically, spiritually, personality and character wise)?

5>上帝聖名得榮耀 Glory to the Holy name of God

那群人看見了啞巴的說話，殘疾的復原，跛腳的走路，失明的看見，都非常驚奇，也都讚美以色列的上帝。（v31）
The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. (v31)

根據馬可福音的記載，這個時候主耶穌正路過低加波利境內，在這地區所居住的都是外邦人。這些外邦人因為看見了啞巴的說話，殘疾的復原，跛腳的走路，失明的看見，都非常驚奇，也都讚美以色列的上帝。
According to the book of Mark, at that time Jesus was passing by Decapolis— a region where the Gentiles lived. These Gentiles were very amazed as they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they also praised the God of Israel.

這件事一方面顯示，藉著醫治事件，讓上帝的聖名得著榮耀；另一方面也顯示：連外邦人也都受感動而讚美以色列人所敬奉的上帝。
This incident showed that God’s Holy name was glorified through Jesus’s healing performances. On the other hand, it also showed that even the Gentiles were touched and praised the God of Israel.

反省：我的言行舉止，是否常常榮耀上帝的聖名？連外邦人都懂得讚美上帝，而我呢？是否常常讚美上帝？
Reflection: Do my words and deeds glorify God’s Holy name? Even the Gentiles knew to praise God, what about me? Do I praise God often?

6>全人關懷的耶穌 Holistic compassion of Jesus

耶穌叫門徒來，對他們說：我很體貼這一群人，他們跟我在一起已經三天，現在沒有甚麼可吃的了。我不願意叫他們餓著回去，恐怕會在路上暈倒。（v32）
Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way." (v32)

主耶穌對人們的關懷，心靈方面是無庸置疑的。但是根據這段經文的描述，我們發現：祂其實不僅關懷心靈的需要而已，同時也關懷肉體的需要。顯然，主耶穌對人們的關懷，是非常完整，全人的關懷。
There is no doubt that Jesus cares for men’s spiritual life. But from this passage, we notice that not only did Jesus care for the spiritual needs, he also cared for the physical needs. It is clear that the care Jesus has for men is complete and holistic.

反省：我傳福音、關懷人，層面有多廣？是否學習全人的關懷？
Reflection: How extensive do I go when I spread the gospel and care for others? Do I try to learn the holistic compassion of Jesus?

7>你手裏有多少餅 How many loaves of bread you have in your hand

顯然，這七個餅幾條魚的神蹟，並非靠外來的資源，而是運用現場僅有的，也就是取用門徒手中所擁有的，經過主耶穌接手、祝聖之後，就這樣成就了奇妙的大事。
當上帝呼召摩西時，同樣對摩西說：你手裏是什麼？然後同樣藉著摩西手中，那毫不起眼的牧羊杖，來成一件又一件奇妙的大事，順利帶領以色列百姓出埃及。
Clearly this miracle of seven loaves of bread and a few small fish was not relied on external resources but rather on what the disciples had in their hands at that moment. When Lord Jesus took over and gave thanks, the miracle was accomplished. When God called on Moses, God used that ordinary staff in his hand to perform miraculous sings and Moses eventually led the Israelites out of Egypt.

當今有部份中小型教會，經常說：我們不像大型教會，因為我們沒有錢、沒有人、沒有空間、沒有資源，所以什麼都沒辦法做。其實，這是錯誤的觀念！
Nowadays, some smaller-sized churches often say that they can’t do anything because they don’t have enough money, people, space or resources. However, this is a wrong way of thinking!

反省：事奉上帝的我，是否先尋求外面的資源？是否等候資源累積豐富了、足夠了再---？還是善於運用現有的資源？就是先看看自己手裏有什麼？立刻為上帝擺上？
Reflection: When serving God, do I always seek external resources first and wait till I have enough resources? Or do I make use of what I have at the moment and immediately place it before God?

8>使少變多的耶穌 Jesus who makes many from less

這是一個非常明顯的神蹟，就是七個餅幾條魚讓四千（男）人吃飽，甚至還有剩餘。
This is a very clear miracle— feeding four thousand men with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish and even having leftovers.

這個事件啟示我們，主耶穌是「使少變多」的真神。因此，不管我們手中擁有多少資源、多少恩賜，只要帶到主耶穌面前，甘心樂意的獻上，經過祂祝福之後，必能滿足許多人的需要。尤其當我們願意將自己獻上，讓主耶穌來破碎、讓主耶穌來擘開，就能產生奇妙的能力，讓許多飢渴的生命得著滿足。不僅可以滿足一切需求，甚至還要豐富有餘。
This incident shows us that Jesus is truly the God who can make many from less. Thus, it doesn’t matter how much we have in our hands. As long as we bring them before Jesus and offer with a joyful heart, they will satisfy many needs of others after His blessing. Especially when we are willing to offer ourselves to be broken by Jesus, many hungry lives will be satisfied by this miraculous power. Not only can it satisfy all needs, there will even be surplus.

反省：我曾經將自己的生命擺上，讓主耶穌來使用嗎？我是否擁有七個餅幾條魚的經歷？
Reflection: Have I ever offered my life to be used by Jesus? Have I experienced something like the incident of seven loaves of bread and a few fish?

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