第07章 童年时期
§1
第07章 童年时期
§2
Chap. 7 - As a Child
§3
（本章根据：路2:39-40）
§4
耶稣在一个小山村里度过他的童年和青年时期。世上任何地方若能有他光临，必荣增百倍。就是王宫也会因接待他为贵宾而增添光彩。他却越过了财主的宅第、皇家的庭院和著名的学府，在这偏僻而又被人轻视的拿撒勒安了家。[1]{DA 68.1}
§5
The childhood and youth of Jesus were spent in a little mountain village. There was no place on earth that would not have been honored by His presence. The palaces of kings would have been privileged in receiving Him as a guest. But He passed by the homes of wealth, the courts of royalty, and the renowned seats of learning, to make His home in obscure and despised Nazareth. {DA 68.1}[1]
§6
“孩子渐渐长大，强健起来，充满智慧，又有上帝的恩在他身上。”（路2:40）这就是有关耶稣幼年生活的记载。虽然只有寥寥几句，却具有非常的意义。在天父圣颜的照耀之下，“耶稣的智慧和身量，并上帝和人喜爱他的心，都一齐增长。”（路2:52）他的心思活泼而深沉，他的审慎和智慧越了实际的年龄。他的品格发展匀称，显得格外优美。体力和智力也循着儿童时期的规律，渐渐发育起来。[2]{DA 68.2}
§7
Wonderful in its significance is the brief record of His early life: The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him. In the sunlight of His Fathers countenance, Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52. His mind was active and penetrating, with a thoughtfulness and wisdom beyond His years. Yet His character was beautiful in its symmetry. The powers of mind and body developed gradually, in keeping with the laws of childhood. {DA 68.2}[2]
§8
作为孩童，耶稣表现出一种特别可爱的性格。他那乐意助人的双手随时准备为人服务；他的忍耐是没有任何事物能搅扰的；他的信实决不牺牲正义。耶稣坚守原则，稳如磐石。他的生活显示着无私的风范。[3]{DA 68.3}
§9
As a child, Jesus manifested a peculiar loveliness of disposition. His willing hands were ever ready to serve others. He manifested a patience that nothing could disturb, and a truthfulness that would never sacrifice integrity. In principle firm as a rock, His life revealed the grace of unselfish courtesy. {DA 68.3}[3]
§10
耶稣的母亲很关心他才智的成长，也非常注意他品格上的完美。她怀着愉快的心情，尽力鼓励他那伶俐而敏于领教的心。她从圣灵得到智慧，同天上的能力合作，帮助这单称上帝为父的孩子发育成熟。[4]{DA 69.1}
§11
With deep earnestness the mother of Jesus watched the unfolding of His powers, and beheld the impress of perfection upon His character. With delight she sought to encourage that bright, receptive mind. Through the Holy Spirit she received wisdom to co-operate with the heavenly agencies in the development of this child, who could claim only God as His Father. {DA 69.1}[4]
§12
自古以来，以色列国内忠心的人们非常重视青少年的教育。耶和华指示他们，当儿女还处于幼年之时，就要开始将他的良善和伟大，特别是有关他律法和以色列历史的启示，教导他们。要用诗歌、祈祷和《圣经》的教训，按发育中的儿童心理培育他们。父母要教儿女明白，上帝的律法是他品德的表现；当他们心中接受律法的原则时，就有上帝的形象印在心灵上。至于教学法，大多用口授，但青年人也学习阅读希伯来文作品。《旧约圣经》的皮卷，也是他们研究的资料。[5]{DA 69.2}
§13
From the earliest times the faithful in Israel had given much care to the education of the youth. The Lord had directed that even from babyhood the children should be taught of His goodness and His greatness, especially as revealed in His law, and shown in the history of Israel. Song and prayer and lessons from the Scriptures were to be adapted to the opening mind. Fathers and mothers were to instruct their children that the law of God is an expression of His character, and that as they received the principles of the law into the heart, the image of God was traced on mind and soul. Much of the teaching was oral; but the youth also learned to read the Hebrew writings; and the parchment rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures were open to their study. {DA 69.2}[5]
§14
在基督的时代，一个城镇若不要为青少年办宗教教育，就被看作是在上帝的咒诅之下。可惜当年这种教育已陷于形式化。圣经的教训大半已被古人的遗传所代替。真实的教育是引导青年“寻求上帝，或者可以揣摩而得”。（徒17:27）但犹太人的教育只注重仪文。学生的脑子里塞满了对他们毫无价值的材料，这些东西是天上更高的学府所不承认的。那透过亲自领受上帝话语而得的经验，在当时的教育制度中却没有地位。外表的繁文缛节耗费了学生的光阴，使他们得不到安静的时间与上帝交通，也听不见他的声音向他们的心灵说话。他们寻求知识，却转离了智慧的源头。侍奉上帝的基本要旨被忽略了。律法的原则也弄得模糊不清。人们眼中的上等教育，恰恰是青少年正常发育的最大障碍。在拉比的训练之下，学生的能力受到抑制；他们的心思变得拘泥而狭窄。[6]{DA 69.3}
§15
In the days of Christ the town or city that did not provide for the religious instruction of the young was regarded as under the curse of God. Yet the teaching had become formal. Tradition had in a great degree supplanted the Scriptures. True education would lead the youth to seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him. Acts 17:27. But the Jewish teachers gave their attention to matters of ceremony. The mind was crowded with material that was worthless to the learner, and that would not be recognized in the higher school of the courts above. The experience which is obtained through a personal acceptance of Gods word had no place in the educational system. Absorbed in the round of externals, the students found no quiet hours to spend with God. They did not hear His voice speaking to the heart. In their search after knowledge, they turned away from the Source of wisdom. The great essentials of the service of God were neglected. The principles of the law were obscured. That which was regarded as superior education was the greatest hindrance to real development. Under the training of the rabbis the powers of the youth were repressed. Their minds became cramped and narrow. {DA 69.3}[6]
§16
童年的耶稣没有在犹太会堂的学校里受教育。他的母亲是他头一位在世上的教师。从她口里和先知的书卷中，耶稣学到了有关天上的事。这时他在母亲膝前所学的，正是古时他自己通过摩西传给以色列人的话。从童年到青年，耶稣一直没有进过拉比的学校。他不需要这些方面的教育，因为上帝是他的导师。[7]{DA 70.1}
§17
The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. The very words which He Himself had spoken to Moses for Israel He was now taught at His mothers knee. As He advanced from childhood to youth, He did not seek the schools of the rabbis. He needed not the education to be obtained from such sources; for God was His instructor. {DA 70.1}[7]
§18
在救主传道时，有人发过这样的问题：“这个人没有学过。怎么明白书呢？”（约7:15）这并不是说耶稣不识字，只是说他没有受过拉比们的教育。耶稣既然和我们一样获得知识，他对于《圣经》的渊博纯熟，说明他早年时是如何勤读上帝的话。此外，展开在他面前的，还有上帝创造之物的大图书馆。创造万物的主这时要研究他起初亲手写在大地、海洋和太空中的教训。他远避世俗低下的道路，从大自然收集科学知识。他研究动植物和人类的生活。从幼年起，耶稣就抱定一个宗旨：他活着是为人造福。为此他在自然界找到了资源。在研究动植物生长时，他思想中常闪现新的开导人的方法。耶稣不断从可见的事物中收集例证，用以讲解上帝活泼的圣言。在传道时，救主爱用比喻来发挥真理的教训，这显明他的心思是何等敏于接受大自然的影响，也说明他如何在日常生活环境中搜集属灵的素材。[8]{DA 70.2}
§19
The question asked during the Saviours ministry, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? does not indicate that Jesus was unable to read, but merely that He had not received a rabbinical education. John 7:15. Since He gained knowledge as we may do, His intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how diligently His early years were given to the study of Gods word. And spread out before Him was the great library of Gods created works. He who had made all things studied the lessons which His own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. Apart from the unholy ways of the world, He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature. He studied the life of plants and animals, and the life of man. From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God. The parables by which, during His ministry, He loved to teach His lessons of truth show how open His spirit was to the influences of nature, and how He had gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life. {DA 70.2}[8]
§20
当耶稣力图明白事物之所以然的时候，上帝的话和他的作为的意义就向他显明了。有天使作他的侍从，使他享有圣洁的思想和属灵的交通。从启蒙之时起，耶稣就在属灵的美德与真理的知识上不断长进。[9]{DA 70.3}
§21
Thus to Jesus the significance of the word and the works of God was unfolded, as He was trying to understand the reason of things. Heavenly beings were His attendants, and the culture of holy thoughts and communings was His. From the first dawning of intelligence He was constantly growing in spiritual grace and knowledge of truth. {DA 70.3}[9]
§22
每个儿童能像耶稣一样获得知识。当我们力图借天父的话认识他时，就必有天使来临，使我们的心志坚强起来，我们的品格也必蒙陶冶成为高尚而纯洁。我们就越发与我们的救主相似。我们看到自然界的宏大与美丽时，就能对上帝生出敬爱。每当我们在大自然中接触无限的上帝而肃穆生畏时，我们的心灵就必因而振奋。借着祷告与上帝交通，我们的智力和道义力得以发展。当我们思念属灵的事时，我们属灵的能力就必加强。[10]{DA 70.4}
§23
Every child may gain knowledge as Jesus did. As we try to become acquainted with our heavenly Father through His word, angels will draw near, our minds will be strengthened, our characters will be elevated and refined. We shall become more like our Saviour. And as we behold the beautiful and grand in nature, our affections go out after God. While the spirit is awed, the soul is invigorated by coming in contact with the Infinite through His works. Communion with God through prayer develops the mental and moral faculties, and the spiritual powers strengthen as we cultivate thoughts upon spiritual things. {DA 70.4}[10]
§24
耶稣的一生是与上帝和谐的一生。当他作小孩子的时候，思想、言语和行为都像小孩子。但他生活中始终没有丝毫罪恶毁损他里面的上帝的形象。可是他并非免于试探。拿撒勒居民的邪恶是尽人皆知的。从拿但业所发的疑问中可见一斑：“拿撒勒还能出什么好的吗？”（约1:46）耶稣所处的环境使他的品格受到考验。为了保持纯洁，他必须时刻警惕。为了作青少年和成年人的榜样，他必须经历我们所要应付的一切斗争。[11]{DA 71.1}
§25
The life of Jesus was a life in harmony with God. While He was a child, He thought and spoke as a child; but no trace of sin marred the image of God within Him. Yet He was not exempt from temptation. The inhabitants of Nazareth were proverbial for their wickedness. The low estimate in which they were generally held is shown by Nathanaels question, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? John 1:46. Jesus was placed where His character would be tested. It was necessary for Him to be constantly on guard in order to preserve His purity. He was subject to all the conflicts which we have to meet, that He might be an example to us in childhood, youth, and manhood. {DA 71.1}[11]
§26
战胜这拿撒勒的孩童，是撒但奋而不疲的事。耶稣虽然自幼有天使保护，但他的一生是对黑暗势力的一场持久之战。地球上竟有一个不受罪恶玷污的人生，这是黑暗之君不能容忍的，也使他大惑不解。他用尽一切手段要使耶稣陷入罗网。世上的儿童没有一个能像我们的救主那样与试探作如此剧烈的搏斗，而保持圣洁的人生。[12]{DA 71.2}
§27
Satan was unwearied in his efforts to overcome the Child of Nazareth. From His earliest years Jesus was guarded by heavenly angels, yet His life was one long struggle against the powers of darkness. That there should be upon the earth one life free from the defilement of evil was an offense and a perplexity to the prince of darkness. He left no means untried to ensnare Jesus. No child of humanity will ever be called to live a holy life amid so fierce a conflict with temptation as was our Saviour. {DA 71.2}[12]
§28
耶稣的父母是穷人，每天必须靠劳作度日，所以贫穷、克己和缺乏都为他所熟悉。这种经验正是他的保障。他勤劳的生活中没有空闲的时间来招惹试探，也没有无所事事的光阴为不良的交游开门。他尽可能将试探拒之门外。财利、享乐、称赞和责难，都不能诱使他苟同于一件错行。他有辨认邪恶的智慧，也有抵御邪恶的毅力。[13]{DA 72.1}
§29
The parents of Jesus were poor, and dependent upon their daily toil. He was familiar with poverty, self-denial, and privation. This experience was a safeguard to Him. In His industrious life there were no idle moments to invite temptation. No aimless hours opened the way for corrupting associations. So far as possible, He closed the door to the tempter. Neither gain nor pleasure, applause nor censure, could induce Him to consent to a wrong act. He was wise to discern evil, and strong to resist it. {DA 72.1}[13]
§30
耶稣是生活在地球上的唯一无罪者。但他竟住在拿撒勒邪恶的居民中将近三十年之久。这一事实，对那些认为无瑕疵的生活有赖于地点、运气或顺境的人，是有力的驳斥。试探、贫穷和苦难，正是培育纯洁坚定的品德所必需的锻炼。[14]{DA 72.2}
§31
Christ was the only sinless one who ever dwelt on earth; yet for nearly thirty years He lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth. This fact is a rebuke to those who think themselves dependent upon place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live a blameless life. Temptation, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline needed to develop purity and firmness. {DA 72.2}[14]
§32
耶稣生活在一个农民的家庭里，忠心愉快地分担家庭的负担。他原是天国的统帅，天使也乐意听从他的话。如今他却变成了一个听命的仆人、孝顺的儿子。他学会了一门手艺，用双手在木匠铺里同约瑟一起劳作。他穿着普通工人简朴的衣服，在小镇的街道上往来，从事卑微的工作，而没有运用他的神能来减轻他的重担，或减少他的辛劳。[15]{DA 72.3}
§33
Jesus lived in a peasants home, and faithfully and cheerfully acted His part in bearing the burdens of the household. He had been the Commander of heaven, and angels had delighted to fulfill His word; now He was a willing servant, a loving, obedient son. He learned a trade, and with His own hands worked in the carpenters shop with Joseph. In the simple garb of a common laborer He walked the streets of the little town, going to and returning from His humble work. He did not employ His divine power to lessen His burdens or to lighten His toil. {DA 72.3}[15]
§34
童年和青年时期所从事的劳动，使耶稣的心智和体力得到了充分的发育。他没有浪费他的体力，而总是保持身体的健康，以便愉快地胜任每一项工作，并做得完美无瑕。他不愿有任何缺点，甚至在工具的使用上也是如此。他的手艺尽善尽美，正像他的品格完善一样。他以身作则地教导我们，勤劳是人生的本分。我们做事必须准确、周到，这样的工作才是光荣的。应该训练青年人的双手，使之能以分担人生的重担，这样的操练能强健体魄，并使每一项才能都得到发展。人人都应从事一种对人、对己都有助益的工作。上帝命定劳动为一种福惠，所以只有殷勤劳动的人才能体验到真正光荣和幸福的人生。凡以愉快的心情负起一分家庭责任，为父母分忧的青少年，上帝必予以嘉纳。这样的孩子从家庭出去，必成为社会上有用的人。[16]{DA 72.4}
§35
As Jesus worked in childhood and youth, mind and body were developed. He did not use His physical powers recklessly, but in such a way as to keep them in health, that He might do the best work in every line. He was not willing to be defective, even in the handling of tools. He was perfect as a workman, as He was perfect in character. By His own example He taught that it is our duty to be industrious, that our work should be performed with exactness and thoroughness, and that such labor is honorable. The exercise that teaches the hands to be useful and trains the young to bear their share of lifes burdens gives physical strength, and develops every faculty. All should find something to do that will be beneficial to themselves and helpful to others. God appointed work as a blessing, and only the diligent worker finds the true glory and joy of life. The approval of God rests with loving assurance upon children and youth who cheerfully take their part in the duties of the household, sharing the burdens of father and mother. Such children will go out from the home to be useful members of society. {DA 72.4}[16]
§36
在世上的一生中，耶稣是一位热诚恒切的劳动者。他期望的多，所以尝试的也多。在他开始公开传道之后，他说：“趁着白日，我必须作那差我来者的工，黑夜将到，就没有人能作工了。”（约9:4）耶稣与许多自称为他门徒的人截然不同，他从不逃避操心负责的事。正因为很多人规避这种锻炼，他们才是那么软弱无能。他们或许拥有宝贵可爱的特长，但及至遇到困难需要应付，或有逆境需要克服时，却毫无勇气，简直是无用的人。耶稣所表现的积极性和活力，以及品格上的刚毅坚强，必须藉着他所忍受的同样磨练，在我们身上培养出来。他所得到的恩典也是给我们用的。[17]{DA 73.1}
§37
Throughout His life on earth, Jesus was an earnest and constant worker. He expected much; therefore He attempted much. After He had entered on His ministry, He said, I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4. Jesus did not shirk care and responsibility, as do many who profess to be His followers. It is because they seek to evade this discipline that so many are weak and inefficient. They may possess precious and amiable traits, but they are nerveless and almost useless when difficulties are to be met or obstacles surmounted. The positiveness and energy, the solidity and strength of character, manifested in Christ are to be developed in us, through the same discipline that He endured. And the grace that He received is for us. {DA 73.1}[17]
§38
我们的救主生活在人间时，一直分担穷人的命运。他从经验中感受到他们的忧虑和艰难，所以能安慰鼓励一切卑微的劳动者。凡正确领悟他一生的教训的人，不会认为不同的阶级应受不同的看待，也决不会认为富人应比贤德的穷人更受尊敬。[18]{DA 73.2}
§39
So long as He lived among men, our Saviour shared the lot of the poor. He knew by experience their cares and hardships, and He could comfort and encourage all humble workers. Those who have a true conception of the teaching of His life will never feel that a distinction must be made between classes, that the rich are to be honored above the worthy poor. {DA 73.2}[18]
§40
耶稣工作的时候，总是愉快而机智的。人必须有极大的忍耐和灵力才能将《圣经》的教训实践在家庭生活和工作场所中，并在属世物的压力之下，依然专注于上帝的荣耀。这就是耶稣所能助人之处。他从不让世俗的忧虑逼得他没有时间去思考天上的事。他时常吟咏诗篇或高唱圣歌来抒发心中的喜乐。拿撒勒的居民常听见他颂扬、赞美、感谢上帝的声音。他用诗歌与上天交通。当他的同伴因工作的疲劳而口吐怨言时，耶稣唱出的优美歌声就使他们愉快起来。他的赞美之声，能将恶天使驱逐出去，并像馨香一般，使他所在之处充满香气，把听众的心思从地上的飘流之所引进天家。[19]{DA 73.3}
§41
Jesus carried into His labor cheerfulness and tact. It requires much patience and spirituality to bring Bible religion into the home life and into the workshop, to bear the strain of worldly business, and yet keep the eye single to the glory of God. This is where Christ was a helper. He was never so full of worldly care as to have no time or thought for heavenly things. Often He expressed the gladness of His heart by singing psalms and heavenly songs. Often the dwellers in Nazareth heard His voice raised in praise and thanksgiving to God. He held communion with heaven in song; and as His companions complained of weariness from labor, they were cheered by the sweet melody from His lips. His praise seemed to banish the evil angels, and, like incense, fill the place with fragrance. The minds of His hearers were carried away from their earthly exile, to the heavenly home. {DA 73.3}[19]
§42
耶稣是流向全世界医治之恩的源泉。在拿撒勒多年的清静日子里，从他的生活中不断涌出同情与仁慈的恩泽。老年人、忧伤者、心负罪担者、天真烂漫嬉戏的儿童、树林中的小动物，以及荷重的牲畜，无不因与他同在而感到愉快。他曾用全能的命令托住万有，竟也愿屈身救助一只受伤的小鸟。在慈悲的救主看来，没什么事不值得注意，也无一项服务是他所不屑从事的。[20]{DA 74.1}
§43
Jesus was the fountain of healing mercy for the world; and through all those secluded years at Nazareth, His life flowed out in currents of sympathy and tenderness. The aged, the sorrowing, and the sin-burdened, the children at play in their innocent joy, the little creatures of the groves, the patient beasts of burden,--all were happier for His presence. He whose word of power upheld the worlds would stoop to relieve a wounded bird. There was nothing beneath His notice, nothing to which He disdained to minister. {DA 74.1}[20]
§44
就这样，耶稣在智慧和身量成长之时，上帝和世人喜爱他的心，也随之一齐增长。他能同情一切人，也赢得了一切人的同情。环绕着他的希望与勇敢的气氛，使他成为每个家庭的福惠。安息日在会堂里，耶稣常应邀宣读先知的教训。于是，从众人所熟悉的经句中发出新的光辉，使听众心中感奋无比。[21]{DA 74.2}
§45
Thus as He grew in wisdom and stature, Jesus increased in favor with God and man. He drew the sympathy of all hearts by showing Himself capable of sympathizing with all. The atmosphere of hope and courage that surrounded Him made Him a blessing in every home. And often in the synagogue on the Sabbath day He was called upon to read the lesson from the prophets, and the hearts of the hearers thrilled as a new light shone out from the familiar words of the sacred text. {DA 74.2}[21]
§46
然而，耶稣总是避免炫耀的。他在拿撒勒的多年中，从未显示过他的神能。他不谋求高位，也不要什么头衔。他的生活静穆俭朴，甚至连《圣经》也对他幼年的生活缄默不语。这一切给我们留下了重要的教训：儿童的生活，越是安静朴实，越是尽量避免人为的刺激，而多与大自然融合，对孩子灵、智、体三方面的健全发展就越见裨益。[22]{DA 74.3}
§47
Yet Jesus shunned display. During all the years of His stay in Nazareth, He made no exhibition of His miraculous power. He sought no high position and assumed no titles. His quiet and simple life, and even the silence of the Scriptures concerning His early years, teach an important lesson. The more quiet and simple the life of the child,--the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature,--the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength. {DA 74.3}[22]
§48
耶稣是我们的榜样。许多人留意他向公众传道的事迹，却忽略了他幼年时期的教训。其实，他家里的生活正是青少年的典范。耶稣屈身自卑成为贫穷，为要教导我们如何在卑微的境遇中与上帝齐步同行。他在日常生活专求天父的喜悦，尊敬他，荣耀他。他的工作是如此起步的：使劳苦度日的平凡工匠职业显得神圣。他在木匠凳上操劳与他为众人行的神迹，同样是为上帝作工。凡学耶稣在简陋的家里留下的忠心顺服榜样的青年，都能将天父藉圣灵耶稣的话，引到自己身上：“看哪！我的仆人，我所扶持、所拣选、心里所喜悦的。”（赛42:1）[23]{DA 74.4}
§49
Jesus is our example. There are many who dwell with interest upon the period of His public ministry, while they pass unnoticed the teaching of His early years. But it is in His home life that He is the pattern for all children and youth. The Saviour condescended to poverty, that He might teach how closely we in a humble lot may walk with God. He lived to please, honor, and glorify His Father in the common things of life. His work began in consecrating the lowly trade of the craftsmen who toil for their daily bread. He was doing Gods service just as much when laboring at the carpenters bench as when working miracles for the multitude. And every youth who follows Christs example of faithfulness and obedience in His lowly home may claim those words spoken of Him by the Father through the Holy Spirit, Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine Elect, in whom My soul delighteth. Isaiah 42:1. {DA 74.4}[23]